Our Staff

Dan joined the National Forest Foundation in November of 2021 as a California Program Coordinator for the Tahoe Area. His work focuses on managing forest resiliency projects in the Yuba and American River watersheds, which make up the western slope of the Tahoe National Forest.

Dan has a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Davis, and a background in forestry and environmental conservation. Prior to joining the NFF team, he worked as a Forestry Technician at FRST Corp, where he collected data on giant sequoias killed in wildfire events to help inform fire resilient management practices for the giant sequoia groves. Read more...

Mackenzie joined the NFF in March 2023 as a part of the growing Pacific Northwest and Alaska team. In her role as the Chugach Stewardship Coordinator, she works with the U.S. Forest Service and various community partners to identify and develop recreation and restoration projects on the Chugach National Forest. Mackenzie previously worked as the Executive Director of Alaska Huts Association, where she managed, developed, and executed plans for establishing hut facilities and outdoor education programs in Southcentral Alaska. As a prior small business owner and charter boat captain, Mackenzie has about 15 years of experience working in Alaska’s outdoor recreation industry in the Chugach National Forest.
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Mila Bock joined NFF in February 2022 as a member of the growing Northern California Sierra Program. In her role as California Program Coordinator, she’ll focus on supporting a variety of projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Mila has nearly 15 years of conservation and resource management experience working on everything from invasive species removal in Alaska to preserve management Colorado. Mila considers herself lucky to have worked in many incredible and diverse locations, however she has called the Sierra Nevada home for many years and is thrilled to continue working on its behalf in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Read more...

Carina joined the NFF in 2022 as Director of Conservation Finance and Natural Climate Solutions. Carina brings experience in carbon markets, focused on global partnerships related to quantifiable climate-related benefits across the land use sector. Prior to her recent roles at Verra, Climate Focus and the Ecosystem Marketplace, Carina managed Forest Trend’s Katoomba Group, fostering ecosystem service payment initiatives across Latin America leveraging the water, carbon, and biodiversity values of natural lands Read more...

Emily Bruns joined the NFF in May of 2022 as the Conservation Awards Associate. Prior to joining the NFF, Emily worked at the University of Colorado Foundation where she specialized in gift agreements and compliance, partnering with donors, Development staff and faculty. She is excited to be joining the NFF and supporting conservation efforts. Read more...

Carolyn Bucknall joined the NFF in February 2023. As a Communications Associate, she supports a wide range of print and digital NFF communications projects and programs. Carolyn graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Fine Art and Education and spent several years at the North Carolina Folk Festival as a Communications Associate. She utilizes her experience as a storyteller to share information about the work of the NFF, elevate the NFF brand, and provide compelling education about the National Forest System.
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Torrie Burwell joined the NFF in January 2021 and is the Information Technology Manager. A Massachusetts native, she graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2015 where she majored in Applied Mathematics, minored in Vocal Performance, and completed extensive coursework in Computer Engineering and Natural Resource Economics. After graduating, Torrie moved to Seattle, Washington where she worked for several years as a Quality Assurance Engineer in the technology industry. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her two dogs, gardening with her bunny, songwriting, and supporting her community through restoration work, meal donations, and artistic activism.

Kara joined the NFF in January 2023 as an Accountant, and she is responsible for supporting the day-to-day finance operations. She earned her B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Montana. She has gained further practical working experience and knowledge in accounting by working in both the non-profit and private sectors of accounting. She is a Missoula native who enjoys all things outdoors and spending time with her family. She is excited about being a part of the NFF team and supporting its mission to conserve and protect our National Forests and Grasslands.

Caroline Chouinard joined the NFF in June of 2023 as the Reforestation Senior Associate. She is responsible for corporate partnerships, communication and content development, and fundraising and program support on the Reforestation team. Caroline previously worked in the Eastern Region of the U.S. Forest Service on the Indigenous Research and Mapping project, and they have bachelor’s degrees from Sciences Po and Columbia University in Political Humanities and Sustainable Development. Read more...

Carson joined the National Forest Foundation in January of 2022 as the California Program Forestry Supervisor in the Yuba Ranger District. Carson grew up in the Tahoe Basin exploring the outdoors and all that the Sierra have to offer. This time provided the foundation for his desire to protect the land that raised him. Read more...

Luke joined the NFF in 2022 as the Rocky Mountains Regional Development Coordinator. Originally from Southeastern Kentucky, he grew up on a working cattle farm in an agrarian community that bordered Daniel Boone National Forest. It was in roaming the eastern hardwood forests of “The Daniel Boone” that instilled in him a love of being outdoors and open spaces. Read more...

Colleen Coleman joined the NFF in February 2019. She is the Marketing & Communications Director focused on planning and leading go-to-market at the NFF. She provides strategic and practical direction on marketing initiatives and cause-related marketing programs to strengthen the NFF brand with the public, donors, funders, partners, media, and others, as well as building awareness broadly about the National Forest System. Previously at REI, in 2015, she led the national “Opt Outside” campaign, where her work as a campaign integrator resulted in more than 1.4 million people getting outside on Black Friday. Read more...

Adina joined the NFF in January 2022 as the Federal & State Reimbursable Awards Accountant, and she is responsible for invoicing reimbursable award agreements. Over her career, she has worked in public, private and non-profit accounting sectors. When not working, Adina enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and listening to great live music.

Sarah joined the NFF in 2022 and serves as the Conservation Partnerships Director. In this role, she develops and grows strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, and other conservation-driven organizations to support the NFF’s programs and projects. Prior to joining the NFF, Sarah managed her own firm, where she provided development and communication services to organizations throughout a wide variety of industries, including nonprofit, engineering, technology, and healthcare. Her background includes over two decades of strategic development, marketing, and project management. Read more...

Ben Correll (he/him) joined the NFF as the Recruitment Manager in December of 2022. Prior to working with NFF Ben had been working with AmeriCorps conservation crews across the American Southwest in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico.

Ben grew up in central Pennsylvania, a very different landscape from the southwest. He studied Film and Video Production at Penn State University, which inevitably led him to working on trail crews.
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Darla Cotton joined the NFF team in April of 2019. As Executive Assistant, Darla lends her expertise in support of the President & CEO in the Missoula office, as well as administrative collaboration for the full management team. As a Missoula native, Darla grew up and spent much of her career in the timber/recreation-centric industries of western Montana and has a keen appreciation for working and recreating on our public lands, as well as living in the wildland-urban interface. Having filled roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Darla has established a multifaceted background, bringing a depth of credentials in finance, administration and operations to the NFF.

Mindy Crowell joined the NFF Team in March of 2020 and serves as the Reforestation Partnerships Director. Mindy holds a Master’s Certificate in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution from the University of Montana along with experience in developing and implementing public engagement campaigns, facilitation, fund development and a Communications Degree from Gonzaga University. As a former co-host and producer on the Outlandish podcast, Mindy loves hearing about the stories and adventures people have on our public lands and she is passionate about positively impacting America’s favorite national real-estate. Read more...

Maggie joined the NFF in July 2023 as a Program Coordinator in the Yuba River Ranger District on the west slope of the Tahoe National Forest. Her work focuses on forest resiliency and watershed restoration projects in the Yuba River watershed.

Prior to joining the NFF, Maggie worked as a biologist and project manager in environmental consulting. In this role, she led and managed field studies, planning, and permitting projects focusing on biological resources in the Great Basin. Maggie graduated from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo with a B.S. in ecology and wildlife studies and is excited to apply her knowledge and learned experience to the NFF’s ongoing conservation efforts in the Sierra Nevada. Read more...

Rebecca Davidson joined the National Forest Foundation in 2016 as the Director of the Southwest Region, growing and implementing conservation and restoration programs across Arizona and New Mexico. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience working on natural resource issues, across agencies and jurisdictions, including in multi-stakeholder collaborative and partnership endeavors. Prior to joining NFF, Rebecca worked at Salt River Project (SRP) in the Water Rights and Contracts group. At SRP, Rebecca worked on issues associated with water policy and management, strategic watershed initiatives, and the development of projects to protect water supplies while also promoting watershed restoration and stream conservation activities Read more...

Jeny joined the National Forest Foundation in July of 2022 as the Southern Rockies Program Associate, supporting the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Regions. Jeny spent her early years living and playing near the Monongahela National Forest, then growing up in coastal Virginia. She currently lives in Arizona, exploring and enjoying the numerous National Forests and public lands there. Read more...

Mary Ann Deming joined the NFF team in May of 2022. Prior to joining the NFF, she was the Controller for a professional membership association. Mary Ann has gained a comprehensive knowledge of nonprofit accounting with her experience of working for a national laboratory and a Community Foundation. As the Controller, Mary Ann works with the CFO, Accounting and Finance team to ensure that systems, procedures, and controls are in place to support accurate and timely financial reporting. Read more...

Elise joined the National Forest Foundation in July 2023 as the Arizona Program Manager. In this role, she oversees conservation programs and projects across Arizona with the US Forest Service, local communities, conservation NGOs, and private sector partners. Elise is thrilled to lead and collaborate in projects that seek creative solutions to complex issues.

As an Arizona native who has lived and worked throughout the state, Elise has a deep admiration for the diverse landscapes, cultures, and people that comprise Arizona. With over a decade of experience managing projects on public lands statewide, Elise worked for the National Park Service as a Biologist and Program Coordinator before joining the NFF. She served 11 national park units, supporting natural resource inventory and monitoring research. This included assessing long-term trends of terrestrial mammal populations across the Sonoran Desert. In addition to biological research, she has extensive experience in community conservation realms, including environmental education, citizen science, stakeholder engagement, and partnership coordination. Read more...

Sarah Di Vittorio joined the NFF in 2017. As Director of Conservation Connect, she fosters collaborative solutions to managing natural resources and public lands. Sarah leads programs to design and facilitate collaborative processes, provide technical assistance, foster shared learning, and build future conservation and collaboration leaders. Sarah has over 20 years of experience in resource management and governance and seven years facilitating policy and collaborative dialogues. Read more...

Jillian Fahringer joined the NFF in 2021. Jillian currently runs NFF’s social media channels and other digital marketing for the organization. She works to create communications around forest health, recreation opportunities, and educating people on how to help support their public lands. Read more...

Hannah Featherman joined the NFF in September of 2011 and is the Communications Manager. She graduated 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. Hannah manages a broad range of NFF communications projects and programs. She grew up in the “thumb” of Michigan, spending lots of time on the lakes and exploring outside. When not working, she’s often a volunteer stage manager for community theatre productions or exploring the public lands throughout the region with her family.

Meet Jennifer Fenwick, a.k.a.“The Camping Lady.” Since 2019 Jen has been assisting the US Forest Service with camping management planning efforts. In May of 2022, she became the NFF’s Central Colorado Project Senior Associate which expanded her camping collaborations with all land agencies and municipalities in Chaffee County, Colorado and beyond. Additionally, she works on other recreation, watershed, and forest health projects in the region. Read more...

Danielle joined the NFF in October 2021 as the Accountant, and she is responsible for supporting day-to-day finance operations. Over her career, she has worked in both public and private accounting across several different industries. As an Indiana native, she grew up camping and spending time outdoors near the Hoosier National Forest. Danielle is passionate about wildlife and forest conservation and is excited to be working with the NFF to protect our National Forests and Grasslands. When not working, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, chasing around her rescue dog, exploring the outdoors, traveling, and baking.

Kaitlin joined the NFF in June of 2022 as the Southwest Regional Development Coordinator. In this role, she is eager to support projects and programming in the Southwest Region by raising funds for the NFF through strategic partnerships and actively engaging community members. Prior to joining the NFF, she worked in passenger rail policy and stakeholder engagement at the Colorado Department of Transportation and in development at the University of Denver. Read more...

John joined the National Forest Foundation in October 2022 as the Southern Arizona Program Sr. Associate. His work is centered on invasive species management, trail work, ecological restoration and forest health projects in the Coronado National Forest of Southern Arizona. For the last 6 years, John has dedicated himself to conservation-related issues throughout the Sonoran Desert and Sky Island Region in a variety of ways. Read more...

Dania Gutierrez joined the NFF in February 2019 as the California Program Manager in Southern California. She works with NFF staff to provide project management and program development support. Prior to joining the NFF, she worked for the LA Better Buildings Challenge and the Green Sports Alliance, where she brought together key stakeholders to develop strategies and programs that encourage sustainable business practices at the intersection of the public and private sector. Dania also has several years of experience managing environmental education and community outreach initiatives for various NGOs. Read more...

Cheryl Fricke joined the National Forest Foundation in April 2023 as the Contracts and Procurement Manager. Cheryl brings over 25 years of contract and subcontract management experience in federal contracting, defense manufacturing, aerospace manufacturing, utilities, telecom, hardware/software and financial/reinsurance sectors. She has extensive experience working with Native Alaskan and Hawaiian 8(a) corporations that provide construction services to federal, state and local government agencies. Read more...

Rebecca Kasilag joined the National Forest Foundation in 2021 as the Individual Giving Officer. She has over 20 years of experience building relationships in the music industry, including 13 years handling all aspects of non-profit development and communications at The ASCAP Foundation, a prestigious New York City-based music charity. Rebecca grew up in a rural New England town where she enjoyed exploring nature around her home and in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest during family trips. Read more...

Tom Fry joined the NFF in May 2023 as the Senior Advisor for Wildfire Resilience. He directs an interdisciplinary team in developing replicable, scalable, and sustainable models to deliver cross-jurisdictional, landscape-scale fire risk reduction efforts. A serial collaborator across his 20-year career, Tom works closely with federal and state agencies, universities, and national, regional, and local NGOs. Prior to joining the NFF, Tom spent eight years with the American Forest Foundation as Western Director building a $20M+ region-wide program from the ground up. He has served as senior policy advisor on climate adaptation with the Nature Conservancy and advisor in the Immediate Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior, implementing President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors initiative. Before his stint in DC, Tom led a national wildfire program as well as forest restoration efforts in the central Rockies for the Wilderness Society. Tom holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in non-profit management with an emphasis in environmental policy and law from Regis University.

Brittney Halliday joined the NFF in October of 2022 as the Midewin Program Coordinator. In this role, she works collaboratively with the U. S. Forest Service, local governments, and a dedicated Stakeholders Group on community engagement, fundraising, and implementation of prairie and grassland restoration, watershed restoration, and recreation development at Midewin. She also manages the Midewin Youth Corps, providing high school interns an opportunity to explore their passion for the outdoors while connecting with local conservation leaders and building ecosystem health and management skills. Read more...

Jacob Harris joined the NFF in 2023 as Office Coordinator in the Missoula office. Jacob supports the administrative department on a wide range of NFF tasks and responsibilities. Jacob is a lifelong Montanan, and spent much of his youth exploring the Lewis and Clark National Forest near Rogers Pass. He received his B.A. in Education from the University of Montana, where he later worked as a full-time staff member in the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education, as well as the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center. Jacob highly values communication and organization, and aims to provide efficient support to all those interested in or affiliated with the National Forest Foundation.

Heidi joined the NFF in June 2023 as a Program Coordinator for the Tahoe National Forest in the Yuba River Ranger District. Having grown up in California, Heidi is excited to increase the capacity for creating resilient forests and communities in this landscape.

Prior to joining the NFF, Heidi worked in habitat restoration and noxious weed control in the Pacific Northwest. Her interest in large-scale disturbance and ecosystem health led to her work on river systems and upland forests in a diverse range of ecosystems.
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Emily joined the NFF in December 2022 as the Conservation Connect Partnership Coordinator. In this role she assesses challenges, opportunities, and needs experienced by the U.S. Forest Service in partnering with community and interest-based organizations, state and local governments, and tribes. Read more...

Emily Kasyon (she/her) joined the NFF as the White River National Forest Program Coordinator in May 2023. Emily is focused on collaborative projects that help restore and conserve Colorado’s forests while improving access and engagement for all. Emily holds a Master of Natural Resource Stewardship with a concentration in Ecological Restoration and a B.S. in Environmental Engineering, both from Colorado State University. Read more...

Lorenzo Kleine joined the NFF in February 2023 as the Data Operations Senior Associate. In this role he is responsible for supporting database needs and growth for the finance and development teams. He grew up in New Haven, Connecticut and received degrees in music from SUNY Purchase and McGill University before pursuing a career in nonprofit administration. Prior to the NFF, Lorenzo worked in performing arts and conservation organizations across the United States. Lorenzo currently lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he enjoys birding, cooking, traveling, and playing ice hockey.

Joe Lavorini moved from Colorado’s Pikes Peak Region to the Gunnison Valley to join the NFF in the spring of 2020. Joe’s background is in nonprofit management, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. After graduating with a degree in geography from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs in 2008, Joe helped orchestrate a local mayoral campaign and an energy conservation start-up. Joe then spent a decade at the Rocky Mountain Field Institute as the organization’s Program Director where he managed land conservation projects throughout Southern Colorado and Utah. Read more...

Felipe Lepe joined the NFF in March 2022 as a Southern California Program Coordinator. He was born and raised on Fernandeño Tataviam land (also known as the San Fernando Valley within the Los Angeles area). Prior to joining the NFF, he worked for the National Park Service in the Santa Monica Mountains where he connected local youth to the outdoors, lead habitat restoration efforts, and coordinated wildlife cameras along the LA river in partnership with various stakeholders. Felipe also has experience as a university professor in the field of Ethnic Studies.
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Adam Liljeblad joined the NFF in July 2006. He is the Conservation Awards Director and currently oversees the national grantmaking program and helps 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 serves on the Board of Directors of the Missoula Nordic Ski Club, volunteers regularly with a local sustainable agriculture organization, and served multiple appointed terms to a local open space advisory committee. Read more...

Katlyn Lonergan joined the NFF in June of 2022 as the Eastern Sierra & Great Basin Program Coordinator. It is her mission to develop strong relationships with fellow land stewards and think outside the box to create healthy change for our public landscapes. Prior to joining the NFF, Katlyn worked in Northern California implementing fuels reduction projects on public and private lands. In her role, Katlyn leveraged her skills to take on big challenges and build strong partnerships to create a Reforestation Program, which was awarded FEMA’s first Reforestation Project. Katlyn also has several years of experience in public and private planning where she focused on outreach initiatives and bringing together diverse key stakeholders on contentious issues. Read more...

Shayna Jones joined the NFF in 2023 as a Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager, helping manage a diverse program of work spanning the Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests, the Pawnee National Grassland, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, and the Thunder Basin Grassland. She has over 10 years of experience working with non-profit organizations, consulting groups, and local governments on collaborative natural resource and watershed management across the Western U.S. Shayna previously worked at the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed, managing the Cameron Peak Fire Restoration Program, and at the Big Thompson Watershed Coalition as the Executive Director. Read more...

Manuel (Mannie) Lopez was fortunate to be born in the Land of Enchantment to multi-generational New Mexicans with a deep respect for open spaces and natural resources. He ventured to northern California where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Physical Geography from Chico State University. He returned to New Mexico where high severity wildfires sparked his inner fire ecologist and obtained a master’s degree from New Mexico State University, focusing on endangered watersheds with potential for post-fire debris flows. Read more...

Nelly joined the NFF in June 2021 as the part time Bookkeeper. She has since moved to a full time Accounting Associate responsible for day-to-day accounting operations. Previously, Nelly has worked in public accounting, nonprofit payroll and human resources, as well as in the aerial wildland firefighting industry. Read more...

Jeff Malik joined the NFF in February 2023 as the Oregon Recreation Projects Coordinator. He works with the Mt. Hood and Willamette National Forests and various community organizations to prioritize the restoration and reopening of recreation sites within wildfire affected areas. Jeff is based in Eugene, Oregon, and previously worked for Travel Lane County where he helped rural communities develop tourism assets as part of their economic development strategies. He has additional prior experience working with youth conservations corps, in higher education, and on urban stormwater management projects.
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Jane Mandala joined NFF’s Conservation Connect team in January 2022. Originally from Minnesota, Jane has called Missoula home since 2006, where she enjoys all that the mountains and public lands have to offer. Prior to joining the NFF, Jane worked in a variety of roles, most recently for the Montana Tree Farm System as a Peer Network Coordinator. Her background also includes publication editing, logistics management, goat herding, and seasonal work in several national parks, which inspired her interest in conservation. Read more...

Seth joined the NFF in February 2023 as the Technology Integrations Associate Director. In this role he will help NFF update technology used by the staff and integrate systems to create efficiencies and improve internal workflows. Read more...

Jessica McCutcheon joined NFF in September 2019 as the Digital Marketing Manager. She graduated from the University of Montana with Master’s Degree in Political Science. Prior to joining NFF, Jessica cultivated her communications experience in a number of varied positions. Most recently, she acted as Communications Manager for a small, regional conservation non-profit. Jessica is a Montana native and grew up where the plains meet the Rocky Mountain Front. When she isn’t at work, she spends her days tending to her garden, hiking, fishing and skiing with her family and her nights as the lead crooner of a rock & roll band.

Matt Millar joined the NFF in 2019 as California Program Manager in the Tahoe Area. Prior to joining the NFF team, he worked for the City of Flagstaff Fire Department as the Operations Specialist for the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project. In this role, he worked with city and US Forest Service staff to support planning, outreach communication, and management of various forest thinning and fire risk reduction projects in key watershed areas important to the City of Flagstaff. In addition to his time with the Flagstaff Fire Department, Matt worked as a wildland firefighter on engine, helitack, hotshot, and wildland fire module crews across the Western United States. Read more...

Mary Mitsos joined the National Forest Foundation (NFF) in July 2001 and now serves as President & Chief Executive Officer. 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 renewable forestry and sustaining rural communities. She brings expertise in a spectrum of topics relating to the protection and sustainable management of forest ecosystems and sustainable development. Her specialized interests are in collaborative stewardship, contracting mechanisms on public forestlands, conservation-based development, and strengthening the working relationship between local communities and forestland managers. Read more...

Kristy Mobley joined the NFF in May 2022 as the Conservation Awards Coordinator. Kristy previously worked as a biologist and project manager at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) where she worked on several projects related to endangered species, including beach mice and Florida bonneted bats. She also enjoyed assisting with cave and culvert surveys to monitor winter roosting bats. When not conducting research in the field, Kristy also managed budgets, tracked grants, and led purchasing efforts for multiple projects. Most recently, Kristy served as the Project Coordinator of a coastal dune restoration project in the Florida Panhandle that was funded through the NFWF Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund. Read more...

Christina Mondy joined the NFF in February 2023 as the Southern California Program Associate. Although she grew up in Massachusetts and Connecticut, she has been living in Los Angeles since 2014. After graduating from Stonehill College that year with a degree in Communications and International Studies, she moved to LA to follow her dream of being a TV writer. She worked in the entertainment industry in various capacities, but soon realized she found much more fulfillment in her volunteer work. Read more...

Kerry Morse joined the NFF in 2018. As the Conservation Awards Manager, Kerry Morse manages our grant award programs in support of the strategic conservation goals of the NFF and its local, regional and national partners. Kerry brings a broad range of skills and experience with conservation causes and organizations to the NFF, having worked for over 15 years in a variety of capacities including program management, development, administration, outreach and communications. Prior to joining the NFF in December 2017, Kerry worked for nearly a decade at The Sierra Fund in northern California. Read more...

Kaitlyn Njoroge joined the National Forest Foundation in September 2023. As a Digital Marketing Associate, she uses writing and visual storytelling to amplify the crucial work of NFF through social media. Kaitlyn was born and raised in New Jersey, where she worked as the Social Media Manager for the Office of Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Read more...

Matt Nykiel joined the NFF in 2022 as the Central Colorado Projects Coordinator. He supports the development and implementation of conservation projects in Colorado’s Upper Arkansas River Valley that will conserve and restore watersheds, wildlife habitat, and wild places. Matt grew up on the Pike and San Isabel National Forests and fought fire for four seasons, three of which with the Pike Hotshots. Later, Matt earned his law degree at the University of Colorado. Read more...

Nick Olson joined NFF in 2023 with over 15 years of natural resource management and land stewardship experience. As the Southwest Colorado Project Coordinator, Nick oversees a scope of work to enhance forest health, support sustainable recreation, and represent NFF with the Wood for Life partnership on the San Juan National Forest and adjacent landscapes.
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Marlee Ostheimer joined the NFF in 2013. As Northern Rockies Program Manager, Marlee supports the NFF’s growing work in Montana and Idaho. Previously working as a member of the NFF’s Development Team, Marlee brings to the Northern Rockies Program her fundraising experience and passion for this spectacular landscape. Prior to working with the NFF, Marlee worked and volunteered with several organizations focused on conservation and sustainable food systems, including spending a year as an AmeriCorp VISTA. Read more...

Monica Perez-Watkins joined the NFF in March 2018 and is the Reforestation Partnerships Program Manager. Monica has worked for several environmental and conservation organizations in a variety of capacities, including communications, program management, and wildlife field work. Monica has an M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana and a B.S. in Wildlife and Conservation Biology from Ohio University. Read more...

Allison Powell joined the NFF in April 2023 as the Conservation Awards Associate. In her new role she primarily assists the grantmaking programs within the NFF. Alli has six years of experience in the nonprofit and conservation industries that includes both an Americorps term and a staff role with a conservation corps, two seasons with the Forest Service managing a volunteer program, and a previous position with the NFF as an Agreement Specialist.
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Maisie began her work with the NFF as a Conservation Connect Fellow in 2019. She is now the Northern Rockies Program Coordinator based out of Missoula, Montana and is excited to work to support collaborative conservation efforts in the Rocky Mountain West. Prior to joining the NFF, Maisie worked in environmental education leading groups of students on backcountry excursions throughout our public lands while teaching about land management, natural resource issues, and ecology. She has also worked in various agriculture and food system related positions. Read more...

Jack Pritchard is the Northern Colorado Project Coordinator for the National Forest Foundation. His work focuses on the partnership with the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland (ARP) to restore forest ecosystems, enhance habitat, and implement sustainable recreation projects on the land.
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Luke joined the National Forest Foundation in December 2022 as the Northern Arizona Forestry Sr. Associate. Luke works closely with the Arizona team to provide project and contract management support on forest health projects located across the Coconino, Kaibab, Tonto, and Prescott National Forests in Northern Arizona. Before starting with the NFF Luke developed his interest in forestry while working for the Forest Service on the Inyo National Forest as a Forestry Technician. Prior to working for the Forest Service he spent time working for other government agencies and private organizations to conduct monitoring and management work relating to recreation and rangeland health in California and Wyoming.
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Maddie Rehn joined the National Forest Foundation in September 2021. As the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests Project Coordinator, Maddie currently works with recreation project planning and implementation in association with the Great American Outdoors Act, GMUG Forest Plan Revision, and emerging collaborative initiatives. Maddie is based out of Grand Junction and is a part of the Colorado-based Rocky Mountain team. Read more...

Sam Pankratz joined the NFF in 2023 as a Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager. Sam grew up in Northeast Wisconsin on the coast of Lake Michigan exploring the many lakes, rivers and woodlands of the north. Sam earned a bachelor's degree in Forestry from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point after traveling and working in New Zealand, Alaska and New Hampshire. Upon graduation Sam worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a Forester for three years until higher ground and less mosquitoes called out west. In 2010 Sam started working in the Gunnison Field Office of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) as a Forester eventually working up to a Supervisory Forester and most recently as a Forestry Program Specialist managing the Good Neighbor Authority Program, Best Management Practices for Water Quality and serving as the liaison to the Colorado Timber Industry. Read more...

Melissa Richards joined the Nation Forest Foundation in March 2023 as the Chief People Officer. Prior to joining NFF, Melissa was the Chief Human Resources Officer of Verland. Melissa has served as a Vice President of Human Resources, Director of Human Resources and Community Relations, and various other executive level roles since 2010. During her 20 years of experience in human resources, Melissa has mastered skills in strategic change management, professional development, compensation, benefits, performance management, employee & labor relations, DEI, and various HRIS tools. Read more...

Evan Ritzinger is the Conservation Finance Program Manager. Evan joined NFF in September 2017 after receiving his Master’s in Environmental Science & Management from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Boston University. His diverse background includes experience in project management, environmental policy, carbon accounting, ecosystem service quantification, and environmental field work. Read more...

Matthew Podolinsky (he/him) joined the NFF in April 2023 as the Utah Recreation Program Coordinator. His work focuses on engaging with partners and facilitating recreation projects on National Forest System lands in Utah. His first projects will center on projects on Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (Ashley National Forest) and Bears Ears National Monument (Manti-La Sal National Forest).

Matthew was raised in Helena, Montana, where he spent his adolescence hiking in the surrounding mountains. Prior to working with the NFF, Matthew worked for the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Park Service across the western United States. Read more...

Brian Robey joined the NFF in March 2019 as the California Program Associate for Southern California. Prior to joining NFF, Brian was a project manager in the public sector. His work focused on urban agriculture, forestry, and ecological restoration projects. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Business Administration from the University of Redlands. His background also includes experience in legislative advocacy, trail restoration work, volunteer management, and air quality improvement. When not working, Brian can be found hiking with his dog in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Brad joined the National Forest Foundation in September 2022 as a California Program Coordinator in the Tahoe area. His work focuses on forest health projects located throughout the Tahoe National Forest. He comes to NFF with 8 years of forestry experience focused on forest restoration and monitoring. His background also includes business planning, trail work, and botanical surveys in California, Wyoming, and Nevada. Read more...

Josh joined the NFF in January 2023 as the Intermountain Program manager. His work focuses on NFF projects throughout southern Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and western Wyoming. He has over 20 years of experience in natural resources work throughout the western US. Prior to joining the NFF Josh spent 13 years in environmental consulting, where he worked on environmental baseline studies and environmental impact statement projects throughout Idaho and beyond. Read more...

Trevor Seck joined the NFF in March 2020 and manages all NFF forest restoration projects across the state of Arizona. Prior to joining NFF, he worked for the US Forest Service and other state land management agencies across the Western United States. His work primarily focused on the implementation of forest restoration projects, timber sales, and fuel reduction projects. His background also includes the development of timber sale contracts, administering fuel reduction projects, and tracking and reporting accomplishments on public lands. Read more...

Marcus Selig joined the NFF in January 2013. He serves as the Chief Conservation Officer. He has over 10 years of experience working with government agencies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations on forestry and environmental issues. Prior to joining NFF, Marcus managed Arizona forest programs for the Grand Canyon Trust, where he helped lead the Stakeholder Group of the Four Forest Restoration Initiative – a 2.4 million acre forest restoration project on northern Arizona’s National Forest – and helped develop various funding mechanisms to support forest restoration activities. Read more...

Kaily Raley joined the National Forest Foundation in June 2023 as the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) Recreation Coordinator. In this role, Kaily works closely with partners in the GMUG National Forests to plan and implement recreation projects in association with the Great American Outdoors Act. Kaily has several years of experience working with natural resource-focused NGOs, and she has a strong passion for creating and maintaining opportunities for all to enjoy our public lands. Prior to joining NFF, Kaily worked at Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) where she supported large-scale green building retrofits and affordable, equitable housing policy projects. Before RMI, she worked with the Sierra Institute for Community and Environment, facilitating collaborative forest management in the Plumas and Lassen National Forests and researching the State of California’s watershed and forest health investment programs. Read more...

Abby joined the NFF in September of 2021 as the Reforestation Partnerships Associate. In this role she’s excited to provide strategic partnership, content, and overall program support for small businesses, corporate partners, and peer-to-peer fundraisers in our incredible campaign to plant 50 million trees. Prior to the NFF, Abby served as the Director of Specialty and Outreach Programs for the Campus YMCA. Here, she fostered a passion for program management, partner relations, and community engagement. Read more...

Patrick Shannon joined the NFF in December 2015 as the Pacific Northwest and Alaska Program Director. He has over 20 years of experience working in conservation and natural resource management for a variety of nonprofit organizations across the country. Prior to joining the NFF, Patrick was the Forest Program Director for Sustainable Northwest where he led the organization’s work supporting the creation and development of collaborative forest restoration agreements on National Forests in the Pacific Northwest. He brings knowledge in ecological restoration, landscape-level planning and implementation and National Forest management. Read more...

Adde joined the NFF in November 2022 as the Colorado River Watershed Project Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Region. Working in partnership with the NFF’s Southwest Project Coordinator, Adde is developing a new scope of work focused on low-tech, process-based restoration to improve water resiliency in the Colorado River Basin.
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Erik Snow joined the NFF in March 2023 as the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) Forestry Coordinator. His work focuses on managing forestry projects across the GMUG in Western Colorado.

Erik came to the NFF by way of northern California, where he worked with both industrial and small landowners to plan and implement sustainable forestry projects. Erik holds a degree in Forestry and Natural Resources from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. After three influential seasons working with Jackson Demonstration State Forest, he embarked on a career in consulting forestry, based primarily in the redwood forests of Mendocino County. Read more...

Rosalind joined the NFF team in March 2023. As the Senior Associate, Annual Giving, she creates and manages fundraising initiatives to engage individuals with the goal of increasing unrestricted support for NFF’s forest and grassland work, programs, and operations. Leveraging both print and digital channels, Rosalind is passionate about connecting individuals to critical conservation efforts and inspiring them to make an impact through philanthropy.
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Audrey Squires joined the NFF in August 2020 as the Umpqua Restoration Program Coordinator, a cost-share position with the Umpqua National Forest in western Oregon. Audrey is passionate about protecting and restoring our land and water and believes the best way to do so is through science-based, collaborative approaches with diverse and inclusive community involvement. Her past work and education experiences have informed this approach to habitat restoration. Read more...

Sarah joined NFF in December 2021. She is a proud 11th generation Mainer and is excited to move to the White Mountains this winter. As the New England Program Manager, Sarah will be focused on programs in the White Mountain National Forest and Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests. Prior to working with NFF, Sarah served for 3 years as the Executive Director of the Kennebunk Land Trust (KLT). Read more...

Sasha Stortz joined the National Forest Foundation in 2020 as the Arizona Program Manager. She has over 12 years of experience working in collaborative natural resource management with land managers, researchers, Tribes, and other stakeholders. Prior to joining the National Forest Foundation, Sasha led a collaborative planning program at Northern Arizona University, where she facilitated multi-stakeholder groups developing strategies around issues such as climate adaptation, forest restoration, post-fire restoration, conservation prioritization, water resources, and Tribal co-management. Read more...

Liam Sullivan joined the NFF as a Field Marketing Coordinator in July of 2022. As Field Marketing Coordinator, Liam works with the regional field programs to help develop and execute regional marketing and communications outreach.

Liam graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Political Science and Philosophy. Before starting at the NFF, Liam worked for Virginia Clean Cities, an organization that looks to advance air quality, economic opportunity, and energy security by implementing clean transportation alternatives to gas and diesel. Read more...

Sara joined the NFF in December 2022 as the California Program Manager in the Southern Sierra. She is dedicated to implementing large landscape scale conservation through collaborative thinking, creative problem solving and partnership engagement.

Prior to joining the NFF, Sara completed a Masters of Conservation Leadership at Colorado State University. There, she studied water resource-use conflict and the importance of partnership and community engagement to generate creative solutions towards local and regional conservation issues. Read more...

Cindy Villegas joined the NFF in March 2023 as the California Regional Development Coordinator. In this role, Cindy is enthusiastic about raising funds to support conservation, restoration, and preservation projects across California for the NFF through strategic partnerships and community engagement.

Prior to working at the NFF, Cindy worked for the California State Assembly, Elizabeth Warren’s Presidential campaign, Florida State House races, and various nonprofit organizations, including TreePeople, the oldest and largest environmental movement in Southern California.
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Caio Vissicaro joined the NFF in November 2022 as the Arizona Program Forestry Coordinator. His work focuses on managing projects across the Coconino, Kaibab, Tonto, and Prescott National Forests in Northern Arizona. Read more...

Maddie joined the NFF in June 2023 as the Wood for Life Coordinator. She is based in Flagstaff, Arizona, and is excited to add new capacity to the important work happening on the Southwest Team. Maddie has an MS in Applied Geospatial Sciences and a BS in Parks and Recreation Management, both from Northern Arizona University, as well as a certificate in River Studies and Leadership from the River Management Society.

Maddie grew up in Sedona, Arizona, where her love for the landscapes of the Southwest began while she rode horses and played in the desert. Prior to the NFF, she has worked on numerous restoration and monitoring projects across the Colorado Plateau in Arizona and Utah while leading stewardship and volunteer trips, as well as co-directed high school experiential education programs and an equestrian program at an international boarding school. Read more...

Blair Ware joined the NFF in January 2023 as the Events & Corporate Engagement Manager. In this role, Blair focuses on the strategic planning and execution of the NFF’s fundraising events, conferences, corporate and volunteer engagement, and more. Working closely with the Development and Marketing teams, she is determined to create extraordinary, educational interactions with the organization to elevate the NFF brand while bringing people together to restore and enhance our National Forests and Grasslands. Read more...

Amanda joined the NFF in June of 2021. Prior to joining the NFF, she worked in healthcare in a variety of roles most recently at the Montana Cancer Center. As the Development Assistant Amanda provides support in many areas including directly to our donors, bringing a passion for serving her community and connecting with people. She grew up in rural Wisconsin with plenty of freedom to explore and enjoy the outdoors. She moved to Montana in 2010 discovering a love for mountains and winter. When not working Amanda can be found out hiking, snowboarding, or cooking up feasts for friends and family.

Corey Whitely joined the National Forest Foundation in August 2022 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining NFF, Corey was Executive Vice President Operations of Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc. (NYSE: ETD) and its subsidiaries. Previously he served as its Executive Vice President, Administration, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer since 2014 and in various other Executive Vice President roles since 2005. During his 30-year tenure with Ethan Allen, Corey held various responsibilities for overseeing the operations of the company including its retail operations, manufacturing, logistics and technology, along with its corporate operations including human resources, finance, investor relations, risk management and product safety. Read more...

Emily Woodworth joined the NFF as Pacific Northwest & Alaska Regional Development Coordinator in July of 2023. Prior to joining the NFF, Emily worked in fundraising for an Oregon nonprofit that places advocates in schools to connect families in need with resources and coordinates cross-sector partnerships. She looks forward to using her relationship-building and fundraising skills to benefit key projects in her region.

Emily grew up in Sisters, Oregon, where the Deschutes National Forest was literally in her backyard. After stints near Portland, Oregon and in Los Angeles for school, she is delighted to be back in Sisters. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Pacific University and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from California Institute of the Arts. In addition to her time in fundraising, she has worked professionally as a writer and filmmaker. Read more...

Janan Yi joined the NFF in August 2023 as the Invoicing and Agreements Coordinator. Prior to joining the NFF, Janan worked at the National Farmers Union for several years where she managed financial operations and supported the financial tracking and reporting of grant agreements.

Janan graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Ecological Restoration and focus on Rangeland Management and Ecology. She also holds a certificate in Accounting from the University of Virginia. Janan grew up with a deep appreciation for the great outdoors through spending time traveling with her family and exploring different regions of the country. She is excited to combine her unique professional background with her passion for sustaining natural resources to elevate the NFF’s conservation efforts. When not working, Janan enjoys sharing meals with her husband and daughter, camping, and cuddling with her two dogs and cat.