At the last board meeting of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy the group honored Leslie Lee, who served as an interim president after the untimely death of John Conte, Jr. last year.
Ms Lee was presented with a gold charm engraved with the stunning GTC logo and with her initials on the back. The group’s newly elected president is Elizabeth Hopley.
Arboretum Curator Lisa Beebe, Greenwich Tree Conservancy board members Rusty Parker, Kim Gregory, Leslie Lee, GTC president Elizabeth Hopley, Susie Baker, Francia Alvarez and GTC director Kate Dzikiewicz. Jan 22, 2026 Photo: Leslie Yager.
At the meeting, Peter Malkin and Susie Baker shared remarks and Baker read a Recognition Proclamation for the occasion by Cheryl Dunson, that read in part: “Leslie agreed to serve as president during a time when we were in a state of shock and sorrow due to the sudden loss of our esteemed friend, John Conte, Jr. She reluctantly, yet expertly took the reins ensuring that the GTC ‘did not miss a beat during this transition period.”
The proclamation also noted Ms Lee’s coordination of the planting of the memorial tree to honor Mr. Conte at the First Church of Round Hill.
The proclamation also noted that in addition to taking on the presidency, Ms Lee’s started on the advisory board back in 2007 where she served as co-chair with ms Baker. She soon joined the board and has worn many hats, including creating and chairing the first “Tree Party’ in 2011 as well as the smaller fall fundraiser, “Treasured Trees.”