Staff
Bill Possiel
Presidentbpossiel@nationalforests.org
Bill Possiel has served as President of the National Forest Foundation (NFF) since 1998. He has conducted conservation activities in the Caribbean and South America, as well as in the U.S., and prior to joining the NFF served as Vice President and Western Regional Director for The Nature Conservancy (TNC). In 1987, Mr. Possiel initiated one of TNC's first large-scale conservation projects on the Big Darby Watershed in Ohio, and successfully completed the Ohio 'Let's Save the Best to Last' capital campaign. In February 1990 he established TNC's Brazil program, developing partnerships focused on conservation of the Atlantic Forest, Pantanal, Cerrado, Caatinga, and the Amazon, and successfully completed the Brasil Verde capital campaign. He negotiated acquisitions that resulted in doubling the size of the Pantanal National Park and in 1992 negotiated the first debt-for-nature swap in Brazil. As TNC's Montana State Director, Mr. Possiel worked with staff and trustees to create a strategic focus for TNC's Montana program, resulting in community-based programs with greater conservation impact. He also worked with teams to develop strategies for TNC's Latin America and Caribbean Division, Canada Program, and served on the Conservation Committee, helping to define a new strategic direction for the Conservancy called Conservation by Design.
Mary Mitsos
Vice President, Conservation Programsmmitsos@nationalforests.org
Mary Mitsos joined the National Forest Foundation in 2001 and serves as Vice President, Conservation Programs. Prior to that, Mary was Director of Community-Based Forest Stewardship at the Pinchot Institute for Conservation where she provided leadership for the program in sustainable forestry and sustaining rural communities. She brings expertise in a range of topics relating to the protection and sustainable management of forest ecosystems and sustainable development. Her specialized interests are in collaborative stewardship, and contracting mechanisms on public forestlands, conservation-based development and strengthening the working relationship between local communities and forestland managers. She is currently a member of the Managing Partner team that provides assistance to non-profits that are participating in The Ford Foundation Community-Based Forestry Demonstration Program. With more than two decades of experience in the natural resources field, Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from the University of Colorado-Denver. In addition, she earned a Master of Science in Natural Resources, and a Masters of Arts in Applied Economics, from the University of Michigan, where she complete her Masters project on Sustainable Management of Common Property Resources. She served on the steering committee of the Seventh American Forest Congress Communities Committee, as a Board member of the National Network of Forest Practitioners and serves on the advisory board for the College of Forestry and Conservation at the University of Montana.
Vance Russell
Director, California Programvrussell@nationalforests.org
Vance Russell joined the National Forest Foundation in February 2010. He has more than 20 years working in community-based conservation, restoration, and biodiversity conservation projects. Prior to this current position with the NFF, he was Director of Audubon California's Landowner Stewardship Program that restores habitat on farms and ranches in a manner compatible with existing agricultural operations. He is one of the founding members of the Wild Farm Alliance and currently serves on the organization's board of directors. He co-authored Wild Harvest Farming for Wildlife and Profitability detailing the importance of conservation incentives for landowners. Vance also worked at the World Wildlife Funds's Biodiversity Support Program in the Latin America and Adaptive Management Programs. Vance received his M.S. Degree in Natural Resources with a minor in Conservation and Sustainable Development from Cornell University in 1996 and B.A. in Biology from the College of Wooster in 1987.
Nerissa Sintetos
California Program Coordinatornsintetos@nationalforests.org
Nerissa joined the National Forest Foundation in April 2011. She has experience in conservation planning as well as wildlife management and research. Before joining NFF, Nerissa was working as a wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Land Management in Sacramento, focusing on renewable energy issues in California. She has also worked with Sierra Forest Legacy to develop an assessment of the environmental and socioeconomic health of the Mokelumne Watershed, and with The Nature Conservancy to develop a management plan for a shortgrass prairie region in southeastern Colorado. She is an experienced field biologist and has conducted wildlife surveys across California and Wyoming. Nerissa received an M.S. in Conservation Biology and Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment, and a B.S. in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology from the University of California, Davis.
Kathleen Dowd-Gailey
Regional Director, Pacific Northwestkdowdgailey@nationalforests.org
Kathleen Dowd-Gailey joined the NFF in June 2009 as the Northwest Regional Director. Kathleen has nearly 15 years experience working domestically and internationally with conservation-focused non-profit organizations. She spent two years in Bolivia as a Peace Corps volunteer working with rural communities as a soil conservation and environmental education specialist. She later served as a Conservation Planner for The Nature Conservancy in Indiana where she shaped on-the-ground conservation action plans for priority sites throughout the state. During her graduate studies Kathleen worked with a field research team in Guatemala as part of the International Forestry Resources and Institutions program at Indiana University. This research evaluated de facto and de jure forest uses in local communities throughout southeastern Guatemala and provided enhanced understanding of ecological and social factors affecting forest health in the region. Kathleen also worked in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with a national Mexican non-profit organization developing conservation programs in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Prior to joining NFF she was with Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) helping to build their corporate giving program, which provided grants throughout the country to organizations working on conservation and restoration projects. Kathleen earned a Masters of Public Affairs and a Masters of Environmental Science, both from the University of Indiana’s School for Public and Environmental Affairs. She is active in the community wherever she lives and has served on the board of a local land trust in Indiana as their Stewardship Chair, as well as on the board of a watershed organization in Seattle where she was the Board President for three years.
Lisa Leonard
Oregon Program Coordinatorlleonard@nationalforests.org
Lisa Leonard joined the National Forest Foundation in January 2010 as the Oregon Program Coordinator. She has over twelve years of experience working in wildlife conservation and environmental education. For two years, Lisa led four-day forestry tours to educate science teachers on sustainable forestry practices and natural resource conservation issues across four regions of the United States. Lisa’s passion for wildlife protection and research led her to projects with shore birds and sea turtles in North Carolina for the Fish and Wildlife Service, hawksbill sea turtle research in the U.S. Virgin Islands Buck Island National Monument, Caspian tern research for the Columbia River Avian Predation Project, and research on fungus under the U.S. Forest Service’s Northwest Forest Plan. Lisa holds an M.S. degree in Leadership in Ecology, Culture, and Learning from Portland State University. Her thesis documented a small Oregon community’s consensus-building process for a dam removal that would protect endangered salmon species. Lisa earned a B.S. in Wildlife Science from Oregon State University. As a native Oregonian, Lisa strives to engage people in science based conservation projects that effect Oregon’s natural resources and communities.
Karly Hedrick
Volunteer Bank Coordinatorkhedrick@nationalforests.org
Karly Hedrick is working for the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce located in Sisters, Oregon, and as a Contractor for the NFF. She is developing the Sisters Volunteer Bank, a project and partnership between the NFF and the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. The Volunteer Bank is key component of NFF’s work in support of our Whychus / Metolius Conservation Campaign site. The mission of the Sisters Volunteer Bank is to foster communication and collaboration amongst local nonprofits, the NFF, and the U.S. Forest Service to increase volunteerism, stewardship, and civic engagement in Sisters Country. Karly is passionate about educating and inspiring community members to enjoy and conserve the beautiful National Forests in Central Oregon. In her free time Karly enjoys hiking, volleyball, and cooking global cuisine.
Karen DiBari
Director, Conservation Connectkdibari@nationalforests.org
Karen DiBari joined the NFF staff in September 2006. Karen has 16 years of experience working and volunteering for nonprofit conservation organizations on a variety of issues, and has also worked for state and local government. Prior to joining the NFF, she served as Deputy Director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council (AMCC), a community-based organization of fishermen, subsistence harvesters, marine scientists, small business owners and families working to protect the natural diversity and integrity of Alaska's marine ecosystems.
Karen graduated from the University of Montana with a Master's of Environmental Studies, and earned a B.A. degree in Geography from Dartmouth College. She lives in Missoula with her husband and son, and loves exploring the mountains and rivers of the Rockies with them. Karen greatly values the opportunity Conservation Connect gives her to support collaborative efforts across the West in their work to forward conservation.
Kim Langmaid
Director, Colorado Programsklangmaid@nationalforests.org
Kim Langmaid joined the NFF in June 2011. Kim has two decades of experience in community-based conservation, environmental education, and non-profit leadership. She is the Founder and former Executive Director of Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon, Colorado. Her work includes developing an award-winning conservation education partnership with the U.S. Forest Service Holy Cross District and Vail Resorts Inc., providing learning experiences to 20,000 people annually. Kim brings expertise in conservation social science, place-based climate change ecology, and using ecological field research and citizen science to promote environmental stewardship. Her non-profit experiences include strategic planning, program operations, and major gifts and capital campaign fundraising. She is a graduate of the Colorado Nonprofit Leadership and Management Program. Kim has served on the Graduate Faculty of the Environmental Studies Program at Prescott College and as Director of the Graduate Program at Teton Science Schools in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from Antioch New England University, an M.A. in Environmental Studies from Prescott College, and a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University. Kim’s passion for community-based conservation and environmental stewardship began when she was a child, spending much of her time exploring the White River National Forest with her parents and grandparents. Kim lives in Vail, Colorado with her husband, and in her free time she enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing.
Jennifer Schoonen
Vice President, Development and Communicationsjschoonen@nationalforests.org
Jennifer Schoonen joined the NFF staff in January 2002 as Director of Foundation Giving. After a move to Missouri in summer 2004, she continued to work as an NFF consultant, and returned as an employee upon her move back to Montana in summer 2007. Prior to joining the NFF staff, Jennifer spent nearly 10 years in a variety of writing, fundraising/education positions with the Rocky Mountain Elk Fnd. She holds a B.A. in Media Arts and Journalism and an M.A. in Journalism and Natural Resource Management from the University of Arizona. Having grown up surrounded by the beautiful Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, she brings to the NFF a deep commitment to caring for our National Forests. She now enjoys outdoor adventures in the Northern Rockies with her husband and two daughters.
Deborah Snyder
Associate, Development Data and Membershipdsnyder@nationalforests.org
Deborah Snyder joined the NFF in October 2008. Debbie graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Education, and has spent over fifteen years in the nonprofit sector. Debbie possesses a diverse background in all areas of nonprofit work, including operations, membership, grant writing, and financial recordkeeping. After spending thirteen years in Idaho as the Director of Business Operations and Membership for the Friends of Zoo Boise (FoZB), Debbie moved to Montana. She is pleased to be working with the NFF to help further their important work on behalf of our remarkable forests and grasslands. When not working, Debbie enjoys travel, cooking, reading, nature walks, and spending time with her family.
Kassia Randzio
Development Associatekrandzio@nationalforests.org
Kassia Randzio joined the NFF staff in October 2009 as a Development Associate. Prior to joining the NFF, she worked with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in coordinating public participation for their 50 year Habitat Conservation Plan, as well as with the U.S. Forest Service, the Smithsonian, and several environmental education centers. She has an M.S. in Geography from the University of Massachusetts, where she focused on public participation in natural resource conservation and the involvement of local communities in public land management decisions. When not working, Kassia serves as a Council Member for the Montana Wilderness Association and spends as much time as possible exploring our wild public lands on foot, ski and canoe.
Greg Peters
Development Program Coordinatorgpeters@nationalforests.org
Greg Peters joined the National Forest Foundation in October of 2010. He holds an M.S. from the University of Montana in Environmental Studies. Prior to working at the National Forest Foundation, Greg worked at Wildlands CPR under a number of job titles and was the coordinator for a small watershed group based in Missoula. Greg is also a writer and active adventurer; if he’s not in the office, he’s likely out skiing, hiking, canoeing, or playing somewhere. Greg is excited to help the NFF fulfill its mission by working to connect communities to their National Forests.
Hannah Ettema
Staff Writer & Development Assistanthettema@nationalforests.org
Hannah Ettema joined the NFF staff in September of 2011 after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Arts and Humanities and Professional Writing. Prior to joining the NFF, she worked for the Michigan Nature Association and the Michigan Association of School Boards. She grew up in the “thumb” of Michigan, spending lots of time on the lakes and exploring outside. Thanks to family vacations, she loves to travel, having spent a high school summer in Finland and a college semester in New Zealand. When not working, she enjoys reading, running and exploring the public lands throughout the region.
Adam Liljeblad
Director, Conservation Awardsaliljeblad@nationalforests.org
Adam Liljeblad joined the NFF in July 2006, overseeing their national grantmaking program and helping to coordinate conservation partnerships. Previously, he worked with the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute and The University of Montana, studying social issues related to the management of public lands and resources. Adam has a strong interest in community based-conservation and effective natural resource stewardship. He is appointed to a local open space advisory committee and volunteers regularly with a sustainable agriculture organization. He holds a Master’s degree in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana, and a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In his spare time, Adam enjoys cross-country skiing, road and mountain biking, hiking, gardening, cooking and reading.
Heather Day
Conservation Awards Associatehday@nationalforests.org
Heather Day joined the National Forest Foundation staff in March 2011 as the Conservation Awards Associate. In May 2011, she will complete her M.S. in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana with a research focus on wilderness stewardship partnerships. As an east-coast native she previously worked with environmental non-profits in both backcountry and front-country capacities, conducting education and stewardship through youth programs as well as visitors education. Heather also served as a backcountry education ranger in Baxter State Park, spending countless nights in her tent in the beautiful eastern forests. Heather extends her commitment to conservation to her volunteer work as well as her career, serving on the Board of Directors of a national stewardship organization and staying active as a Leave No Trace Master educator. Since she came to her passion for conservation through recreation, Heather spends her down time exploring our public lands on foot, mountain bike, skis, or by boat.
Sasha Victor
Administrative Assistantsvictor@nationalforests.org
Sasha Nelson joined the NFF in October 2009. She graduated from the University of Montana with Bachelor of Science, Resource Conservation and Bachelor of Arts, Botanical Science, as well as a minor in Environmental Studies. Sasha is a native of south-east Idaho and spent the majority of her childhood growing up in National Forests while her parents ran summer camps for the Boy Scouts of America. She worked at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library at the University of Montana for 5 years, as well as assisted a graduate student with research projects for the College of Forestry and Conservation. Sasha is very excited to be working with an organization that supports on-the-ground conservation work across the U.S.
Michelle Tarter
Accountantmtarter@nationalforests.org
Michelle Tarter joined the National Forest Foundation in December 2011 as its first in house accountant. Born and raised in sunny South Florida, Michelle attended Florida State University earning her B.S degree in Accounting and Finance. Upon graduating, she started her career with a public accounting firm and specialized in tax, audit and forensic accounting. When the CPA firm sold, Michelle was recruited by a large marketing firm, a client at the time, to work in house as their Financial Controller. Shortly after starting a new career, Michelle ran into an old friend, now her husband, from Florida who had moved to the Northwest for work. One trip to visit Montana’s Glacier National Park and she was sold on moving. Michelle arrived in Montana October 2011 and is excited to explore the very different geography the Northwest has to offer. She is thrilled to have joined the NFF’s Team, where she can continue working in the accounting field, but this time be doing it for a wonderful cause.
Shereé Bombard
Director, Administrationsbombard@nationalforests.org
Shereé Bombard joined the NFF in August 2003. Before joining the NFF, she spent 23 years serving in the United States Air Force; the last 9 years of which was in the Montana Air National Guard. She held a variety of positions within the Human Resource career field to include: Personnel and Casualty Manager, Staff Writer, Retention Manager, and Recruiting Supervisor. Shereé enjoys serving in another type of caring organization--the National Forest Foundation.