MAINE ENVIRONMENT - Key Persons
Al Manville has extensive experience working in the conservation and wildlife management arenas both as a 23-year federal employee (National Park Service Ranger Naturalist, USDA Botanical Research Assistant, and Branch Chief/Senior Wildlife Biologist for USFWS) and from his 19 years working for conservation organizations (Vice President at Defenders of Wildlife; Executive Director, Adirondack Mountain Club; among others). This work includes extensive fundraising and constituent engagement. Al continues to teach part-time as a Senior Lecturer/Adjunct Wildlife Professor at Johns Hopkins University, including in Acadia National Park. He holds a B.S. in Zoology from Allegheny College; an M.S. in Natural Resources and Wildlife Management from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point; and a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Management from Michigan State University. He has testified on more than 40 occasions before Congress and related bodies. He has conducted numerous research efforts globally, is a widely published author, and has been a go-to for media. A Certified Wildlife Biologist, Al is also a private pilot, wildlife photographer, kayaker, and dog owner. He and his wife Sandy Scholar have co-owned a camp on Moosehead Lake for 31 years-his favorite wildlife retreat.
Job Titles:
- NRCM 's Communications Lead
- Senior Director, Communications
As NRCM's communications lead, Allison and her team work across the organization to develop and implement winning strategies. She also brings her extensive expertise to the production of NRCM's materials, and is responsible for NRCM's website and social platforms. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, she helps set organizational policies. Engaging people to protect the environment and enjoy the outdoors has always been important to Allison. Before her position at NRCM brought her back to her native Maine (her family goes back many generations), she was Communications and Media Relations Director at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (CLO), where her work also included brokering small to multi-million-dollar licensing deals around CLO's extensive assets. She received her BA from the University of Maine at Farmington and her Masters from Cornell University. Allison and her husband Jeff are the authors of the books Maine's Favorite Birds (Tilbury House Publishers) and Birds of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao: a Site and Field Guide (Cornell University Press), and they write a weekly birding column for the Boothbay Register. She lives in Gardiner with her family, their dog, and two indoor cats.
Allison leads NRCM's organization-wide communications to strengthen NRCM's role as a champion for Maine's environment. She is a member of NRCM's senior leadership team. Learn more about Allison.
Amy Scott (Secretary of the Board) Amy lives with her husband and three children in Greenwood, Maine, and is a Program Manager at the Northern Forest Center. She brings expertise in facilitation and community engagement to her work, drawing on her experience as program and development staff with nonprofits including College of the Atlantic, Western Mountains Alliance, the Bethel Area Nonprofit Collaborative, and CORE. She worked as an associate with Good Group Decisions in Brunswick for several years, consulting with both nonprofit and business clients. Amy believes in the power of authentic relationships and the theory that "we are better together."
Job Titles:
- Managing Director of Responsible Investment Strategy for Calvert Research and Management
Anthony Eames serves as Managing Director of Responsible Investment Strategy for Calvert Research and Management, an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM). For 26 years, his career with Calvert has centered on providing education, insights, and portfolio positioning to investment professionals and clients about the benefits of sustainable and responsible investing. Anthony is also a director of US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment, the leading industry voice advancing sustainable investing across all asset classes, whose mission is to rapidly shift investment practices toward sustainability, focusing on long-term investment and the generation of positive social and environmental impacts. A graduate of Wittenberg University, he is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF), Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS), and Global Financial Steward (GFS), and holds FINRA Series 7, 24, and 63 licenses. He lives in South Freeport with his wife, Kimberly, four children, two dogs, and three cats.
Anya leads NRCM's efforts to influence federal policies and proposals that affect Maine's environment and people. She works closely with national partners and communicates regularly with members of Maine's Congressional delegation. Anya got her start in advocacy and organizing work with Green Corps, where she led environmental campaigns in multiple cities around the country. Prior to heading up NRCM's federal program, Anya worked as the state director of Environment Maine, where she advocated for climate action, clean air, and wildlife protection policies at the local, state, and federal levels. A job opportunity brought Anya to Maine back in 2019, and she has since fallen in love with this beautiful state and decided to make it her permanent home. She loves to explore the Maine outdoors, whether it's backpacking in the mountains, strolling the beach (in any season), or birding in her own backyard.
Favorite Maine place: "It's impossible to choose just one. Three of my top places are Kettle Cove, Bigelow Preserve, and Cutler Coast."
Favorite quote about the outdoors: "The mountains are calling, and I must go." - John Muir
Ben is a co-owner of Bumbleroot Organic Farm, an organic vegetable and flower farm on 89 acres of conserved land in Windham, Maine. After graduating from the University of Vermont in 2009, he has worked on farms across the country from a California cattle ranch to an organic farm in Colorado and has called Maine home since 2014. He believes in the transformative power of agriculture as a force for environmental protection and community building. Ben has been active in farmland conservation and advocating for young farmers at both the state and federal levels, including testifying in front of the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee on behalf of organic farmers. Ben lives on the farm with his wife, Melissa, two daughters, Mackenzie and Lulu, and their dog, Bowie.
Job Titles:
- Administrative & Operations Associate
Ben works closely with NRCM's Senior Director of Finance to anticipate office needs, research solutions, and assist in creating a facilities plan based on projected needs. He provides administrative support as needed, including working with the Executive Office to support board and committee meetings. A Maine native, Ben is a life-long lover of the environment and all things outdoors. Prior to working at NRCM, he spent the last six years working in the southern Maine area in real estate and the budding brewery scene. His bachelor's degree in history and political science as well as his master's degree in communication are all from the University of Maine. In his free time, Ben enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, live music, and traveling as much as possible. He currently lives in Bangor with his partner and three dogs: Luna, Nova, and Rebel.
Ben Wyman Administrative & Operations Associate (207) 622-3101 As a member of the Administrative team, Ben wears many hats to manage day-to-day operations of NRCM's Augusta office. Learn more about Ben.
Job Titles:
- Communications Manager
- Webmaster
Beth has been a part of NRCM for more than 25 years, starting out as Receptionist, moving to Executive Assistant, and in 2008, becoming a full-time member of the Communications Department. She plays an essential role managing NRCM's e-communications and website. Her friendly voice can often be heard on the phone with members and the public, and she is part of NRCM's social media team. Beth is a graduate of the University of Maine (Orono) with a degree in child development and family relations. Before coming to NRCM, she taught Head Start, and for 12 years, Beth led the youth and young adult program at Mechuwana, the United Methodist Camp in Winthrop, Maine. When she isn't at NRCM, she enjoys photography and spending time with her husband, Chris, and their two dogs, Maggie and Daisy, on their pontoon boat in the Sebago Lake region.
Beth responds to questions and comments that come in via the nrcm@nrcm.org address, keeps nrcm.org looking great and updated, and performs a range of tasks in the busy Communications Department. Learn more about Beth.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Philanthropy Team
Codi is a member of the philanthropy team, managing records and gifts, including gift processing and data updates. Learn more about Codi.
Job Titles:
- Strategic Communications Director
In his role in the Communications team, Colin leads implementation of campaign strategies across the organization to achieve NRCM's advocacy mission and engage supporters in our work. He is the primary point of contact for the media. Colin is an experienced communications strategist, writer, and storyteller who has worked for more than two decades in the government, nonprofit, and higher education sectors to creatively and effectively motivate people to act for change. He came to NRCM from Harvard University, where he served as Senior Communications Officer for Sustainability, and previously led communications efforts at MassDOT and the Conservation Law Foundation. Colin cut his teeth in environmental campaigns right out of college when he worked in Oregon as a grassroots organizer with the Save our Wild Salmon Coalition to restore a free-flowing Snake River. He is a graduate of Tufts University and lives in Yarmouth with his wife, daughter, and twin boys where he is Chair of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee.
Colin is NRCM's primary media contact and as a member of the Communications team leads development of communications campaigns across the organization. Learn more about Colin.
As member of NRCM's Philanthropy team, Colleen manages the department's calendar of events. Her portfolio also includes the organization's signature events. Colleen comes to NRCM from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine where she managed cycling events throughout the state as part of the coalition's work to make Maine a better and safer place to ride, walk, and roll. She began her career in the American Southwest working in art education, public art, and community events before relocating to Maine in 2019 to be closer to her family. She holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Art from Alfred University and a Master's in Fine Art from Arizona State University. She is a member of Pickwick Independent Press in Portland where she lives with her partner & dog.
Colleen manages the Philanthropy Department's busy calendar of events and helps maintain the organization's centralized event resources. Learn more about Colleen.
Job Titles:
- Application Analyst, Constituent Engagement Systems
As a member of NRCM's philanthropy team, Daniel works across programs to leverage data and analytics to drive informed decision-making that help ensure strong organizational and policy outcomes. He builds custom reports as needed, trains staff on database use, and helps set best-practice protocols. Prior to working at NRCM, Daniel spent four years as a data analyst working in healthcare IT. He has a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from the University of Southern Maine and a master's degree in Public Policy & Management from the Muskie School of Public Service. Daniel enjoys hiking, travel, reading, and spending time with family.
Daniel is charged with a wide range of database-related tasks, including list pulls, data maintenance, research, and analysis. Learn more about Daniel.
David O. Schylling is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire. He began his career at Mellon Bank in Philadelphia and returned to New England to partner with his brother to create one of the country's leading specialty toy brands, Schylling Toys. With customers in more than 22 countries and manufacturing on 4 continents, David pushed for sustainable production throughout their global supply chain. Toys were sourced and manufactured using recycled metal, plastic, and farmed wood. Limited packaging was also a priority. As an avid environmentalist and early adopter of clean energy, David has had solar panels in operation at his property since 2006. David and his wife are now living on the Pemaquid Peninsula in Midcoast Maine where they enjoy the outdoor activities Maine has to offer. He is a lifetime sailor whose summer cruises take him to many special places along the coast. He also enjoys hiking, biking, and skiing and appreciates the need to protect and preserve this special place we call home.
Diana McDowell has lived in Lamoine since 1978. Her family started vacationing in Maine in 1956 and moved here in 1965. She attended local schools and majored in art at the University of Maine. She retired from Friends of Acadia after 20 years where she worked as Director of Finance and Administration. She worked in similar capacities for other local nonprofits for 11 years, and some for-profits for 8 years. She especially enjoyed working for nonprofits due to their mission-driven activities. She is interested in keeping Maine's air and water clean and wild lands available to the public. Other interests include hiking and swimming at Acadia National Park, traveling to see wild places, and art. She is currently a full-time artist.
Ed has lived on Cousin's Island in Yarmouth for the past 30 years. He is a graduate of Wesleyan University with an M.S. from the University of New Hampshire and an Ed.D. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Having begun his career as a teacher for Lawrenceville School in NJ and the American International School in Vienna, Austria, Ed became headmaster first at the Dunn School in California and later at Sun Valley School in Idaho. In 1987 he became a Senior Vice President at Merrill Lynch in Portland. He is a partner at Hightower Advisors in Portland. Ed is an active outdoorsperson who has volunteered his time with a variety of organizations, including Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation, Friends of Casco Bay, and the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. He is a summer resident of Rangeley.
Emily Beck is a retired attorney who moved from New York to Seal Cove in 2005. From 2006 until retiring in 2017 she was an owner and partner of Young Beck LLP, a general practice firm concentrating in Trusts and Estates Planning and Administration, Real Estate, Business and Nonprofit law, and Land Use and Conservation. From 2006 to 2014 she served on the board of directors of the Mount Desert Island Historical Society, for which she also edited the annual magazine, Chebacco. She recently concluded 14 years as a director of Friends of Acadia. Currently, she is a member of the board of directors of Maine Coast Heritage Trust and serves on its MDI Lands Committee. Emily holds a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College, a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, and a Certificate in Environmental Law from Pace University School of Law. She loves sailing, hiking, downhill and cross-country skiing, all things Italian, gardening, pottery-making, and the great state of Maine.
Emmie brings more than a decade of experience in environmental advocacy and organizing to her work as NRCM's outreach director. In this role, she leads th e organization's efforts to deepen relationships with people across Maine and build enduring power that will protect and strengthen Maine's environment for this and future generations. Working closely with NRCM's outreach team and staff across the organization, Emmie serves as a resource for campaign planning, issue organizing, community engagement, and the strategic integration of outreach, communications, and grassroots advocacy into NRCM's work. Emmie grew up on Orr's Island and graduated from Colby College where she studied Government and Environmental Policy. Prior to heading up NRCM's outreach program, Emmie was NRCM's federal director for five years, advocated for state and local climate and clean energy policies for NRCM for eight years, and was the founding director of NRCM Rising. She lives with her family in Central Maine and enjoys exploring the Maine outdoors.
Emmie leads NRCM's outreach, organizing, and public engagement efforts to deepen relationships with people across Maine and build enduring power that will strengthen and protect our environment. Learn more about Emmie.
Job Titles:
- Director of Leadership Giving
Fiona works to strengthen and grow NRCM's Katahdin Circle membership. She plans and implements communications, visits, and events, in recognition of the contributions of these major donors. Fiona was born and raised in New York and moved to Maine in 2012 after graduating from Boston University. Prior to coming to NRCM, she was assistant coach of the Bowdoin College sailing team and fundraised for the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences. After a year of travel, including cruising to Labrador and mountain biking through Utah, Fiona is happily settled in Freeport. She is a member of the Portland Ballet Board of Directors and enjoys sailing, mountain biking, and skiing.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint chocolate chip, but I'm really more of a candy person!
Dog or Cat Person? Dog! But I like all animals.
In the intro to the first Peterson Guide to North American Birds I was ever given, Roger Torey Peterson wrote, "The observation of birds leads inevitably to environmental awareness." That thought has always stuck with me, and it's so true! My early education of the natural world came from Peterson guides and looking around my own neighborhood.
And: I have a deep love for lichen and cacti and am growing a collection of both.
Fiona focuses on cultivating and expanding NRCM's dedicated Katahdin Circle members. Learn more about Fiona.
Francesca Galluccio-Steele of Portland is a retired elementary school principal with her doctorate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Throughout her career she also served as an educational researcher and a lobbyist for the National PTA and the National Education Association in Washington, DC. Prior to moving to Maine, she and her family lived in many parts of the country, enjoying the natural world each place offered. Francesca has served on the Maine Audubon board and has served as a family court mediator. Presently she is on the boards of Greater Portland Landmarks and Sea Change Yoga. She is an award-winning photographer, avid gardener, and inveterate world traveler. Preserving the natural world and working to limit climate change are her passions.
Job Titles:
- Climate & Clean Energy Director
Jack brings 15 years of advocacy, policy, and organizing experience to the NRCM climate and clean energy team. Prior to joining NRCM in 2021, Jack worked at Greenpeace USA and at Organizing for Action, pushing for ambitious federal climate policies. He served for four years as an appointee in the Obama Administration working on diverse issues ranging from conservation, clean energy, and green buildings to community resilience and biodefense. Jack has a Master's degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor's degree in Ethics, History, and Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University. Originally from the Northwest, Jack lives in Brunswick with his family.
Jack leads the Climate and Clean Energy team that is working in support of policies that address climate change and the threats it poses to Maine's environment and communities. Learn more about Jack.
Job Titles:
- Climate & Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator
Josh works to build coalitions that can effectively implement policy by pushing our state and federal legislators to act on climate and clean energy initiatives. For the past six years, he has been engaged in environmental and political organizing in Maine, forging new connections and deepening his knowledge of an incredible state. Before coming to NRCM, he spent the prior two years working on the electoral side of politics in order to elect more empathetic, transparent, and environmentally friendly officials.
Josh is an advocate for all things Maine and can frequently be found exploring its natural spaces, patronizing its small businesses, or pointing enthusiastically at topographical maps of the state. He is energized by interaction and loves to meet people where they are, learn from new perspectives, and spend time outside with others. You might run into him on the ski slopes, in the woods, jogging around Portland, or collecting ingredients for a new cooking experiment in the grocery store. Born and raised in West Gardiner, Josh is a graduate of Bates College and lives in Portland with his partner and friends.
Job Titles:
- Outreach Organizer ( Temporary )
By mobilizing and engaging members, stakeholders, and community members, Kaelin builds support for our advocacy priorities, especially in the Healthy Waters and Forests & Wildlife programs. She helps develop plans and goals, conducts training and research, and works with Communications team members to develop informational materials of all sorts. Kaelin graduated from Providence College with a B.S. in Environmental Biology and a minor in French. There, she worked as student Sustainability Coordinator, served as the co-president of both the Environmental Club and Animal Welfare Club, led the EcoRep program, and wrote articles with an environmental focus for the student newspaper. Kaelin moved to Maine a few years ago, from New York state, where she grew up. She lives in Saco.
Kaelin helps build public support for issue campaigns across NRCM's Advocacy Department. Learn more about Kaelin.
In her role as Advocacy Associate, Kate engages with NRCM's grassroots activists, and with communities and elected officials. She provides logistical support for outreach events and administrative support and document preparation across the advocacy team. Prior to joining the NRCM team, Kate worked with environmental nonprofits focusing on marine waste recycling, environmental education and advocacy, and conservation. Most recently,
She worked as a field assistant protecting threatened waterbirds for Massachusetts Audubon. She has a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies and Science from Skidmore College. A native of the Boston suburbs, Kate is an avid hiker who enjoys spending time outside with her friends and family. Kate is living in Maine for the first time, currently residing in Portland.
Kate provides extensive logistical and other support to NRCM's Advocacy team. Learn more about Kate.
Kevin Kobel has considerable experience in financial and organizational management. He recently retired from Accenture after a 30-year career. In the last 20 years, he was a Senior Executive in its Growth & Strategy group and collaborated with numerous senior Accenture leaders on growth strategy, market/competitive assessment, financial planning, and operational improvement. Prior to that, he consulted with Global 2000 Clients in the Telecommunications and High Technology industries. He is a graduate of Babson College with a B.S. in Business Administration and earned his MBA at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Kevin enjoys hiking, camping, biking, skiing, and boating. He is passionate about preserving and protecting the natural world in Maine. He and his wife Rebecca (who was raised in Maine) moved to Cape Elizabeth from New York City in 2000 to raise their twins Hannah and Christopher.
Kristin Jackson Digital Strategist (207) 430-0114 Kristin collaborates across the organization to create effective, data-based communications and engagement strategies. Learn more about Kristin.
Leisa keeps the organization's computers and other equipment functioning at high capacity and works with vendors to solve what few techie issues she can't solve herself. Leisa came to NRCM with more than a decade of experience in administrative work, including for nonprofits and the State of Maine, and for one of Maine's largest electric utility companies. She is a born-and-(mostly) raised Mainer and likes spending time with her family and pets, hiking, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors.
Leisa keeps the logistics of NRCM's advocacy team running smoothly and ensures work stations are up to date and high-functioning. Learn more about Leisa.
Liz Rettenmaier moved to Maine in 2002 after calling the DC area home for most of her life. She is the Vice President of Council Oak, a small woman-owned public policy consulting firm, with more than 25 years of experience working as a senior facilitator supporting water resources and natural resources policy and program development for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. With master's degrees in Natural Resources Policy and Urban Planning from University of Michigan, Liz moved to Maine to work for the State Planning Office in 2002, until she returned to the life of a work-from-home consultant. Liz lives in Bangor with her husband and two teenagers and can be found in Boothbay Harbor for the summers, exploring local hiking trails in the spring and fall, and probably at Sugarloaf most weekends in the winter - enjoying the splendor of Maine from one end of Route 27 to the other. After college, Liz was a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa, and has been looking for opportunities to explore ever since.
Lucy Abbott of Bethel is a long-time Katahdin Circle member, retired from the U.S. Foreign Service. She grew up in Africa and has since worked all over the world. Her decades of experience covering energy and environment issues around the globe have convinced her that petroleum products and production, despite their unprecedented contributions to economic development, are the root of many of our current challenges, from corruption to consumerism to pollution and climate change. Lucy has served on the boards of the Bethel Rotary and Bethel Library Association. And on a lighter note: Since moving to Bethel, she has been a pioneer in developing gardening and home maintenance techniques for the weak, thrifty, and slothful.
Job Titles:
- Regional Outreach Coordinator
As NRCM's Regional Outreach Coordinator based in Franklin County, Marc connects with people, local partners, and businesses throughout the region to build lasting relationships and community connections. Prior to working at NRCM, Marc worked with the University of Maine's Cooperative Extension's Franklin County Office for seven years in the role of Tourism Economic Development Professional focusing on nature-based tourism opportunities throughout Franklin County. Through his academic background and other professional experiences as a park manager, naturalist, and interpretive park ranger, Marc has two decades of experience gathering input from different types of audiences and providi ng information about cultural, historical, and natural resource s. Marc earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree from the University of Maine where he studied Parks, Recreation, and Tourism with a concentration in Natural and Cultural Heritage Interpretation. He lives with his family in Strong.
Marcia Harrington is a survey researcher specializing in evaluations of program effectiveness for government, private, and nonprofit organizations. Her passion, however, is advocacy and community organizing to protect the environment. In 2013, she co-founded Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Midcoast, which coordinated with NRCM's staff to successfully pass ordinances restricting polystyrene foam food ware and single-use plastic bags in Brunswick and Topsham; this measure is now statewide. In 2022, she helped lead a group to preserve a large parcel of varied habitats that drained to Maquoit Bay. She is an active member of the Citizens Climate Lobby and loves hiking, cross-country skiing, skating, biking, and kayaking in Maine's one-of-a-kind outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Director of Charitable Giving for East Brown Cow
Maria Gallace of Cape Elizabeth is Director of Charitable Giving for East Brown Cow, a family real estate development firm in Portland. She holds an advanced degree in education and has worked professionally and as a volunteer in schools in the Boston area and Maine. She also serves on the board of Maine Public.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Philanthropy & Strategic Advisor
Marlisa heads up NRCM's team of fundraising professionals, setting goals and creating plans to reach them. Along with other members of the senior leadership team, she helps establish organizational policies and protocols. She also assists the CEO in special projects. Prior to NRCM, she most recently worked with corporate sponsors and individual community members to generate revenue on behalf of the Travelers Championship, a PGA Tour professional golf tournament and charitable engine to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. Before that, she held a variety of roles at the University of Hartford, Wesleyan University, and Middlebury College. Marlisa received a BA from Middlebury College, a Master's in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and an Executive Education Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Fordham University. A Maine native and lifelong New Englander, Marlisa serves on the board of Foodshare, part of the Feeding America network. She also serves as an Advisory Board member of World Without Hate, a Seattle-based nonprofit using empathy education to break the cycle of hate and violence.
Marlisa leads the Philanthropy Department's efforts to engage individuals and organizations in NRCM's work. A member of the senior leadership team, she also focuses on specific HR-related projects. Learn more about Marlisa.
Nancy works closely with the CEO. She manages schedules, prioritizes emails, helps with special projects, and in other ways provides administrative support to the CEO and executive team. She also engages with the NRCM board and committees. Prior to stepping into her new position at NRCM, Nancy was the Administration and HR Manager in the organization's Finance and Administration Department. She graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Music Education and earned her Masters in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern Maine. She spent several years working in Boston before returning to Maine to teach middle school music. Raised in Greenville, Nancy enjoys most outdoor activities and singing with both ChoralArt Singers and ChoralArt Masterworks in Portland.
Nancy assists the CEO with a wide range of administrative tasks, from scheduling and travel plans to organizing and maintaining executive materials. Learn more about Nancy.
Job Titles:
- Staff Scientist and Healthy Waters Director
- Staff Scientist and Healthy Waters Project Director
Nick works across all of NRCM's project areas to ensure NRCM's solid reputation as a science-based organization. His expertise and experience are in high demand at the Legislature and from organizations around the state. Nick is also NRCM's Healthy Waters Project director. He works tirelessly to protect Maine's aquatic habitats and the fish and wildlife that depend on them. He has led all of NRCM's water-related work over the past two decades, including the removal of Fort Halifax Dam, the defense of Maine's wetland and significant wildlife habitat protections from Governor LePage's attacks, the reopening of the St. Croix River to sea-run alewives, and the passage of the nation's most protective mining law. Nick is a graduate of Yale University and the Yale School of Forestry. Prior to his time at NRCM, he worked at an environmental consulting firm, the Center for Marine Conservation, and the Marine Biological Laboratories in Woods Hole. Nick enjoys duck hunting and spending time in the Maine woods. He resides in Hallowell with two beautiful Labrador retrievers.
Nick provides scientific expertise to NRCM's more technical work. He also heads up the organization's Healthy Waters program focused on protecting and restoring Maine's aquatic wildlife and habitat. Learn more about Nick.
(Treasurer of the Board) Buzz lives in New Gloucester and is serving his third stint on the NRCM board. A former computer consultant, Buzz has served on numerous nonprofit boards over the years, but still finds time to work several hundred acres of woods and fields. He also shelters horses from an equine abuse center and raises heritage chickens, turkeys, and bees. He has a strong interest in the protection of the North Woods, transportation policy, and land use management. Buzz holds a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the University of Michigan.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Advocacy
Pete brings 35 years of professional experience in senior-level policy making to his work at NRCM, where he provides overall management and direction for NRCM's advocacy program. Pete works with NRCM's advocacy staff on legislative and issue campaigns, research and analysis, and lobbying and public outreach. Prior to starting at NRCM in 1996, Pete was Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman George Brown, Jr. (D-CA), Deputy Chief of Staff of the House Science Committee, and Special Assistant to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Hazel O'Leary. He holds a B.A. from Williams College and a master's from the Harvard Kennedy School. He lives with his wife in Brunswick, loves the Maine outdoors, and is always happy when his two adult sons return to Maine for visits.
Pete is a member of the senior leadership team and provides overall strategic leadership of NRCM's advocacy work, including serving as the organization's senior advocate before the Maine Legislature. Learn more about Pete.
Peter Millard of Belfast is a family physician and epidemiologist. He grew up in Windham and spent many years working in the Bangor area. He also worked for eight years in southern Africa (Zimbabwe and Mozambique) and is soon to retire from Seaport Community Health Center in Belfast. He lives with his wife Emily in Belfast. They have three children and three grandchildren. He is also on the boards of Physicians for Social Responsibility and Friends of Baxter State Park. He has degrees from Amherst College (BA), University of Vermont (MD), and University of North Carolina (Ph.D.). In another lifetime, Peter competed in the US Olympic Trials in the marathon and now enjoys biking, cross-country skiing, swimming, adventuring, and anything else that gets him outdoors.
Rebecca's deep knowledge of climate change science and policy helps NRCM create and maintain strong networks across diverse environmental advocacy groups. Learn more about Rebecca.
Rebeccah stepped into her role as NRCM's CEO in January 2023 with a strong reputation for expanding the organizational impact and reach. Fostering community and creating space for diverse voices has always been a priority for Rebeccah. This includes cultivating young leaders. Rebeccah brings more than two decades of experience in executive nonprofit management, most recently as the Chief Field and Strategy Officer of the National Audubon Society. There, she maximized the conservation impact of the organization's 22 state and regional field offices and extensive network of nature centers and sanctuaries throughout the country. Prior to her work at National Audubon, Rebeccah was Executive Director of the Chicago Cultural Alliance, a coalition of heritage-based community organizations working together to address a broad set of civic issues such as climate change, immigration, and community planning. A past Maine resident and frequent visitor, Rebeccah began her career as the Post-Secondary Coordinator for the Maine State GEAR-UP program. Through this role, she developed a deep understanding of Maine's communities and natural wonders as she traveled across the state, from the southern coast to the Canadian border, to increase education access for Maine's children. In this role, she learned firsthand that building community means meeting people where they are and investing in relationships at the local level. A Fulbright recipient, Rebeccah received her BA in anthropology and environmental science from the University of Notre Dame and her MA in environmental and ecological anthropology from the University of Georgia.
As NRCM's guiding presence, Rebeccah listens and works closely with NRCM's board, staff, and members as she develops and leads the organization's vision for lasting impact and broader inclusion across the state, welcoming all who share a passion for Maine's great outdoors and a desire to work together to protect it.
Rebeccah brings more than two decades of experience in executive nonprofit management, most recently as the Chief Field and Strategy Officer of the National Audubon Society, where she maximized the conservation impact of the organization's 22 state and regional field offices and extensive network of nature centers and sanctuaries throughout the country.
Prior to her work at National Audubon, Rebeccah was the inaugural executive director of the Chicago Cultural Alliance, a coalition of heritage-based community organizations working together to leverage community voices for cultural change and to address a broad set of civic issues such as climate change, immigration, and community planning. A past Maine resident and frequent visitor, Rebeccah began her career as the Post-Secondary Coordinator for the Maine State GEAR-UP program. Through this role she developed a deep understanding of Maine's communities and natural wonders as she traveled across the state, from the southern coast to the Canadian border, to increase education access for Maine's children.
A Fulbright recipient, Rebeccah received her BA in anthropology and environmental science from the University of Notre Dame and her MA in environmental and ecological anthropology from the University of Georgia. As she and her family decide where to set down more permanent roots, Rebeccah and her dog Rex are currently settling in along Maine's midcoast.
Rebeccah leads NRCM's vision and efforts to address the major opportunities and threats facing Maine's land, air, waters, and wildlife. She provides guidance across the organization and is NRCM's leading ambassador. Learn more about Rebeccah.
Sadie Lloyd Mudge of Waldo brings professional experience in municipal planning, energy efficiency, nonprofit fundraising, and energy planning, and has been a leader in municipal energy planning (particularly solar development) in Maine. She holds a master's degree in Planning from the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Maine, where she conducted research on state demographics and climate change planning. Sadie grew up in Waldo County and currently serves on the board of directors for the Solar Energy Association of Maine as well as on multiple committees for Coastal Mountains Land Trust. She was a founding member of the NRCM Rising Leadership Team. In her free time, Sadie runs a small business and is an avid adventurer.
Sam Day grew up in the Kennebec River Valley, and after leaving for a few years, returned to build a home in Dresden with his wife, Anna, and their bird dog, Hank. He owns a small construction company, specializing in energy-efficient remodels and new construction. Sam has a long history of advocating for Maine's environment with NRCM, Trout Unlimited, Say No to NECEC, and others. He served on the board of Maine Rivers prior to joining NRCM. When he's not swinging a hammer or writing testimony, Sam can be found wading up a trout stream or following his dog through the grouse woods.
Sarah Cotton of Hope is passionate about keeping our water clean and clear and protecting natural spaces. After earning her B.A. in Environmental Studies at the College of St. Benedict (MN), Sarah volunteered with AmeriCorps in northern California working on water quality in coastal redwood forests. After enjoying California for a few years, she moved back to her home state of Minnesota and worked for a Soil and Water Conservation District where she coordinated its education and outreach efforts to help landowners take action to conserve natural resources. After visiting Maine several times to see family, she moved here with her husband in 2019. Sarah works in the Admissions Department at the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School where she is involved with their custom programs; she works with students and their parents to prepare them for their courses. She loves exploring the many places in Maine to hike, canoe, and sit by the ocean.
Job Titles:
- Digital Content Producer
- Member of the Communications
Sierra joined NRCM as a member of the Communications team in January of 2024. She has extensive experience in the nonprofit storytelling realm including at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, where she created educational and story-driven content. Sierra has a degree in Environmental Studies and Art with a focus on film and photography, and has always had a strong interest in the outdoors. She enjoys spending her free time in different spaces including the dance studio, pursuing an art project outside, paddling with friends, or trying out something new.
Sierra puts her video storytelling skills to work on public engagement efforts by enhancing NRCM's online and digital presence. Learn more about Sierra.
Stephanie Smith of Camden has lived full time in Maine since 2016 and started spending summers here in the 1960s. She has served on the Camden Conservation Commission where she headed up the local ban on plastic bags and polystyrene. She currently is active with the Restore the Megunticook River group in Camden, the Megunticook Watershed Association Environmental Committee, and is a founding board member of the MidCoast Regional Housing Trust. She is a second-generation supporter of Coastal Mountains Land Trust and was active with the Marin Agricultural Land Trust in California. In the past she served on the Knox County Homeless Coalition board along with numerous nonprofit boards in the San Francisco area. She is a graduate of Bucknell University and Wheelock Graduate School and holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Education, as well as post graduate work specializing in hospitalized children. Her career included close to 20 years as the Director of the Child Life Department at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and 18 as the Director of Parent Services at Matrix Parent Network, a federally funded parent training and information center serving 4 counties north of San Francisco.
Toby secures and administers foundation grants and corporate gifts for each of NRCM's advocacy programs. She also takes on special fundraising-related projects and collaborates with other members of NRCM's philanthropy team to meet our fundraising goals. Prior to joining NRCM in 2010, Toby spearheaded membership recruitment and marketing at the historic preservation nonprofit, Greater Portland Landmarks. Toby grew up in the deserts of southern Arizona and the suburbs of Houston and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology and Art History from the University of Texas at Austin. She enjoys travel, and her passion has taken her to many places in the U.S and Europe, and to Central America for an archeological dig studying Mayan ruins. Toby lives in Westbrook, where she and her partner John are backyard beekeepers and share a fondness for superhero movies and detective stories. Toby is also the humble Kahu of two silly, beach-loving canine companions, Sheila and Dixie (Kahu is a Hawaiian term for caretaker and protector of something precious).
Toby Kilgore Grants Manager (207) 430-0123 Toby secures and administers grants for our Forests & Wildlife and Sustainable Maine programs. Learn more about Toby.
Job Titles:
- Sustainable Maine Program Manager
Vanessa got her start with NRCM as a member of the NRCM Rising Leadership Team in 2019. She uses her expertise in talking trash and sustainable materials management to build public support for policies that promote the Solid Waste Management Hierarchy. Prior to her role as the Sustainable Maine Outreach Coordinator, Vanessa spent nearly four years working directly with municipalities, schools, and local organizations to provide education and support on their waste reduction and diversion strategies. She graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, and with a master's degree in Sustainability Science from Unity College. Since purchasing her first home in Gardiner in the spring of 2021, she spends much of her free time enjoying the natural wonders of Maine along the Kennebec River with her partner and their energetic canine companion.
Vanessa Berry Sustainable Maine Program Manager (207) 430-0144 Vanessa connects with people and communities around Maine as a member of NRCM's Sustainable Maine program. Learn more about Vanessa.