The Trustees of Reservations announced it has tapped John Judge to be the new chief executive officer and president of the nonprofit conservation organization, succeeding Jocelyn Forbush who has recently served as acting CEO after the death of Barbara Erickson.

The Trustees protects and maintains some 27,000 acres around Massachusetts, including nine Vineyard properties: Menemsha Hills, the Brickyard, Norton Point Beach, Long Point Wildlife Refuge and Long Point Cottage, Mytoi, Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge, the Farm Institute and Wasque.

Mr. Judge served as president of the Appalachian Mountain Club for the past decade. Prior to that he was the chief city planning and economic development officer for the city of Springfield.

“John has decades of experience placemaking, fundraising, and conserving unique and special places,” a press release by the board of the organization said.