Staff - National Forest Foundation

Dan Alvey

California Program Manager - Tahoe Area

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...

Before that, Dan spent half a decade advocating for the protection of wild areas across Nevada at Friends of Nevada Wilderness. During his time at Friends, he helped the group with several key victories including the designation of Gold Butte National Monument, Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary, and the successful defense of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge against military expansion (#dontbombthebighorn).

Dan was raised in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is now working to strengthen the very forest he grew up in. He currently lives in Truckee, CA and when not at work, he spends his time exploring snow-covered mountains, riding dirt trails, and running rivers across the West. When he can’t get outside you’ll probably find him eating homemade tacos, brewing sake, or baking sourdough apple pie.

Mackenzie Barnwell

Chugach Stewardship Coordinator

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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Mackenzie has a B.S. in Anthropology from Macalester College. Mackenzie was born and raised in Seward, Alaska and is happiest in her backyard mountains –in the Kenai, Chugach Front Range, or Talkeetna Mountains - on various types of skis, a mountain bike, or on her own two feet. Mackenzie also loves to cook, garden, and spend time on the waters of Resurrection Bay or Prince William Sound.

Jaimie Baxter

Collaborative Capacity Program Manager

Jaimie joined the NFF in October 2023 as the Collaborative Capacity Program Manager. Her program is focused on providing collaborative capacity and is dedicated to supporting the diverse needs and unique perspectives of Tribes and underserved communities near National Forests across the U.S. Jaimie also contributes to on-the-ground forest stewardship activities by providing facilitation support and technical assistance to partnerships, collaborative groups, and communities nationwide. She is based in Bellingham, Washington on the forever homelands of the Coast Salish peoples and the unceded territories of the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe. Read more...

Previously, Jaimie was a consultant and research fellow with The Stewardship Network where she facilitated strategic conversations with collaborative groups and conducted nationally based research on what collaborative groups need to achieve their landscape-scale, social and ecological goals. She also spent eight years connecting communities through habitat stewardship and trail building projects on federal, state, and local public lands throughout the San Francisco Bay Area with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Jaimie has a master’s degree in environmental studies from Western Washington University on the Puget Sound and a bachelor’s degree in geography and natural resources planning from Humboldt State University in the coast redwoods of northern California.

Laura Belleville

Senior Director of Conservation Programs

Laura joined the NFF in October 2023 as a Senior Director of Conservation Programs. She has over three decades of experience in natural resource protection and community engagement work throughout the eastern U.S. Before joining the NFF, Laura spent 18 years at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, where she led teams in all aspects of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail management, including trail design and construction, natural and cultural resource management, land acquisition and land trust management, policy development, government relations, and community outreach. Working with her team and partners, she helped establish the largest collaborative landscape conservation initiative in the East to protect an inspiring wilderness experience and a broader greenway of resilient lands that connect local, state, and federal conservation areas. Read more...

Earlier in her career, Laura conducted ecological research for the National Audubon Society in southern Florida and the Everglades National Park, examining habitats for declining bird species. She also worked with The Nature Conservancy as a land steward in the Florida Keys, managing invasive species and maintaining fire-adapted plant communities that benefit numerous rare species and the federally endangered Key deer. Laura made her way to the Conservancy’s Ohio Chapter, where she led a watershed conservation partnership in the ecologically diverse Darby watershed. Her career at The Nature Conservancy culminated as the Associate State Director in Ohio, where she supported conservation efforts in the state’s Appalachian Forests and Great Lakes region.

One of Laura’s passion projects has been as a founding board member of the World Trail Network, a nonprofit organization that supports trail development and learning across trail organizations around the world. She’s an avid hiker inspired by local and global trail landscapes and cultures. Her favorite hikes are on the Jefferson National Forest, close to her Virginia home.

Rachel Blackburn

Southern Appalachian Program Coordinator

[email protected]

Rachel Blackburn joined the National Forest Foundation in 2023 as the Southern Appalachian Program Coordinator, where she helps develop and implement watershed resilience, climate resilience, forest health, outdoor experiences, and other conservation projects with communities, conservation NGOs, private landowners, state and federal agencies, and private-sector partners to support conservation initiatives across the Southern Appalachians and the National Forests of North Carolina. Read more...

Prior to joining NFF, Rachel served at Conserving Carolina, an accredited land trust in Western North Carolina, as the Land Protection Coordinator. As Land Protection Coordinator, she relied on her experience in tax, property, and evidence law to acquire easements and fee simple title to land on behalf of the land trust to be perpetually conserved as wildlife habitat, recreational amenities, or agricultural production. Before conservation, Rachel worked in plaintiff’s environmental litigation on issues involving toxic torts, the Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. She earned her B.A. in both Political Science and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her J.D. and certificates in Environmental and Natural Resource Law and Energy, Innovation, and Sustainability Law from the Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon.

Rachel grew up enjoying the Southern Appalachians from her home in Asheville. As a neighbor to the Pisgah National Forest, Rachel is inspired by the exceptional biodiversity of the Southern Appalachians and the ancient landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She believes connecting people with the land helps to foster a conservation ethic and instill an individual sense of responsibility toward stewarding our natural environment. When it comes to forestry, Rachel is also proud to be a close descendant of the first female sawyer in the State of Pennsylvania.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys trail riding her horse through the many forests surrounding her, cultivating her tropical houseplant collection, and attending the abundant music concerts for which Asheville is famous. She also serves on a voluntary basis as a member of the Land Management Committee of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy.

Mila Bock

California Program Coordinator - Tahoe Area

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...

Mila holds an undergraduate degree from Humboldt State University, and a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Western Colorado University. Upon completion of grad school and confronted by the pressing need to improve the health and management of California’s forests, Mila shifted her focus to forestry. She has worked with forest Collaboratives in Northern California, on a timber marking crew for the Tahoe National Forest, and most recently with the Great Basin Institute as their Forestry Program Coordinator. When she’s not thinking about supporting forest management objectives, you can often find Mila out enjoying her local National Forests with her husband and dog.

Carina Bracer

Director of Conservation Finance and Natural Climate Solutions

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...

Carina loves all kinds of forests, but the tropical El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico holds a special place in her heart. She is eager to explore the diversity of National Forests and Grasslands of the US, transmitting her awe and appreciation of natural landscapes to her 2 boys and anyone who will listen! She feels fortunate to work in her life passion of enabling the sustainable use and protection of priceless lands in a way that maximizes the values for all!

Emily Bruns

Conservation Awards Coordinator

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...

Emily graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities with a B.A. in Sociology and Political Science. Emily grew up in exploring the woods of Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, discovering her love for the forests. Now living in Colorado, you can find her in the mountains trail running, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, and backcountry skiing. She enjoys connecting with nature in anyway possible, even if it is just a walk around the neighborhood with her dogs.

Carolyn Bucknall

Communications Associate

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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Carolyn is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. When she is not working, she splits her time between painting in her studio and exploring the Appalachian, Piedmont, and Coastal regions of her home state.

Torrie Burwell

Information Technology Manager

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.

Nick Catmur

Gunnison County Stewardship Coordinator

Nick joined the NFF in November 2023 as the Gunnison County Stewardship Coordinator. This unique position, based in Gunnison Colorado provides a critical partnership between Gunnison County’s Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee and the NFF. He helps build public land and stewardship capacity within Gunnison County and assists the STOR Committee in managing an outdoor recreation based economy in a manner that is sustainable and aligns with the values of the local community.
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Nick grew up 30 miles north of Gunnison in Crested Butte, CO. He spends most of his free time outdoors enjoying the beautiful mountains and open spaces that make the area so special. His passion for the outdoors led him to pursue a career in land management, and his position with the NFF is a perfect fit, blending his passion for the environment with the love for his home valley.

Prior to working for the NFF, Nick worked on and managed the local trail maintenance and stewardship crew, the Crested Butte Conservation Corps. In 2021 Nick earned his Master of Environmental Management degree from Western Colorado University. While earning his degree he assisted the NFF, STOR Committee, and the USFS in the creation and installation of infrastructure for over 200 designated campsites surrounding Crested Butte. This effort has greatly reduced the negative impacts dispersed camping can have on the environment and is a great example of the projects being accomplished by the partnership between the NFF and the STOR Committee.

Kara Childers

Accountant

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

Reforestation Senior Associate

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...

Caroline is excited to be working at the forefront of holistic reforestation and investments in healthy forests for a healthier climate today and for generations to come. When Caroline isn’t talking all things trees, they enjoy dancing, propagating plants, darning socks, trying new restaurants, and attempting to convince her loved ones to foster/adopt more dogs to play with.

Carson Clark

California Program Forestry Supervisor

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...

Carson received his Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology at Chico State. During his time at Chico, he found his passion interning at the Big Chico Creek Ecological Preserve conducting trail maintenance, invasive species removal, educational outreach, and prescribed burns. This experience shifted his career pathway to forestry. After graduating, Carson worked as a contractor on Pacific Gas and Electric’s Vegetation Management Program maintaining vegetation around the utility’s electrical grid for wildfire resilience. During his five years with Pacific Gas and Electric, his passion grew to restore forests and protect communities within them.

Outside of work, you can find Carson in the mountains biking, backpacking, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, rafting, and running.

Luke Coffey

Rocky Mountains Regional Development Coordinator

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...

After a stint in the military, Luke pursued his education in Chinese Literature at the University of Colorado-Boulder. It was there that Luke developed a deep connection to the Western landscape alongside a burgeoning conservation ethic. Upon entering the professional world Luke decided to leave academia and pursue a career in conservation. Now in his work at the NFF, Luke is allowed the privilege to contribute to the conservation, restoration, and preservation of our National Forests.

Colleen Coleman

Marketing & Communications Director

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...

On a local level, she was the project manager for the Wild Olympics and REI partnership, doubling the campaign’s social media following with a grass-roots approach.

Colleen’s experience includes B2B/B2C marketing, strategic planning, go-to-market strategy, product launch, key partnership management, process optimization, fundraising, influential communication, and team leadership. She has extensive understanding of retail and wholesale, and has worked in the outdoor and adventure travel industries for more than fifteen years. She holds a degree in Ski Business from Colorado Mountain College and a degree in Marketing from the Western State College of Colorado. She is a member of Camber Outdoors (formerly Outdoor Industry Women’s Alliance) and is Six Sigma certified. When she’s not in the office, she enjoys long-distance trail running, skiing, backpacking, stand up paddling and adventure travel. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband Alex and their two dogs, Sam and Arrow.

Adina Collins

Federal & State Reimbursable Awards Accountant

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 Collins

Conservation Partnerships Director

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...

Sarah attended the University of Georgia and holds certificates in Nonprofit Management and Grant Proposal Writing. Spending her childhood in New Mexico and Georgia, she developed an appreciation for the diversity of landscapes across the country. She has also spent considerable time in New York City, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Florida. Sarah is grateful for the opportunity to support the health of our National Forests and serve as a resource for organizations wanting to get involved. She currently lives in Orlando with her husband and sons, and enjoys hiking, camping, and reading in her free time.

Ben Correll

Recruitment Manager

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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Outside of work Ben enjoys bikepacking, canyoneering, and playing way-too-complicated board games. He lives in Buena Vista Colorado with his Fiancé, and their two anxiety-ridden dogs.

Darla Cotton

Executive Assistant

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

Reforestation Partnerships Director

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...

Mindy is excited to be a part of the Tree Planting Team’s efforts, 50 Million For Our Forests, investing in healthy forests for today and for future generations. When she’s not engaging with her team at NFF, Mindy can be found out trail running with her beast of a dog, Archer, spending time with her husband, Daniel, or enjoying a lovely glass of wine with a good book.

Maggie Cummings

California Program Coordinator Lake Tahoe – Yuba Area

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...

Outside of work, Maggie spends her free time adventuring in the Tahoe National Forest. She enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and running rivers; and occasionally finds herself happily lost in the woods.

Rebecca Davidson

Senior Director of Conservation Programs

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...

In a partnered effort between NFF and SRP, Rebecca helped develop the Northern Arizona Forest Fund, which is now being cited as a unique model for innovative watershed investment funding mechanisms, having now invested more than $25 million in watershed restoration projects.

Before SRP, Rebecca worked for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and gained experience in federal land planning, natural resource and wildlife management, environmental regulations, and endangered species biology and monitoring. Rebecca has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Northern Arizona University, and a Masters in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School.

Jeny Davis

Southern Rockies Program Associate

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...

Jeny received her Associate of Applied Science in Horticulture from Tidewater Community College and her Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Ecosystems with a related discipline in Conservation Biology from Arizona State University. Prior to the NFF, she worked at Desert Botanical Garden with the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) and EcoFlora programs, immersed in collaborative conservation, community science and communications. She has honed her skills in project management and coordination, connecting people and working with others to support and accomplish goals. Jeny is interested in systems thinking and how its application can generate change and facilitate inclusive collaboration and outcomes. Additionally, she is certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA), is a member of the Arizona Native Plant Society, and has volunteered with various organizations.

When Jeny isn’t working, she enjoys numerous outdoor activities like hiking and riding her bike, reading, researching, making cyanotypes, enjoying music, eating tacos, or generally nerding out about plants and ecology wherever she may be.

Mary Ann Deming

Controller

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...

Mary Ann grew up in the Philippines where her love of the ocean, outdoors and nature was cultivated and nurtured. She moved to Kansas City when she was a teenager with her parents and sisters. When not working Mary Ann can be found walking her dogs, playing pickleball and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tom Derr

Wildfire Resilience Program Manager

Tom Derr joined the NFF in November 2023 as the Wildfire Resilience Program Manager. He works with an interdisciplinary team to develop replicable, scalable, and sustainable models to deliver cross-jurisdictional fire risk reduction efforts at landscape-scale. Prior to joining the NFF, Tom served as lead for the 1000 Landscapes for 1 Billion People initiative where he stewarded a global collaboration of leading organizations focused on empowering landscape partnerships to achieve their land management goals. His passion for collaborative land management stems from his time serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda where he focused on community-based participatory approaches to enhance resilience. Read more...

Tom has several seasons of experience working on trail and restoration projects across the U.S. including with the Northwest Youth Corps, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Flathead National Forest, the Utah Conservation Corps, and the Student Conservation Association. Tom holds a master’s degree in human geography and a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Utah State University. He is based in Boulder, Colorado where you can find him running on Boulder’s many dirt roads.

Elise Dillingham

Arizona Program Manager

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...

Elise holds an M.S. in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology from Colorado State University, along with a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Northern Arizona University. She also holds certifications as a Wilderness First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Certified Interpretive Guide, and Environmental Educator. In her spare time, Elise enjoys woodworking, hiking with her dogs, playing soccer, and spending time with friends and family.

Sarah Di Vittorio

Conservation Connect Director

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...

Sarah holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from the University of California, Berkeley, where she also earned a Bachelor of Science in Bioresource Science with a minor in Forestry. Her Master of Science in Environmental Studies is from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Outside of work, Sarah loves to explore the outdoors with her family and is slowly learning the art of high-elevation mountain gardening.

Jillian Fahringer

Marketing Coordinator

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...

She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Strategic Communications and an emphasis in Advertising. Prior to the NFF, Jillian served on an internship in Environmental Policy with the Ecological Restoration Institute. Here, she fostered a passion for public lands, public relations, and community engagement. When she isn’t at work, she is likely to be found outdoors pursuing her passion of backpacking, snowboarding, climbing, and summiting 14ers in the state of Colorado.

Hannah Featherman

Communications Manager

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.

Jennifer Fenwick

Central Colorado Recreation Program Coordinator

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...

Jen earned her Master of Environmental Management degree from Western Colorado University in 2020 and B.S. from Colorado State University in 2011. In between her degrees, she worked for North Carolina State Parks as an education specialist where she helped connect people to public lands through naturalist and recreation programs.

When she’s not camping or working, you can find her eating pizza for breakfast, loving/hating trail running, or snuggled up with her husband and aggressively social dog reading a good book.

Cheryl Fricke

Contracts and Procurement Manager

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...

As a native of North Dakota, Cheryl grew up on a wheat farm and was mentored by her farming family to be a steward of the land and the animals who share their space with us.

When not working, Cheryl can be found with a good book and curled up with her cats Paul and Rupert.

Tom Fry

Senior Advisor for Wildfire Resilience Program

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.

Kaitlin Girtin

Southwest Regional Development Coordinator

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...

Growing up in Colorado, Kaitlin found her love of nature by hiking in the Rocky Mountains and road tripping every summer with her family. Kaitlin has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of San Diego and her MLS in Environmental and Natural Resource Law and Policy from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Aside from work, she enjoys running, hiking, traveling, and cooking.

Heidi Goodrich

California Program Coordinator Lake Tahoe – Yuba Area

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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Heidi graduated with her Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy from Northern Arizona University, focusing on vegetation recovery following high-severity fire. During this time, she completed the NFF Conservation Connect Fellowship focusing on community and forest resiliency through Wood for Life projects in the southwest. Heidi also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Mexico.

She is excited to apply her knowledge of fire adapted forests, restoration, and forest health to the Sierra Nevada. In her free time, you can find Heidi in the mountains hiking, backpacking, and identifying wildflowers.

John Goraj

Southern Arizona Program Senior Associate

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...

Prior to working for the NFF, John worked with Saguaro National Park as a invasive species intern, completed post-fire plant surveys for the U.S. Forest Service, monitored watershed health in the Angeles National Forest, and collected floristic and climatic data for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) in the Santa Rita Mountains, AZ and the Jornada Plain, NM. John also served the State of Arizona, as an Arizona State Parks Ranger, managing the volunteer program at Catalina State Park just outside of Tucson.

In 2017, John received a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from Oregon State University. In his free time he loves spending time his with wife and son, exploring the Southwest and writing and performing music.

Dania Gutierrez

Southern California Program Director

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...

With a passion for public lands, Dania is excited to bring together her experience in project management and stakeholder engagement to protect Southern California forests. Dania has an MS in Natural Resources and Environment, with a focus on environmental education and environmental policy, from the University of Michigan, and a BS in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Florida.

Brittney Halliday

Midewin Program Coordinator

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...

Her diverse background includes nearly 15 years of experience in project management working both for nonprofit organizations and in the private sector leading Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental Social Governance (ESG) initiatives. Brittney brings with her a dedication to building strong relationships and a commitment to mobilizing resources to create sustainable impact.

As an Illinois native who lives only 15 miles from Midewin, she is inspired by the extensive restoration efforts to date and motivated to introduce more people to the ecological value and wonders of the prairie. When not working, you will find Brittney spending time with her husband and two young explorers. They enjoy traveling, fishing, camping, and connecting their children with nature in all ways possible. She is also an active volunteer with many organizations but focuses much of her energy on “granting wishes” with the Make-A-Wish organization. Brittney graduated with a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University.

Jacob Harris

Office Coordinator

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.

Maddie Herro

Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager

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...

Previously, Maddie worked as the Program Manager for Western Colorado University’s Center for Public Lands in Gunnison, Colorado where she oversaw the administration and implementation of sponsored research agreements with governmental and nongovernmental partners. She holds a Master in Environmental Management from Western Colorado University and has several professional certifications in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution. When not working across the beautiful western slope of Colorado, she spends her time gardening, hiking and biking in the summer and skiing, both Nordic and downhill, in the winter.

Emily Jochem

Conservation Connect Partnership Coordinator

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 is passionate about community focused conservation initiatives that result in connected landscapes, healthy wildlife populations, and cultural and economic vibrancy. Emily brings a background working with rural communities in the Northern Rockies to develop programs that support rural livelihoods and ecosystem health. She has also worked as a wildlife field technician, ski patroller, and taught outdoor education and wilderness medicine courses. Emily is excited to apply these experiences at the NFF and support the Forest Service in building partnerships throughout the United States.

Emily holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution from the University of Montana and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Lewis and Clark College. When not at work Emily enjoys exploring public lands around her home in Missoula, Montana on skis, bike, and foot.

Shayna Jones

Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager

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...

Shayna holds an M.S. in Conservation Leadership and the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources from Colorado State University and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, Shayna and her family enjoy climbing, skiing and exploring areas in Northern Colorado and Wyoming.

Rebecca Kasilag

Individual Giving Officer

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...

She got her first job as a junior camp counselor at Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island before being hired as a photographer for the Connecticut Museum of Natural History. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, Rebecca moved to New York to start a record promotions business retained by major music labels including Sony and Epic Records. When not promoting records, she worked as an Organic Gardening Instructor at the New York Botanical Garden and as a Sierra Club volunteer. As a Sierra Club Executive Committee member of the New York Chapter, she created a composting program at a local elementary school, threw a fundraising event in Manhattan and served on the National Gift Acceptance Committee among many other activities. Rebecca earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing Communications from the University of Connecticut and a CNPM from New York University. When she is not working or volunteering in her community, Rebecca enjoys gardening, cooking, traveling, photography, and spending time with family.

Emily Kasyon

White River National Forest Program Coordinator

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...

Prior to NFF, Emily worked for the Southwest Conservation Corps in Durango, CO as their Watershed Programs Manager, where she focused on landscape-scale restoration initiatives in the Colorado River basin. Her experience includes working across boundaries with stakeholder groups, running programming to engage young people in conservation, and managing complex on-the-ground restoration projects.

In her free time, Emily can be found enjoying our public lands with her husband and two dogs. She loves adventuring outside and can be found skiing, canyoneering, and mountain biking on the weekends. Emily is also a silversmith and lapidary artist and often makes jewelry from rocks she’s found on the trail.

Lorenzo Kleine

Data Operations Senior Associate

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.

Lauren Larsen

Great Lakes Program Coordinator

Lauren Larsen joined the NFF in December of 2023 as the Great Lakes Program Coordinator. In this role, she works collaboratively to develop and implement projects that support strategic conservation initiatives across six National Forests in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. She is excited to find forest-specific projects to meet individual forest needs, as well as engage in cross-forest projects to foster large scale conservation in the beautiful upper Midwest. Read more...

Prior to joining the NFF, Lauren spent 13 years managing research and outreach projects at the crossroads of forestry and human behavior. Some of her past projects include: family forest owner decision making and forest sustainability; carbon payments to project land-use change in urbanizing forested areas; economic and social feasibility of local forest biomass markets; and geospatial wildfire risk and risk perceptions to facilitate community wildfire preparedness efforts. Lauren is excited to bring these experiences to support conservation impacts in the place that she calls home. Lauren lives in Eau Claire, WI with her husband, son, daughter (ETA: 1/2024), and O.G. adventure partner, Cheyenne. When she’s not at work, Lauren enjoys trail running, hiking, archery, and baking (eating) artisan breads.

Lauren has a Ph.D. in Environment and Society from Utah State University, a M.S. in Forestry from North Carolina State University, and a B.S. in Psychology and Environmental Studies from Michigan Technological University.

Joe Lavorini

Rocky Mountain Region Program Director

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...

Throughout his career Joe has honed his leadership and development skills at trainings hosted by organizations such as the Center for Creative Leadership, Leadership Pikes Peak, and Patagonia’s Tools for Grassroots Activists Workshop. Joe has volunteered with various organizations including as a board member for One Nation Walking Together and as the chair of the City of Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space, and Parks citizen advisory committee.

Joe earned his Master of Environmental Management degree from Western Colorado University in spring of 2021, where he focused on building sustainable and resilient communities. Joe spends his free time exploring western Colorado and the 2 million acres of public land surrounding the Gunnison Valley. Joe grew up hunting and fishing on the Allegheny National Forest in western Pennsylvania, the same birthplace as environmental luminaries Ed Abbey and Rachel Carson.

Felipe Lepe

Southern California Program Coordinator

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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Connecting people to public lands is a priority for Felipe. He is excited to bring his professional and lived experiences to the table for Southern California forests and the NFF as a whole. Felipe holds a BS and MS in Recreation and Tourism Management from California State University, Northridge. When not at work, you can find him cheering for his favorite soccer teams, surfing a point break, or enjoying the vibrant food scene across Southern California.

Adam Liljeblad

Conservation Awards Director

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...

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.

Katlyn Lonergan

Eastern Sierra & Great Basin Program Coordinator

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...

In 2017, Katlyn graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a master's degree in Land Use Planning & Community Engagement. Before moving west, Katlyn received her BS in Geology with an emphasis in environmental microbiology from Missouri University of Science & Technology. Although Katlyn loved growing up in the Ozarks, she is proud to call the west her home. When not at work, you can find her watering her plants, petting her pets, or enjoying a local brew after exploring one of our beautiful National Forests.

Manuel Lopez

New Mexico Program Manager

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...

Mannie continued his research endeavors in Santa Fe, NM with the USGS NM Landscapes Field Station. He is happy to be home applying his knowledge and experience to aid forested landscapes and communities through his role at the National Forest Foundation.

Nelly Lynn

Accounting Associate

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...

Nelly is a Colorado native that grew up in Western Colorado in a dedicated farming and ranching family. Nelly moved to Missoula, MT in 2002. Nelly is currently working towards B.S. in Accounting from Capella University, anticipating a 2023 graduation date. When not working or studying, Nelly enjoys spending time outdoors with her children, friends, and family for activities including hiking, rafting, gardening, camping, and skiing along with many other adventures.

Jeff Malik

Oregon Recreation Projects Coordinator

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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Jeff grew up in East Tennessee and became a lifelong nature lover in the Appalachian mountains. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Geography at the University of Tennessee, and later attended the University of Dayton for his Master’s in Public Administration. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys hiking, biking, disc golf, cooking, and spending the rainy Oregon winters playing board games.

Jane Mandala

Conservation Connect Associate

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...

Jane earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in Spanish and sociology and a master’s degree from the University of Montana in speech-language pathology. When not supporting the collaborative work of forest stewardship, Jane can usually be found enjoying time outside with her husband and dog, working on her family’s forest property outside of Missoula, sewing, or hunkered down reading a good book.

Seth Maristuen

Technology Integrations Associate Director

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...

Seth holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Montana State University-Billings. Previously, Seth worked in the Wealth Management sector, helping Financial Planners and Investment Advisors manage their technology and train the client service and operations teams. Growing up in North-Central Montana, hiking and conservation have long been a passion. Seth’s favorite way to experience our public lands is on foot, hiking through the mountains of Washington, Idaho and Montana. When not at work, Seth enjoys tennis, dodgeball and gardening (along with a lot of trips to the dog parks!). He currently lives in Seattle Washington with his wife and their two dogs. He is excited to be part of the NFF team and support its mission to conserve and protect our National Forests and Grasslands.

Jessica McCutcheon

Data Operations & Governance Associate Director

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

Sierra Nevada Program Director

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...

Matt received a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy from Northern Arizona University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Sacramento State University. In his off time, Matt enjoys trail running, backpacking, and exploring around in our beautiful public lands.

Mary Mitsos

President & CEO

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...

Mary was a member of the Managing Partner team that provided assistance to nonprofits participating in The Ford Foundation Community-Based Forestry Demonstration Program. With more than three 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 Master of Arts in Applied Economics from the University of Michigan, where she completed her capstone 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 currently serves on the advisory board for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation at the University of Montana.

Photo by Kristine Paulson Photography.

Kristy Mobley

Contracts and Procurement Coordinator

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...

Before moving to Florida to work for the FWC, Kristy worked in program management at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA and Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. Kristy has nearly 20 years of experience in state purchasing and accounting procedures. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech.

In her free time, Kristy enjoys doing anything outdoors in the Florida sunshine with her husband and furbaby. She also enjoys reading and traveling. Kristy lives in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Christina Mondy

Southern California Program Associate

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...

While still a creative at heart, her new dream was to work at an organization making a positive difference in the world. NFF’s mission of preserving and restoring the natural landscape called out to her. She is thrilled to bring her unique experiences and passion to the Southern California team. In her spare time, she continues to write, volunteer with animals, participate in mutual aid efforts, and experiment with her newfound love for cooking.

Kerry Morse

Conservation Awards Manager

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...

Other noteworthy positions include the Rural Institute at the University of Montana and The Nature Conservancy of Montana. Kerry received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. When not working, she can be found playing Irish music on fiddle and tenor banjo, cooking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and exploring backroads in her home state of Montana.

Kaitlyn Njoroge

Digital Marketing Associate

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...

When she is not working, Kaitlyn loves to explore the outdoors, go to concerts, binge movies and T.V. shows, and read with her cat, Luna, by her side. Her answer to the great taylor ham vs pork roll debate will always be “taylor ham.”

Matt Nykiel

Central Colorado Projects Coordinator

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...

After clerking for Judge Gregory M. Lammons at Colorado’s 8^th Judicial District Court, he spent 5 years practicing environmental law and policy with the Idaho Conservation League and WildEarth Guardians. His areas of focus included the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts, oil and gas, and energy law. Matt enjoys anything that gets him outside with other people, especially his partner, Ruth, and pup, Frisbee.

Nick Olson

Southwest Colorado Project Coordinator

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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Prior to joining NFF, Nick managed Southwest Conservation Corps Forest Health Program, Yale University’s School Forests network, and a start-up enterprise in the Upper Amazon Basin assisting indigenous communities to build supply chains for non-timber forest products.

Nick has a Master of Forestry from Yale University and a B.S. in Economics from Birmingham-Southern College. When not at work, Nick is likely still found on the San Juan National Forest with his family or volunteering with La Plata County Search and Rescue.

Marlee Ostheimer

Northern Rockies Program Manager

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...

Marlee holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana where she focused in Resource Conservation and Wilderness issues. Marlee grew up in Montana and found her love of nature hiking in the hills and forests around her home. In her free time, she can be found outside playing on land or water.

Grace Palermo

Intermountain Development Coordinator

Grace joined the NFF in December of 2023 as the Intermountain Development Coordinator. In this role, she raises funds to support forest conservation efforts in the Intermountain Region. She enjoys each opportunity to continue building community relationships and strategic partnerships throughout the region.

Prior to joining the NFF, Grace spent nearly a decade stewarding and advocating for public lands with Friends of Nevada Wilderness. During this time, she helped with efforts to designate Gold Butte and Avi Kwa Ame National Monuments, connected young adults with career paths in public lands, and fell in love with crosscut saws while doing trail work in Mt. Charleston Wilderness. Read more...

Grace has a B.S. in biology and a B.A. philosophy from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She also has an Outdoor Industry Business Certificate from Western Colorado University. Grace currently lives in Las Vegas, NV with her husband and daughter. When not working, she enjoys hiking, camping, swimming in lakes and rivers, and curling up with her cat and a good book.

Sam Pankratz

Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager

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...

Sam was fortunate to get a wide breadth of experience working with CSFS including assisting Colorado’s landowners with forest health and fuels reduction projects as well as running a seedling tree nursery and providing Certified Arborist services to communities on the West Slope. Sam loves solving highly complex natural resource issues through partnership and collaboration and is excited to be joining the NFF!

Sam lives in the beautiful Gunnison Valley of Colorado enjoying the basin’s amazing public lands with his wife Jenny, dog Walter and their incoming baby boy. In his free time you’ll find Sam hunting, fishing, gardening, or playing bluegrass in his band.

Monica Perez-Watkins

Reforestation Partnerships Program Manager

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...

Monica is excited to support the NFF's efforts to improve and reforest National Forests for all. In her free time, Monica enjoys reading, drawing, hiking, and being with her family and many animals in beautiful Western Montana.

Matthew Podolinsky

Utah Recreation Program Coordinator

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...

Most recently, he worked for the Utah State Historic Preservation Office, training volunteers to monitor cultural resources across the state of Utah. Matt has a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Utah.

Alli Powell

Conservation Awards Associate

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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Alli holds a Bachelors degree in Sustainability from Arizona State University, and has a particular interest in sustainable agriculture. In 2022 she spent a summer in coastal Maine working for a nonprofit farm specializing in sustainable agriculture research, learning how to grow vegetables with a climate resilient approach. When not at work, Alli can be found reading a good book with a cup of coffee, tending a no-dig garden, or watching a British period piece.

Maisie Powell

Northern Rockies Program Coordinator

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...

Maisie completed her Master’s degree in Environmental Studies and a Professional Certificate in Natural Resource Conflict Resolution at the University of Montana and holds a Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies with a focus in Ecology and Conservation from the University of Vermont. Outside of work, you can often find Maisie working in her garden or exploring Montana’s national forests on foot or on skis.

Jack Pritchard

Northern Colorado Project Coordinator

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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Jack grew up in the forests of New England and Michigan, fostering his love for native plants. He holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture and Natural Resources from Cornell University, an M.S. in Conservation Ecology and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Michigan where he was recognized as a Wyss Scholar for the Conservation of the American West. His graduate thesis research focused on the intersection of trail design and restoration ecology in Redwood National Park’s Lower Prairie Creek Watershed Restoration Project.

Prior to coming to Colorado, Jack has worked on a seasonal Trails Stewardship Crew at Golden Gate National Recreation Area and as a Live-in Caretaker at the Matthaei Botanic Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Following his Master’s, he worked in open space and trails for local government in Colorado’s Front Range.

Kaily Raley

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests Recreation Coordinator

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...

Kaily holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sociology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her studies focused on the relationship between people and the natural resource-based industries of South Louisiana and their interconnection to the disappearing coastal wetland ecosystem that she calls home. Since her childhood, Kaily has been committed to working to ensure that our most treasured landscapes remain healthy, viable, accessible, and in balance for all to benefit now and in the future.

When not working, you can almost always find Kaily outside exploring public lands in Western Colorado and Eastern Utah - hiking, camping, swimming, and chasing sunsets and wildflower blooms with her dog, Caya, and husband, William. Kaily is based in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Luke Reents

Northern Arizona Forestry Senior Associate

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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Luke is originally from Washington state and earned a B.S. degree in Environmental Science from Montana State University. When not working he likes to spend time outside rock climbing, biking, snowboarding, running, or kicking back to enjoy a good cup of coffee

Melissa Richards

Chief People Officer

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...

In addition, Melissa has had the honor to work and support one of the economic businesses of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. With the breath of Melissa’s experience in human resources, she has led the HR functions for organization that range from 100 to 1400 team members.

During Melissa’s tenure in human resources, she has participated in several community and professional organizations. Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability’s Racial Equity and Engagement Taskforce, Institute for Economic Development Chester Neighborhood Stabilization Committee, Society of Human Resources Management Northern Michigan Chapter, are just to name a few. She has sat as a board member for the Chester Charter School of the Arts, Northern Michigan Society of Human Resource Management, Zonta International Petoskey Chapter, Petoskey Chamber of Commerce, and Hospitality the Little Traverse Way. In 2022 Melissa was awarded the Front of the Front Lines Leader of Distinction from HRO Today in the Healthcare leader sector.

When Melissa is not enjoying the career that she loves, you will see her and her family enjoying the outdoors at their cabin in Tionesta, PA or riding motorcycles through the luscious mountains of the Allegheny.

Evan Ritzinger

Conservation Finance Program Manager

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...

When not at work (and sometimes at work), you can find Evan outdoors. He especially enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and photography. Evan is thrilled to be working with the NFF to protect the natural areas to which he has always felt drawn.

Brian Robey

Southern California Program Coordinator

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 Robinson

California Program Coordinator - Tahoe Area

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...

Brad received a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Natural Resources from California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo. When not working Brad can be found with his wife and dog on a trail or in the snow enjoying one of our National Forests.

Josh Rodriguez

Intermountain Program Manager

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...

During college, he spent summers traveling the west on engine, helitack and Hotshot fire crews for the U.S. Forest Service. He brings experience with complex natural resources projects, knowledge of forestry and forest ecology, and a passion for the woods of the west.

Josh holds a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources Management and a Master of Science, both from the University of Montana. His graduate work focused on fire ecology, and the arrangement of post fire landscapes.

When not at work, Josh can be found enjoying public lands by raft, foot, ski, or bike with his adventurous wife and two sons.

Abby Schembra

Reforestation Partnerships Coordinator

Abby joined the NFF in September of 2021 and serves as the Reforestation Partnerships Coordinator. In this role she’s thrilled to provide strategic partnership, content, and overall program support for the Reforestation Team, specifically within the Sapling Program and Corporate Partnerships. Prior to this role, 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...

Abby graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise and Movement Science with an emphasis in public health. When Abby isn't talking with others about tree planting, she can be found dancing to live music, playing with clay, or finding the perfect spot to sit and journal by a stream. Growing up in the rural Missouri Ozarks, a deep appreciation for and connection to the outdoor world comes naturally. She feels incredibly grateful to be working in a field that has played an integral role in her life, both as a youngster and now.

Paul Schmidt

Senior Director of Conservation Programs

Paul joined the National Forest Foundation in October of 2023 as Senior Director of Conservation Programs. In his role, he is supporting conservation, stewardship, and program development with the regional field programs in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Northern California, New England, West Virginia, Ohio and New York. He is also supporting NFF’s reforestation efforts across the country and the GIS staff closely tied to the NFF’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy work. Read more...

Paul graduated with a degree in Natural Resources from the University of Minnesota and embarked on a career working with conservation nonprofits across the country. He has worked in tandem with the U.S. Forest Service as well as other land management partners at the federal, local and tribal levels to develop and implement priority projects through engaging young adults in the Corps model which has roots in the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. Prior to joining the NFF, he was in various leadership positions with Conservation Legacy including Chief Operating Officer and Western Region Executive Director.

During his free time, Paul enjoys hiking with his three setters and exploring the diverse landscapes and weather in the Pacific Northwest.

Trevor Seck

Arizona Program Forestry Supervisor

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...

Trevor received his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Natural Resources Management from California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo. When not working, you can find Trevor rock climbing, backcountry skiing, or trail running with his dogs on our treasured public lands. Trevor is excited to join the NFF team working to protect and restore our public lands.

Marcus Selig

Chief Conservation Officer

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...

Marcus also spent 3 years practicing environmental law in Washington, DC, where he primarily focused on climate change-related issues and the use of financial incentives for developing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Before attending law school, Marcus was a research scientist at Purdue University, where he studied natural forest regeneration, forest plantation establishment, and the effects of forest management on carbon sequestration. Marcus earned a Master's Degree in Forest Biology and Bachelor's Degree in Forest Resources Management from Virginia Tech, and a Juris Doctor from Indiana University School of Law.

Patrick Shannon

Pacific Northwest and Alaska Program Director

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...

Patrick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Minnesota – Duluth and a Master of Science degree in Forest Resources from the College of Forestry at Oregon State University. When not working Patrick can be found wading in a river fly fishing or backpacking the myriad of trails in the Pacific Northwest.

Adde Sharp

Colorado River Watershed Project Coordinator

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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Adde holds a M.S. in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Denver, as well as a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Davidson College. Previously, Adde worked in the land conservancy space, focused on ensuring public access to the outdoor spaces we all love. Adde’s favorite way to experience our cherished public lands is on a mountain bike. When not biking or working, Adde enjoys experimenting with new, homemade ice cream flavors, gardening, and backcountry skiing with her puppy.

Katie Sickmann

Southwest Watershed Coordinator

Katie joined the National Forest Foundation in December 2023 as the Southwest Watershed Coordinator. In this role, she works to develop and implement wetland and watershed health projects and programs in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, other federal and state agencies, conservation partners, and local communities to help restore the headwaters of the Colorado River Basin.

Prior to joining the NFF, Katie was the Natural Resources Manager with an NGO in the St. Croix River watershed spanning parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. There she gained experience with multi-stakeholder partnerships, watershed restoration & monitoring projects and community engagement. Katie looks forward to bringing 6 years of watershed experience with her to the Southwest Team. Read more...

Katie received her B.S. in Biology and Field Biology from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and holds a master Watershed Specialist certification from the University of Minnesota. When she’s not at work she enjoys hiking and camping with her dogs, fly-fishing a cold-water stream, or catching a baseball game with her family. Katie is excited to join the NFF team working to protect and restore our treasured public lands.

Maddie Smith

Wood for Life Coordinator

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...

In her free time, Maddie loves nothing more than exploring new places in the Four Corners Region, and when not at work you can find her in the forest with her dogs, riding horses in Sedona, or floating down a desert river. She loves cooking, animals, travel, and has a bit of a wildflower obsession.

Erik Snow

Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) Forestry Coordinator

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...

During Erik’s career, his primary focus has been designing and overseeing forestry projects aimed towards providing sustainable long-term yield of forest products. He has worked with landowners to meet a diverse set of management goals such as habitat enhancement, fuel reduction, forest restoration, and forest sampling.

In January 2020 Erik received a professional license from the state of California, becoming one of the state's Registered Professional Foresters.
When not working on forestry projects, Erik can be found enjoying our nation’s public lands hunting, fishing, rafting, and backpacking.

Rosalind Soltow

Senior Associate, Annual Giving

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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Prior to joining the NFF, Rosalind was the Membership & Development Operations Manager for the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes in Cleveland, OH. In that role, she was responsible for the membership and annual giving program, donor stewardship, database management, and special events support. She also previously served as the administrative assistant for the Environmental Studies Program at Oberlin College, where she helped manage student and faculty grant-funded research projects as well as conference planning, including the Ohio Student Sustainability Leaders Conference in collaboration with the National Environmental Education Foundation.

Rosalind is a classically trained musician and performs regularly as a violist with several orchestras across the northeast Ohio region. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, travelling, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Sasha Stortz

Southwest Program Director

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...

She’s also studied threatened waterfowl in the Alaskan arctic with the US Geological Survey, worked as a Program Associate with the US Institute for Conflict Resolution, and led programs across the globe for National Geographic Student Expeditions. Sasha received her MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy from Northern Arizona University and her BA in Biology at Lewis & Clark College. When she’s not at work, she enjoys mountain biking and hiking with her family in her Arizona backyard, and fishing in her home-state of Alaska.

Liam Sullivan

Field Marketing Coordinator

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...

Liam is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. When he is not working, you can usually find Liam outside in the Shenandoah Valley riding bikes, trail running, rock climbing, fly fishing, or skiing, depending on the season.

Sara Vaughan

California Program Manager - Southern Sierra

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...

Her work prior to achieving a master’s degree consisted of extensive field work experiences in fisheries biology, botany, fire ecology, wildland fire, and water resources. In 2015, she graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Sustainability.

With over 10 years of natural resource and conservation experience, Sara has developed a foundational and holistic understanding of our natural world. Having grown up in the Midwest, Sara has since lived in Arizona and Colorado, and is finding her new home amongst the Sierra. She is excited to explore the mountains and forests with her dog and grow as a conservation leader with NFF.

Cindy Villegas

California Regional Development Coordinator

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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She joined the Board of Directors of the Latino of Los Angeles in 2019 and at age 22, Cindy became the youngest person and second Latina to serve as Board President of the organization. She continues to serve on the Board of Directors, where she leads fundraising efforts and the endorsement process. During the pandemic, she worked as the Public Affairs Coordinator for Shared Harvest, where she secured sponsorships to provide 15,000 free COVID-19 antibody tests and vaccines to Black and Brown uninsured and underinsured community members in Los Angeles County.

Cindy brings her community organizing, fundraising, and cross-sector experience to the NFF. Her passion for the environment grew most when living among redwoods while obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Politics from the University of California Santa Cruz. She currently lives in Los Angeles, enjoys challenging physical activities and solo hiking in Big Sur.

Caio Vissicaro

Arizona Program Forestry Coordinator

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...

Prior to joining the NFF, Caio was contracted as a forest technician monitoring forest restoration projects across Arizona. He earned his Master of Forestry from Northern Arizona University while serving as a field technician helping implement and monitor several graduate research projects. Caio received his Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management and Sustainability at Arizona State University.

When not working, you can find Caio hiking or camping on our treasured public lands.

Blair Ware

Events & Corporate Engagement Manager

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...

With nearly 15 years of experience in corporate events, tradeshows, and non-profit development, Blair brings a fresh perspective and knowledge to our NFF events and corporate engagement opportunities. After working in a broad scope of industries including aerospace, health-based nonprofits, communications consulting, and eco-tourism, she is thrilled and humbled by the opportunity to pair her personal passions (the great outdoors!) with her professional experience. She firmly believes that the best way to inspire future changemakers is to provide the resources for individuals to build their own personal relationships with nature. Investing in the health of our National Forests, mindfully expanding recreation infrastructure, and engaging all Americans are critical concepts for improving forest and human health alike. Ecosystem health is human health. Blair holds a Bachelor of Human Environmental Science degree from the University of Alabama with a specific focus on hospitality business.

Blair is lucky to have lived and worked in some of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse areas in the world. She has now planted roots in Missoula, Montana along with her husband, Ian, and their two young daughters. Blair enjoys any type of outdoor recreation in the rain, snow, or sunshine. She is passionate about teaching her girls the magic of our mountains and public lands, and the responsibility that goes along with being a mini-environmental steward. Whether it is planting trees, identifying and pulling invasive plant species, or working as a family to reduce their carbon footprint, Blair works diligently to help create a beautiful connection between her girls and nature.

Amanda Weinberger

Business Process Coordinator

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

Chief Financial Officer

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...

He also formed Bennett Pointe, LLC, a business consulting and advisory services firm leveraging his deep operational experience across multiple verticals. Active in the retail industry, Corey served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer and Secretary of the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association, a statewide group representing retailers in Connecticut. He also previously served on the CIO Council of the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association.

Christina Zen Wofe

GIS Program Developer

Christina joined the National Forest Foundation in November 2023 as the GIS Program Developer. She is responsible for leading the organization’s geospatial strategy. She has over 15 years of experience in the private and government sectors facilitating large-scale technology transformations with GIS to guide data-driven insights and decisions, planning and impacts reporting. She most recently worked for a global IT firm, Cognizant, advising one of the largest utilities on the East Coast of the United States in their full-scale enterprise GIS implementation. Concurrently, she brings a background in biology, stream and wetland restoration, and environmental impact analysis. She received a Bachelor of Arts degrees at the University of California Santa Barbara in Biology and Art. Read more...

Christina, her partner Breece, and their adventure-loving dogs enjoy backcountry exploring and camping around the Colorado Plateau. During the winter, Christina and Breece also enjoy traveling to Mexico to snorkel along coral reefs and kayak in the Sea of Cortez. Christina is an artist and oil paints landscapes en plein air.

Emily Woodworth

Pacific Northwest & Alaska Regional Development Coordinator

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...

As a proud descendant of the Karuk Tribe, whose ancestral lands are in what is now Northern California, Emily is deeply committed to tribal sovereignty and Indigenous rights. In 2021, Emily received an Oregon Literary Fellowship, which she used to travel in her ancestral lands, writing both fiction and nonfiction pieces about her family and the natural environment where they lived (now the Klamath National Forest), as well as researching Chemawa Indian School near Salem, Oregon, where her great-grandfather was a student.

Bringing a diverse skillset, commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and passion for nature, Emily is excited to work on behalf of the NFF in the Pacific Northwest & Alaska.

Janan Yi

Invoicing and Agreements Coordinator

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.

Jeff Zanelli

Chief Marketing Officer

Jeff joined the National Forest Foundation in April of 2023 as the Chief Marketing Officer. He is responsible for leading the organization’s marketing and communications efforts, highlighting the great work the organization does on behalf of the country’s forests and grasslands.

Jeff has a 25-year history of leading marketing, strategy, and management in the nonprofit, government, and for-profit space. Prior to joining the NFF Jeff ran an agricultural business with operations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and the Dominican Republic. Read more...

He also spent nearly a dozen years at The Nature Conservancy, leading marketing and volunteerism efforts across North America, with a focus on broadening support for conservation from audiences not traditionally engaged in conservation organizations. Prior to working at TNC Jeff worked for Mayor Thomas M. Menino in Boston, where he managed communications, community and corporate relations, and designed programs to expand early childhood literacy.

Jeff, his wife and two teenage daughters (along with two beagles, two cats and a hedgehog) live in Connecticut and enjoy hiking, skiing, and attending as many Taylor Swift concerts as possible.