John Eckman, Valley Conservation Council, has worked with this land trust as its executive director since January, 2004.  John is responsible for the overall operation of VCC, with a hand in both land conservation and land use policy. Prior to joining VCC, John served for four years as program officer and information officer with the national Rural School and Community Trust.  Earlier work included ten years with The Mountain Institute, an international conservation and development organization where he served as chief administrative officer. John holds a master's degree in environment and community from Antioch University and a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University.