Lucas is board president of Chikaming Open Lands, which preserves beautiful, open space in Berrien County, Mich., including the Lake Michigan shoreline. His experience in real estate and business has proven essential for successful land acquisition and financial management. Lucas implemented a strategic planning process and a system to rank the importance of potential preservation projects. Through his leadership, Chikaming Open Lands has grown from a small volunteer organization to a sophisticated land trust with four employees and 550 member households that has protected 1,575 acres of natural resources.
