Sean Hayden, Executive Director of the Lake Waramaug Conservancy (formerly the Lake Waramaug Task Force), has decided to embark on a new chapter and will step down from the Conservancy on September 1, 2026.

During his nearly ten years with the organization, Sean has been a powerful, positive force for the lake's ecology, making countless contributions—day in and day out—to protecting water quality. From managing stream flows to keep the lake's water level sufficiently high, to designing a program that analyzes water flowing into the lake from catch basins (in addition to the water that flows from streams), Sean's focus has helped keep Lake Waramaug healthy and clear.

One highlight of his tenure was the purchase and outfitting of the Conservancy's boat, along with the construction of the dock and other scientific instrumentation needed for a comprehensive, periodic monitoring system. The lake's physical and chemical processes are now regularly tracked—for example, dozens of MiniDOT recording devices, deployed under Sean's leadership, provide daily profiles of the water's dissolved oxygen and temperature year-round.

Sean also came up with the bioengineering approach to streamside remediation on the Taubner property. This innovation not only solved the immediate problem of silt and nutrients draining into the lake but also serves as a model for addressing similar issues in the future.

Among his many accomplishments, Sean has managed a strong team of staff, supporters, partners, and consulting scientists; educated generations of students from elementary school through doctoral programs; and successfully engaged officials and residents across the three lake towns and watershed communities on the lake's behalf.

We are very grateful for Sean's dedication and hard work, and wish him the absolute best in his future plans.

A search for Sean's replacement is underway. Until a new executive director is in place, please direct all questions to info@lakewaramaug.org.