ASSOC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Vice President for Education at Berks Nature in Reading, Pennsylvania
In her role as Vice President for Education, Allison Mackley collaboratively plans and executes the strategic vision and project management for the education program at Berks Nature. Her work centers on the Berks Nature Preschool which educates students in the natural environment. She also leads the Education team which offers environmental education programs to Pre-K through adults.
Allison grew up on the Delaware River where she built a foundation for her love of the environment. She is an enthusiastic about connecting kids to nature as they navigate their ways through the global society. As a career educator, Allison was a middle school English teacher for fourteen years and a National Board Certified (NBCT) high school librarian, instructional technology coach, and K-12 department chair for fourteen years. Most recently, she was a Director for Curriculum Development at Elizabethtown College and continues her work in higher education as an adjunct professor.
She has served on several nonprofit boards and is honored to be on the ANCA Board. In addition, she is appointed to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Governor's Advisory Council. Allison holds an undergraduate degree in Secondary English Education from Penn State University, an M.A. in Writing from Northeastern University, an M.L.I.S. from the University of Pittsburgh, and an M.S. in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton. Allison also earned a graduate certificate from the University of Pennsylvania Virtual Online Teaching (VOLT) program and holds a Pennsylvania Department of Education Online Instruction Program PK-12 Teaching Endorsement. Allison has an Environmental Education Outcomes professional development certificate from Cornell University and a professional development Nature-Based Teacher certification from the Eastern Region Association of Forest and Nature Schools.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Retired Director of Satellite Properties for the Museum of Science and History in Memphis, Tennessee
Andy, a self-professed plant and aquarium geek since second grade, has turned his lifelong passion into a successful career as a scientist and science educator. With a prior career in biochemical testing for the food and animal feed industries, Andy's journey eventually led him to his role managing Lichterman Nature Center for 23 years. In a 2022 reorganization and rebranding effort, his responsibilities expanded to include directing not only Lichterman Nature Center but also the historic Mallory-Neely and Magevney Houses, and Coon Creek Science Center.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Director of Severson Dells Nature Center in Rockford, Illinois
Andy Williams
Retired Director of Satellite Properties for the Museum of Science and History in Memphis, Tennessee
Ann has the unique opportunity to be the Director of Severson Dells Nature Center in Rockford, Illinois. Ann came to this position with years of experience in informal science education in very diverse settings - summer camp, outdoor school, public aquarium, aboard tall ships and most recently the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History on the Monterey Peninsula as the Director of Education.
In August of 2019, Ann received the Outstanding New Leader Award from ANCA.
Ann received her B.S in Earth Systems Science and Policy from CSU Monterey Bay and her M.Ed in Science Education from the University of Washington.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing & Communications
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Executive Director at Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center in Sandstone, Minnesota
Bryan Wood began working at Osprey Wilds (then Audubon Center of the North Woods) as an undergraduate intern in 2005. After working as an Interpretive Ranger at Voyageurs National Park in 2006, Bryan has been at Osprey Wilds since January 2007. Bryan served as Co-Executive Director from 2009-2014, and has been Executive Director since 2014. During Bryan's time as Executive Director, Osprey Wilds has grown its development program by 750%, increased its organizational fund balance increased by fifteen fold, added a Legacy Society, completed a 460-acre conservation easement completed with the MN Land Trust, added 247 acres to Osprey Wilds' main campus, implemented a regenerative farm, acquired the 564 acre Blacklock Nature Campus in Moose Lake, and is currently finalizing a 760 kw solar project onsite through a power purchase agreement with Osprey Wilds' local utility provider. During Bryan's time, he has also led Osprey Wilds through a name change and multiple strategic plans.
Bryan earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in Outdoor Education, and a master's degree from Hamline University in Natural Sciences and Environmental Education. Bryan has been as an adjunct faculty member at Hamline University since 2010, teaching graduate classes through Osprey Wilds. Bryan serves on the Grindstone Lake Association Board of Directors, and has been active with ANCA since 2014, hosting the Summit in 2016. In 2014, Bryan received the Non-Formal Environmental Educator of the Year from the Minnesota Association for Environmental Education. Bryan lives in Lindstrom, MN with his two children, Maya and Henry.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Executive Director of the Marine Discovery Center
- Vice President of Development / Executive Director of the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Chad Truxall is the Executive Director of the Marine Discovery Center (MDC) with responsibility for implementing the organization's mission to protect and restore Florida's coastal ecosystems.
Job Titles:
- Director of Programs & Member Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Executive Director of Chippewa Nature Center
- Vice President of Strategic Direction / Executive Director of Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, Michigan
Dennis is the Executive Director of Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) in Midland, Michigan and has been on staff since 1997. Prior to accepting that position in November 2016, he served as CNC's Director of Interpretation for twelve years where he supervised the organization and implementation of the adult and family programs, workshops, field trips, and festivals, as well as oversaw the self-guided interpretive resources of the Center. He co-chaired the LEED Gold-certified Nature Preschool construction and the Visitor Center renovation in 2008-10. During his tenure as Executive Director, he oversaw a land transfer increasing the total acreage of the nature center by over twenty percent, led the organization through a strategic and master planning process, established and expanded partnerships with several local school districts, and led fundraising efforts for multiple infrastructure, outdoor and trail enhancements. He earned a B.S. and M.A. in history from Central Michigan University.
Dennis currently serves on the Midland Area Community Foundation's Access to Recreation Committee, Chippewa River Water Trail Committee, Leadership Midland Steering Committee, and is an active member of the Association of Nature Center Administrators. He currently serves on the board of directors for Phoenix Community Farm, Great Lakes Bay Regional Trail, and serves as treasurer for the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the Association for Fundraising Professionals. Dennis is a 2002 graduate of Leadership Midland, a 2014 graduate of the Great Lakes Bay Institute for Leaders, and was the 2021 recipient of the CMU Museum Alumni Leadership Award. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Dennis grew up in Port Hope and lives in Sanford with his wife and two children.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Treasurer / Executive Director at Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul, Minnesota
Jason holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University Mankato. He earned a Mini MBA in Nonprofit Management and a Certificate of Executive Leadership, both from the University of St. Thomas. Jason began his career in the non-profit field in 1997 with DARTS (Dakota Area Resource and Transportation for Seniors). He transitioned to Dodge Nature Center and Preschool in 2003 as the Director of Volunteers and Special Events. He was appointed as Executive Director of Dodge in 2010 and brings a passion for environmental education and conservation to the forefront of philanthropy.
Jason has led Dodge through two Strategic Plans and is currently leading the organization through their third, slated for completion in 2023. Through his leadership Dodge has grown in operations, staffing, and size, including the 140-acre acquisition of Shepard Farm in Cottage Grove. Dodge is expanding into this new community, approximately 15 miles from their home site. In 2020, Dodge announced a $40 million comprehensive campaign (endowment, capital, and annual fund), and as the end of 2022 they have raised $35 million toward that goal.
Jason has called Minnesota home for his entire life where he and his wife Heather have raised their sons, Noah, and Max.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Park Superintendent at Estero Llano Grande State Park and World Birding Center in Weslaco, Texas
Javier is currently the Park Superintendent at Estero Llano Grande State Park and World Birding Center in Weslaco, Texas. Estero Llano Grande State Park is one of nine World Birding Center sites and also one of 22 staffed nature centers located in the four counties of the Rio Grande Valley.
Javier has previously served in roles ranging from Restoration Ecology Intern/Naturalist to Assistant Superintendent at the National Butterfly Center (private non-profit), the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center (City of Edinburg), and Bentsen - Rio Grande Valley State Park (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department). Javier has worked with several organizations that have a positive impact in his local community including serving as chapter advisor for two Texas Master Naturalist Chapters: Rio Grande Valley Chapter TMN and South Texas Border Chapter TMN; committee member for the Hidalgo County Municipal Planning Organization - Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; steering committee member for Mid-Valley Leadership; member of Texas Children in Nature: Rio Grande Valley; and founding member of the Rio Grande Valley Nature Partnership.
While Javier's current work is in nature site management, he spent much of his college career researching snakes, bats, and toads while pursuing a Bachelor of Science - Biology degree from the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Associate Director at North Cascades Institute
- Associate Director at the North Cascades Institute in Sedro - Woolley, Washington
Jeff is the Associate Director at North Cascades Institute located in northwest Washington State. He was hired as a nine-month seasonal Program Assistant in 1998 and spent the first day of his employment building his own desk. Since then he has had eight different job titles before becoming the Institute's Associate Director in 2012. Jeff oversees the internal operations including programs, finance, human resources and Learning Center operations. Jeff has a Bachelor's degree in environmental education from Western Washington University, a Master's Degree in Science and twenty-five years of experience, including positions at residential centers in Ohio (Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center) and Georgia (Honey Creek Environmental Education Center). He lives in Bellingham, Washington with his wife Janet, daughter Kate and son Will.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Engagement Director at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary in Wilmington, Delaware
In his role as Engagement Director at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE), John Harrod works to help connect diverse audiences to the outdoors and affect positive environmental change.
Prior to joining PDE, John worked in habitat and water quality conservation, community engagement, and environmental leadership for over 20 years. He directed operations and strategy for the Delaware Nature Society's DuPont Environmental Education Center. His leadership additionally extends to helping guide thinking and planning for nonprofit organizations, including the Hudson Center for Community and Environment, Open Lands Conservancy of Chester County, and ANCA. John is a horticulturist and avid student of regenerative agriculture.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Executive Director of ICNC
- President - Elect / Executive Director of Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
John Myers has been executive director of ICNC since May 2013. Working with the organization's board of directors, John leads the strategic planning and growth of the organization ensuring that its vision to create champions of nature is achieved. John believes that Indian Creek Nature Center can and should be a leader in the outdoor field by championing new and innovative initiatives that make substantive change.
He currently is championing two projects. The first is a running a 12,000-square-foot NetZero energy and water facility, one of the most sustainable buildings in the United States which is under certification review by the Living Building Challenge. John led the fundraising and construction of this $8,000,000 project. The second is developing a 200-acre farm focused on regenerative, organic agriculture. Sugar Grove Farm will set the organization as a leader in regenerative agriculture in Iowa.
He has a bachelor's of science degree in business administration and is an Eagle Scout. Prior to joining Indian Creek Nature Center John worked for the Boy Scouts of America, as well as several other nonprofits. John is active in his professional associations and the local community. He was selected to receive the 2016 ANCA Outstanding New Leader Award recognizing his leadership and growth of Indian Creek Nature Center.
John credits ANCA with ICNC's success having utilized a number of their services from peer consults to networking and development at the annual summit.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Retired President & CEO of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes in Cleveland, Ohio
Kay Carlson served as President & CEO of the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, located in Shaker Heights, Ohio, from 2008 until her retirement in June 2023. Founded in 1966 as part of a grassroots effort to prevent construction of a freeway through the Shaker Parklands, the Nature Center is a private, nonprofit organization which now serves over 15,000 students per year with their innovative environmental education programs and hosts over 140,000 visitors per year on its 20 acre site, including 2 trail systems and 5 different habitat types. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit and natural resources management and a passion for the environment, Kay helped to turn around and grow the Nature Center from a $350K deficit situation to a thriving organization with a $1.8M budget and over 30 staff. In 2015-2016, Kay led the organization through a successful year-long celebration of the Center's 50th anniversary, and has recently completed a five-year, $6.2M capital campaign to restore and enhance the Center's outdoor classroom - the collection of trails, habitats and outdoor facilities that serve students and visitors alike.
Kay has a Master's degree in Environmental Management from Duke University and a Bachelor's degree in Human Ecology from Connecticut College. She enjoys sailing, skiing, swimming, walking, yoga and scuba diving. Kay is a native of Cleveland Heights and now resides in Chagrin Falls with her husband, Rick Albaugh.
Kay says of ANCA: "I never would have made it as President & CEO without the amazing learning experiences and support I received through involvement with ANCA. I have been extremely impressed by the caliber of people working for nature centers across the U.S. (and now globally!), and have learned so much from my nature center colleagues, which is why I joined the Board in 2014. I believe that the reason there are so many good leaders working for nature centers is largely due to the targeted professional development provided by ANCA. It is critical to have the national support of a network of seasoned nature center administrators in order to move all nature centers forward."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Secretary / Executive Director at Linda Loring Nature Foundation in Nantucket, Massachusetts
Kitty's nonprofit career has spanned more than three decades on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. She was appointed the first Executive Director of the Maria Mitchell Association, a diverse science center and historic house museum honoring America's first woman astronomer and women's rights advocate; and during her 17-year tenure she led several multi-million-dollar campaigns to renovate and build facilities and endow staff positions. In 2007, she became the first Executive Director of the start-up Linda Loring Nature Foundation which now encompasses more than 275 acres of protected conservation land. The property is a wildlife sanctuary with gentle walking trails through globally rare sandplain grasslands, a robust climate resiliency and rare plant species research program, and an environmental literacy program that empowers our community to develop a sense of place by deepening their connection to the natural world.
She became actively involved in ANCA after attending her first Summit in 2009 at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Since then she has served on numerous committees, presented at Summits, and served on six ANCA Consult teams. She believes that the peer-to-peer learning with her ANCA colleagues has enabled her to develop her leadership skills and strengthen her passion for the nature center and environmental education field.
On Nantucket, Kitty previously served on the boards of the Nantucket Lighthouse School, a pre-K through 5, independent school; the Unitarian Church, Nantucket Community Music Center, and Theatre Workshop of Nantucket. She grew up in Pennsylvania, graduated from Cedar Crest College with a degree in biology, and worked in a microbiology research lab at Penn State's Hershey Medical Center. She has lived on Nantucket since 1987 with her husband, Tom, and their two Siamese cats, Comet and Coral. They maintain a large garden of native plants attractive to a diverse abundance of birds. She is the beloved Nannie to three beautiful grandchildren who love snakes, crickets, roly-poly bugs, birds, and the ocean.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- President / Supervisor of the Water Resources Education Center in Vancouver, Washington
Kristin has more than 25 years of experience leading, creating, implementing, and evaluating educational and interpretive programs, exhibits, and materials for museums, nonprofits, nature centers and government agencies.
Prior to her current role at the City of Vancouver's Water Resources Education Center, she oversaw the Tualatin Hills Nature Center and two recreation centers as part of the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District in Beaverton, Ore. Kristin's previous work includes positions at Project Exploration and the Field Museum in Chicago; the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming; and the Kalamazoo Nature Center in Michigan.
Kristin holds a dual concentration bachelor of science degree in resource ecology management and environmental policy from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She is also trained as a Certified Interpretive Trainer with the National Association for Interpretation.
Kristin lives with her husband Kyle and their dog, Lupine, and spends her spare time hiking, biking, paddle boarding and tending to their native plant garden.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- CEO of Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach, Florida
Veronica Frehm is the CEO of Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park.
With more than 15 years' experience leading nonprofits and innovating environmental education programs, the cornerstone of her leadership is the transformative power of nature. She brings a passion for conservation and a profound belief that everyone can make a positive difference.
Under her leadership, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park leads the state in programming and accessibility. Her work ensures that the Park can continue to provide powerful and inspiring experiences for all. Prior to that, Veronica crafted award-winning environmental education programs in various centers across the country and has taught over 100,000 K-12 students and adults.
In August of 2023, Veronica received the Outstanding New Leader Award from ANCA.
Veronica received her B.A. in English/Film and Media Studies from University of Florida and her M. Ed in Environmental Education from Florida Atlantic University.