NPCA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships & Cause Marketing As
Abbey Robertson Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships & Cause Marketing As the senior manager of corporate partnerships and cause marketing, Abbey strategizes, collaborates with and stewards partners from end to end to create compelling, engaging campaigns in support of NPCA's mission.
Prior to joining NPCA in 2021, Abbey worked for Parks Project as brand manager where she was responsible for helping shape and communicate the brand's vision and mission and worked with its over 40 nonprofit partners and numerous brand partners to support marketing campaigns, digital activations and collaborations. In addition, Abbey was a content producer at the Getty Research Institute from 2018 to 2020 where she worked with museum curators and staff to create compelling content for use on social media and the web.
Now based in Los Angeles, Abbey previously lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico where she received her PhD in English and taught rhetoric and writing for 4 years; she was also a recipient of the Russel J. and Dorothy S. Bilinski Fellowship for top doctoral students.
A native Midwesterner, Abbey's move to the west came with a newfound love of the desert and mountainous landscapes found within it, counting Arches National Park and Glacier National Park as two of her favorites. In her free time, Abbey enjoys long distance backpacking, traveling in her van and rock climbing.
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- General Legal Counsel
Adam Siegel General Counsel As General Counsel, Adam helps manage NPCA's litigation program and provides general legal counsel to the organization.
As General Counsel, Adam helps manage NPCA's litigation program and provides general legal counsel to the organization.
Prior to joining NPCA in 2013, Adam was a senior associate at Hogan Lovells US LLP, served as a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, Environment & Natural Resources Division, Natural Resources Section, and clerked for the Hon. Patricia A. Seitz in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
With more than a decade of experience representing and counseling federal, state, and local governments, corporations, trade associations, and non-profit organizations in complex litigation, administrative proceedings, and regulatory and business matters, Adam brings broad professional experience and strategic insight to his role as General Counsel to help advance and strengthen NPCA's park protection efforts.
Adam is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Cornell Law School, and served as book review editor for the Cornell Law Review. Adam is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia, California, Florida, and New York.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Cultural Resources, Government Affairs Alan
Alan Spears Senior Director of Cultural Resources, Government Affairs Alan joined NPCA in 1999 and is currently the Senior Director of Cultural Resources in the Government Affairs department. He serves as NPCA's resident historian and cultural resources expert. Alan is the only staff person to ever be rescued from a tidal marsh by a Park Police helicopter.
Alan joined NPCA in 1999 and is currently the Senior Director of Cultural Resources in the Government Affairs department. He serves as NPCA's resident historian and cultural resources expert. Alan is the only staff person to ever be rescued from a tidal marsh by a Park Police helicopter.
Alan worked for NPCA's Enhancing Cultural Diversity program managing the National Parks Community Partners program from 1999 to 2003. This initiative was designed to connect national parks in Boston, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco more closely to racially and ethnically diverse constituents. The Community Partners created a ground-breaking youth employment program, a guide to understanding the National Park Service hiring process, and launched a volunteer service initiative in northeast Washington, DC, which ultimately grew into a highly successful friends group. After joining the Government Affairs department Alan gained introduction and passage of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Funding Re-authorization Act of 2008. More recently, as a part of the Government Affairs department, Alan has led, co-led, or supported five successful national monument campaigns including Fort Monroe, Harriet Tubman, Charles Young, and Pullman. Alan is a graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC, and his writing has appeared in the Civil War Times Illustrated and National Parks magazine.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Corporate Partnerships & Cause Marketing As
Alana Garibaldi Manager, Corporate Partnerships & Cause Marketing As the manager of corporate partnerships and cause marketing, Alana connects like-minded companies to NPCA's work, creating collective impact for our parks.
Prior to joining NPCA in 2022, Alana worked for the Aquarium of the Pacific. There, she collaborated closely with dozens of foundation and corporate partners who supported conservation and informal science education initiatives. She especially enjoyed building out new and creative ways for companies to support and amplify the institution's mission.
Born and raised in California, Alana is based in Long Beach naturally has a fondness for several of California's parks. In her spare time she is typically on, in, or around the water. In addition to enjoying the California coast, she often hikes and backpacks in the nearby mountains and deserts.
Alejandro Soto is a graduate student from East Anchorage High School and currently attends the University of Alaska Anchorage where he is majoring in Environment & Society with a concentration in Social Science, and minoring in Political Science.
He has served as a member and leader of the Alaska Geographic Youth Leadership Team, an Arctic Youth Ambassador, and as a Doris Duke Conservation Scholar. Alejandro is making an impact, and his goal is to reach all audiences with the value of getting outside and diversify the field of conservation. All while introducing people to the beautiful outdoors and the caring for our public lands. .
Job Titles:
- Alaska Senior Program Manager Alex Manages NPCA 's Programs to Protect and Enhance the National Parks and Preserves in Alaska.
- Staff Alex Johnson Alaska Senior Program Manager
Staff Alex Johnson Alaska Senior Program Manager Alex manages NPCA's programs to protect and enhance the national parks and preserves in Alaska.
Alex manages NPCA's programs to protect and enhance the national parks and preserves in Alaska.
He is an avid outdoor and wilderness enthusiast who is particularly fond of long-distance human-powered travel including skiing, canoeing, running, and backpacking. His greatest trek to-date was paddling the 1800-mile Yukon River with his now husband, Pete. He is also a writer whose work on the relations between people and the living world has appeared in numerous publications.
Alex is a Wyss Scholar, having earned his MS in environmental studies and Certificate in Natural Resources Conflict Resolution from the University of Montana. He started his conservation career by leading youth conservation crews across the western US and Alaska. Prior to the National Parks Conservation Association, Alex served as Executive Director of the Western Slope Conservation Center in Colorado. He is honored to work with the people of Alaska to protect their homes and homelands that include so many spectacular lands managed by the National Park Service.
Job Titles:
- Programs Coordinator
- Next Generation Advisory Council
Alfonso Orozco is the National Programs Coordinator for the Student Conservation Association. He is originally from Oakland, CA.
He discovered his passion for National Parks during a four night backpacking trip to Yosemite. That experience inspired him to pursue career opportunities in National Parks, leading him to work in Yellowstone NP, Alcatraz NP, Virgin Islands NP, Mt Rainier NP, and Grand Teton NP.
Alfonso is a dedicated outdoor advocate working to decrease barriers to the outdoors. He has done this through his work with Latino Outdoors over the last 3 years as an Ambassador/Coordinator. He holds a dual Master's of Science in ‘Natural Science Education' and ‘Environment and Natural Resources' from the University of Wyoming. In 2016, Alfonso was recognized as a 30 under 30 who is "challenging the status quo and driving the outdoor industry forward" by the Outdoor Industry Association. In the same year, he was also recognized by the North American Association of Environmental Education as a 30 under 30 who is "creating real change in his community through the power of environmental education." Alfonso also currently sits as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Center for Jackson Hole.
Job Titles:
- Alison Zemanski Heis Director, Communications
- Media Personnel Alison Zemanski Heis Director, Communications
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Manager
- Senior Program Manager America Has Spent over a Decade Working in Conservation in the West and Currently Works to Protect Parks from Energy Development.
America Fitzpatrick Senior Program Manager America has spent over a decade working in conservation in the West and currently works to protect parks from energy development.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Communications
- Communications As Senior Vice President of Communications
- Senior Vice President of Communications
Amy Hagovsky Senior Vice President, Communications As Senior Vice President of Communications, Amy Hagovsky leads NPCA's media and outreach efforts including earned media, social media and online advocacy.
As Senior Vice President of Communications, Amy Hagovsky leads NPCA's media and outreach efforts including earned media, social media and online advocacy.
Amy joined the organization in 2014, following a two-week national park road trip. It was then that she saw her first bear in the wild and fell in love with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Her passions have guided her career, which has spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors. Amy served as Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski, Communications Director at Discovery Channel, and most recently as Communications Director at The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Amy earned her Bachelor's Degree from St. Bonaventure University's Russell J. Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is an avid SCUBA diver and has spent many hours underwater swimming with sharks. Above ground, she can be found running the many beautiful trails of Maryland and DC.
Job Titles:
- Next Generation Advisory Council
Andrew Yip is a native of the San Gabriel Valley, a region east of Los Angeles. He joined the United States Army at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged in 2015. He works at Active San Gabriel Valley as a Program Specialist, advocating for safer streets, public transit, and open space. He's also working on finishing his bachelor's degree in Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and a specialized minor in Mobility Justice at Azusa Pacific University.
Andrew first visited the Grand Canyon with family on a bus tour and instantly fell in love with it. While in college, he was able to visit more national parks, which sparked a passion for the local mountains at home. He recognizes that not everyone has the privilege to travel to a national park. Andrew grew up going to local parks like Griffith Park and Whittier Narrows with his family. They were free, accessible, and close to home.
Andrew's interest in local open spaces peaked and he signed up for a local leadership program to learn more. He graduated from the Nature for All Leadership Academy and made multiple trips to Washington D.C. to advocate for a national monument designation for the San Gabriel Mountains. That became a reality in 2014 with President Barack Obama signing the designation. He currently resides in Hacienda Heights, a mere half hour drive from the San Gabriel Mountains, and continues to work on projects that increase access to parks and open space.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Communications
Angela Gonzales Associate Director, Communications Angela joined NPCA in October 2017 and is an Associate Director of Communications. She currently manages outreach and communications for the Government Affairs team and Conservation Programs.
Angela joined NPCA in October 2017 and is an Associate Director of Communications. She currently manages outreach and communications for the Government Affairs team and Conservation Programs.
Angela is a Tennessee native, spending much of her time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She received her B.S. in Communications from the University of Tennessee and her Master's in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University. Angela lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband, Nic and dog, Jango.
Job Titles:
- Member of NPCA 's Next
- Next Generation Advisory Council
Ayomide Sekiteri is a member of NPCA's Next Generation Advisory Council and Mid-Atlantic Regional Council. She is a first-generation Nigerian-American from Baltimore, MD.
Ayomide holds a B.A. in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Global Studies from Hood College in Frederick, MD. Ayomide has interned for the National Park Service at both Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and the National Mall and Memorial Parks. She previously worked for the Student Conservation Association now works for Urban Teachers in Washington, DC. She is a diversity advocate, conservation enthusiast, avid reader and budding artist.
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Director, Wildlife
- Senior Program Director, Wildlife Working
Bart Melton Senior Program Director, Wildlife Working from Washington, D.C., Bart currently leads NPCA's Wildlife Program, focusing on the critical issues facing national park wildlife across the country.
Working from Washington, D.C., Bart currently leads NPCA's Wildlife Program, focusing on the critical issues facing national park wildlife across the country.
He began his career with NPCA in the Southeast Regional Office in 2007 and most recently served as NPCA's Yellowstone program manager and Northern Rockies regional director where he led NPCA's work in North Dakota, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
Bart has expertise on many natural resource policy issues including mountaintop removal coal mining, climate change, energy development on public lands, wildlife policy and other conservation challenges facing the national parks. Prior to joining NPCA, Bart worked on the East and West Coasts organizing outreach to government agencies related to air pollution from the transportation sector. Bart has an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Public Administration with a Graduate Certificate Degree in Not-for-Profit Management from the University of Oregon.
Job Titles:
- Regional Director
- Betsy Buffington Regional Director
Betsy Buffington, a longtime conservation partner and ally, is regional director of the Northern Rockies Regional Office, overseeing our work in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and Idaho.
Betsy is a veteran community organizer with a long history helping organizations and leaders develop their strategic and political power to protect the natural and cultural resources they care about. Over the last 30 years she has lived and worked in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, working on issues such as wolf reintroduction, protection of Idaho's high deserts, creation of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and winter use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. She has worked at the Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, and most recently, Conservation Lands Foundation, where she created and led an integrated training and mentoring program for grassroots leaders and more than 60 small non-profits working to protect and expand the National Conservation Lands.
Having worked with NPCA's Washington, DC, staff for decades, she is thrilled to become part of the dynamic and creative team that so effectively and passionately defends our national parks.
Betsy lives in Bozeman, Montana, and spends as much time as she can outside exploring the Northern Rockies and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Beverley Stanton Online Producer
- Online Producer
Beverley Stanton Online Producer Beverley joined the NPCA staff more than a dozen years ago. She currently helps manage the website.
Beverley joined the NPCA staff more than a dozen years ago. She currently helps manage the website.
Stanton was born in the Bahamas and raised near Walt Disney World. She attended New College of Florida, taught herself HTML, and embarked on a series of day jobs in online advocacy for LGBTQ rights, drug policy reform, and environmental conservation.
She lives in Maryland with her cat. Though not outdoorsy, she loves the national parks and recently completed a series of posters for the See America project.
Job Titles:
- Director, Regional Operations
Brynne Harold Director, Regional Operations Brynne joined the NPCA team in 2008. She is the Director of Regional Operations and works with NPCA's regional and field offices from Seattle, WA.
Cal Goodin Senior Policy Analyst Cal is passionate about ensuring that our national parks tell the stories of all Americans. Somehow, he's managed to work on three separate LGBTQ history walking tours in New York state. Like many of his Northeast colleagues, he resides in Brooklyn with his cats.
Job Titles:
- Cara Capp Everglades Restoration Senior Program Manager
- Everglades Restoration Senior Program Manager
Cara Capp Everglades Restoration Senior Program Manager Cara works to restore and protect natural resources in and around Florida's national parks as the Sun Coast's Everglades Restoration Senior Program Manager.
Cara works to restore and protect natural resources in and around Florida's national parks as the Sun Coast's Everglades Restoration Senior Program Manager.
She also serves as the national co-chair of the Everglades Coalition, an alliance of 58 conservation groups committed to ecosystem restoration. Having lived on Florida's east and west coasts for 15 years, Cara has first-hand experience with many of the state's native ecosystems and a deep affection for its incredible natural resources and national parks. Cara is a double alumna of Florida Atlantic University and loves exploring Florida's wetlands and beaches with her husband and daughter.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Human Resources
Carolyn Curry-Wheat Vice President of Human Resources Carolyn Curry-Wheat joined NPCA in 2008 and is responsible for NPCA's overall administration, coordination, and evaluation of the Human Resources functions.
Cary Dupuy Texas Regional Director As Texas Regional Director for the National Parks Conservation Association, Cary works to engage new advocates for national parks and grow initiatives to support the 18 national park sites in Texas and Oklahoma.
Casey Pola Director, Corporate Partnerships and Cause Marketing As the director of corporate partnerships and cause marketing, Casey identifies, cultivates and stewards corporate partners and prospects through cause marketing and corporate philanthropic efforts.
Job Titles:
- Senior Outreach and Engagement Manager Born and Raised in Utah, Cassidy Comes to NPCA With an Inborn Interest in Parks, Public Lands, and Political - Cultural Conflict.
Cassidy Jones Senior Outreach and Engagement Manager Born and raised in Utah, Cassidy comes to NPCA with an inborn interest in parks, public lands, and political-cultural conflict.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Foundation Relations
Cathleen Gallagher Associate Director of Foundation Relations As Associate Director of Foundation Relations, Cathleen Gallagher writes and manages grants and develops fundraising strategies for NPCA's regional and national programs.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Environmental Policy
Chad Lord Senior Director of Environmental Policy and Climate Change, Government Affairs Chad Lord serves as the Senior Director for NPCA's Waters program. The program focuses on protecting and restoring America's greatest natural treasures--large-scale aquatic ecosystems--surrounding national parks.
Cheryl Swaby Sun Coast Office Coordinator As the Regional Office coordinator, Cheryl supports the regional and national program work and teammates, providing a positive, happy, and productive stronghold for the Sun Coast team.
Job Titles:
- Program Coordinator, Outreach and Engagement As
Chloe Crumley Program Coordinator, Outreach and Engagement As the Program Coordinator for Texas and Oklahoma, Chloe develops community relationships and programs to educate, engage and empower new and diverse advocates for our national parks.
Job Titles:
- Chris Boone Regional Director of Development
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, California Desert Program Chris
Chris Clarke Ruth Hammett Associate Director, California Desert Program Chris joined NPCA in 2017. He works with desert communities to protect national parks, monuments, and other protected places, and the landscapes that surround them.
Chris Watson Campaign Director A Campaign Director in the Southeast region, Chris Watson works on landscape connectivity, beyond boundary protection, future parks/park expansions, urban parks and wildlands, and Native American cultural connectedness to the parks.
Job Titles:
- Campaign Director a Campaign Director
Read more about Campaign Director Staff Chris Watson Campaign Director A Campaign Director in the Southeast region, Chris Watson works on landscape connectivity, beyond boundary protection, future parks/park expansions, urban parks and wildlands, and Native American cultural connectedness to the parks.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Conservation Programs Christa
Christa Cherava Senior Manager of Conservation Programs Christa joined NPCA as a Government Affairs Department intern to gain exposure to natural resource policy. Today she is part of the Conservation Programs Department where she focuses on water issues-including coastal resiliency, sustainability, and also supports their Science Team.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director, Government Affairs
Christina Hazard Legislative Director, Government Affairs Christina Hazard joined NPCA in 2006 and is the Legislative Director for the Government Affairs team.
Job Titles:
- Campaign Director, Midwest Region Chris Is the Region's Associate Director in NPCA 's Minnesota Field Office in Minneapolis.
Chris is the region's Associate Director in NPCA's Minnesota Field Office in Minneapolis.
Colin Deverell Senior Program Manager, Northwest Region Colin is the Senior Program Manager of the Northwest Regional Office in Seattle, Washington.
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Manager of the Northwest Regional Office in Seattle
- Senior Program Manager, Northwest Region Colin
- Staff Colin Deverell Program Manager
Colin Deverell Senior Program Manager, Northwest Region Colin is the Senior Program Manager of the Northwest Regional Office in Seattle, Washington.
Cory MacNulty Associate Director, Southwest Region Cory's focus as associate director in the Southwest region is primarily on issues concerning the national parks in Utah.
Daniel Hart Director of Clean Energy and Climate Resiliency Policy As the Director of Clean Energy and Climate Resiliency Policy for the Government Affairs team, Daniel advocates for a clean energy transition on public lands and waters as well as climate policies to help protect and preserve parks.
Daniel Orozco Senior Manager, Clean Air and Climate Daniel's interest in the protection of the environment started during his undergraduate research studying the impact of agricultural fires and industrial emissions on air quality and human health.
Job Titles:
- Nominated for Director of the National Park Service
Job Titles:
- Diane Gerrish Regional Director of Development
Don Barger Senior Advisor Don founded the Southeast Regional Office in 1992, and currently serves as an advisor - visiting, loving, and fighting to protect the special parks of this region.
Job Titles:
- TRUSTEE
- Staff Don Barger Senior Advisor
Job Titles:
- Southeast Associate Director
Read more about Southeast Associate Director and NPS Diversity Liaison Staff Eboni Preston Goddard Southeast Associate Director and NPS Diversity Liaison Led by a call to action, Eboni is a management professional with a background in non-profit administration, program operations, partnerships, and workforce development.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director
- Senior Regional Director
Elizabeth Fayad Legal Department Counsel Libby has been with NPCA for over 30 years. She started as a lobbyist and gradually transitioned to Counsel as NPCA's Litigation Program became bigger and more complex. She has been General Counsel for more than 7 years.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Vice President of Budget & Appropriations, Government Affairs As
Emily Douce Deputy Vice President of Budget & Appropriations, Government Affairs As the Director of Budget & Appropriations for the Government Affairs team, Emily Douce researches and advocates for additional funding for the national parks, both through appropriations and supplementary sources.
Job Titles:
- Southeast Regional Director
Emily Jones Southeast Regional Director Emily's work as Southeast Regional Director revolves around building momentum within local communities and garnering congressional support to ensure our national parks become a national priority.
Emily Knickerbocker Senior Coordinator, Foundation Relations A 2019 graduate of the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Animal and Biological Sciences, Emily brings a strong passion for wildlife and science to our cause, and has already proven to be strong communicator, coordinator and committed team player.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Associate Director of the Texas and Oklahoma Regional Office
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Southwest Region Erika
Erika Pollard Associate Director, Southwest Region Erika is a Senior Program Manager in the Southwest region. She focuses primarily on issues concerning the national parks in Utah.
Job Titles:
- Ernie Atencio Southwest Regional Director
- Staff Ernie Atencio Southwest Regional Director
Ernie Atencio Southwest Regional Director Ernie Atencio fell in love with parks and wild places at a young age and has spent most of his career working in and for those places.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager, Northwest Region
- Program Manager, Northwest Region Joining
Graham Taylor Program Manager, Northwest Region Joining the Northwest Regional Office in the summer of 2015, Graham stays busy connecting people to parks in his role as Field Representative.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Regional Director
- Manager of Outreach
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Travel Program Jared Dial
Jared Dial Associate Director, Travel Program Jared Dial is the Travel Program Associate Director for NPCA, offering immersive small group travel opportunities and educational adventures to members in national parks across the country. Jared also oversees NPCA's partnership and participation in both Climate Ride and Climate Hike.
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Manager With
Read more about Southern Appalachian Director, Southeast Staff Jeffrey Hunter Southern Appalachian Director, Southeast Jeff Hunter is a senior program manager with National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) in Asheville, NC where he works on issues related to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Donor Relations As Associate Director of Donor Relations, Jeff Helps Curate NPCA 's Donor Experience.
Jeffrey Hunter Southern Appalachian Director, Southeast Jeff Hunter is a senior program manager with National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) in Asheville, NC where he works on issues related to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
Job Titles:
- Alaska Program Manager Jen Works Out of the Anchorage, Alaska Office. before Joining NPCA Jen Worked As a Park Ranger in Several Areas in Utah and Alaska.
- Staff Jen Christopherson Alaska Program Manager
Staff Jen Christopherson Alaska Program Manager Jen works out of the Anchorage, Alaska office. Before joining NPCA Jen worked as a park ranger in several areas in Utah and Alaska.
Job Titles:
- Managing Editor of Online Communications Jennifer Co - Produces NPCA 's Podcast, the Secret Lives of Parks, and Writes, Edits and Moderates Online Content.
Read more about Parks in the Arctic Blog Post Parks in the Arctic Feb 2022 | By Jennifer Errick Alaska is home to nearly two-thirds of the land in the entire National Park System - some 54 million acres in all. But only four U.S. national park sites lie entirely north of the Arctic Circle.
Read more about Spooky, Beautiful Photos of Abandoned Park Towns Blog Post Spooky, Beautiful Photos of Abandoned Park Towns Oct 2020 | By Jennifer Errick National parks preserve landscapes with centuries of history. Sometimes beauty is in the remnants of what is no longer there.
Jim Adams Senior Regional Director A 25-year resident Anchorage, Jim is the Senior Regional Director of the Alaska office, where he works with his colleagues to protect Alaska's stunning and ecologically-intact national parklands.
Job Titles:
- Jimi Shaughnessy Veterans Program Manager
Jimi Shaughnessy Veterans Program Manager Jimi is a Marine that works in the conservation space, first in the field and most recently improving programs to accommodate service and recreation opportunities for veterans and friends in local and national parks.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Vice President of Regional Operations
John Adornato Deputy Vice President of Regional Operations John joined NPCA in February 2002 in the Sun Coast Region and in 2018 became the Deputy Vice President of Regional Operations out of DC. In this role, he helps manage NPCA's regional programs, which encompass over 55 staff in eleven regions across the country.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Budget & Appropriations, Government Affairs John Garder
John Garder Senior Director of Budget & Appropriations, Government Affairs John Garder is Senior Director of Budget & Appropriations at NPCA. He is a budget analyst and researcher who advocates for more adequate funding for national parks to diverse audiences, including Congress, the White House, and the Department of the Interior.
Job Titles:
- Joshua Jenkins Civil Rights Era Fellow
- Staff Joshua Jenkins Civil Rights Era Fellow
Staff Joshua Jenkins Civil Rights Era Fellow Joshua Jenkins is coming from our NPCA Northwest office to join the Southeast team and will be based in Birmingham, working in Alabama and Mississippi. He'll be supporting new park campaigns and heritage areas, building deeper connections focusing on the links between parks and community needs/desires.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Foundation Relations
Julie Hogan Senior Director, Foundation Relations Julie Hogan began her career at NPCA in the fall of 2015 as a senior gifts officer in the development department. Currently, she is the Director of Foundation Relations.
Karen Hevel-Mingo Director, Sustainability and Climate Change Karen works to educate about impacts to parks and communities. Her goal is to empower people from diverse backgrounds to improve the resiliency of our national parks in the face of a changing climate.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Research & Prospect Management Kari Has over 20 Years Experience in the Prospect Research Field and Has Led the NPCA Prospect Research Team since July, 2012.
Kari Tobaygo Associate Director, Research & Prospect Management Kari has over 20 years experience in the prospect research field and has led the NPCA Prospect Research team since July, 2012.
Katherine DeGroff Associate Editor Katherine works out of the Washington, D.C., office as associate editor of National Parks magazine. Before joining NPCA, Katherine monitored easements at land trusts in Virginia and New Mexico, encouraged bear-aware behavior at Grand Teton National Park, and served as a naturalist for a small environmental education organization in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.
Job Titles:
- Kati Schmidt Director, Communications
Katie Taylor Former Senior Communications Specialist, Media and Outreach Katie works on a variety of NPCA's issue areas to increase media coverage and understanding around our national parks and their preservation. They enjoy working on environmental justice issues, particularly climate change and expanding cultural and heritage national park sites across the U.S.
Job Titles:
- Communications Manager
- Members
is the Great Lakes Senior Program Manager in NPCA's Michigan Field Office in Suttons Bay. Kira leads NPCA's work to protect and enhance the parks of the Great Lakes Region, including Sleeping Bear Dunes, Isle Royale, and Pictured Rocks.
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Coordinator
Kelsie Huyser Senior Program Coordinator Kelsie manages the Yellowstone Pronghorn Antelope connectivity program from the Yellowstone Field Office, protecting and restoring habitat and migration corridors through community engagement and on the ground fence modifications to facilitate pronghorn migration beyond park boundaries.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Vice President of Development Kim Joined NPCA in 2014, Merging Her Love of National Parks With Her Expertise in Leadership and Fundraising.
Job Titles:
- Kira Davis Great Lakes Senior Program Manager
is the Great Lakes Senior Program Manager in NPCA's Michigan Field Office in Suttons Bay. Kira leads NPCA's work to protect and enhance the parks of the Great Lakes Region, including Sleeping Bear Dunes, Isle Royale, and Pictured Rocks.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Government Affairs As
Kristen Brengel Senior Vice President of Government Affairs As the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Kristen Brengel leads staff on public lands conservation, natural and cultural resource issues, and park funding. Kristen is responsible for implementing our legislative strategies and working with the administration.
Job Titles:
- Senior Communications Manager
- Media Personnel Kyle Groetzinger Senior Communications Manager Manager
Kyle Groetzinger Senior Communications Manager Manager Kyle Groetzinger joined NPCA in June 2019 and is Senior Communications Manager for the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Sun Coast, and Texas regions, as well as NPCA's national cultural resources and future parks teams.
Kyle Hart Mid Atlantic Program Manager Kyle Hart joined NPCA in February 2020 as the Mid-Atlantic Field Representative.
Job Titles:
- Atlantic Program Manager Kyle Hart Joined NPCA in February 2020 As the Mid - Atlantic Field Representative
Lynn McClure Senior Regional Director Lynn came to NPCA in 2007 to launch the Midwest office in Chicago. As the Regional Director, she leads protection of more than 50 national parks in NPCA's largest region.
Job Titles:
- Director of Outreach & Engagement As
Larissa Walker Director of Outreach & Engagement As the Director of Outreach and Engagement, Larissa works to advance NPCA's goal of engaging large and diverse communities to build a strong base of national park advocates. She works closely with NPCA's regional staff across the country on advocacy efforts and oversees NPCA's veterans program and the Next Generation Advisory Council.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Membership
Laura Connors Senior Vice President of Membership Since 1998, Laura has worked to connect NPCA's members with the wonders of our national parks, and the challenges that threaten these special places.
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Manager
- Northeast Senior Program Manager
Lauren Cosgrove Northeast Senior Program Manager Having grown up in New England as a Brooklyn native, Lauren currently serves as a Senior Program Manager for NPCA's Northeast Region. Since Lauren started with NPCA in 2014, she has worked to bolster nation-wide park funding, restore natural, historical and cultural resources and build a movement for community-led stewardship and advocacy for Northeast national parks.
Job Titles:
- Communications Manager
- Senior Communications Manager
- Media Personnel Liam Kelly Senior Communications Manager
Liam Kelly Senior Communications Manager Liam is the communications manager for NPCA's national energy program as well as the organization's southwest, northwest and Pacific regions.
Lynn McClure Senior Regional Director Lynn came to NPCA in 2007 to launch the Midwest office in Chicago. As the Regional Director, she leads protection of more than 50 national parks in NPCA's largest region.
Job Titles:
- Madeleine Starkey Director, Executive
Mark Mesle Senior Outreach Coordinator for the Midwest Region Mark Mesle is the Senior Outreach Coordinator in NPCA's Chicago office. Mark works with community groups and local officials to build support for parks throughout the region.
Mark Rose Sierra Nevada Program Manager As Program Manager for the Pacific Region's Sierra Nevada office, Mark provides support for NPCA's conservation efforts in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, as well as in the surrounding Central Valley and Sierra Foothill Communities.
Job Titles:
- Senior Outreach Coordinator for the Midwest Region Mark Mesle
Mark Mesle Senior Outreach Coordinator for the Midwest Region Mark Mesle is the Senior Outreach Coordinator in NPCA's Chicago office. Mark works with community groups and local officials to build support for parks throughout the region.
Mark Rose Sierra Nevada Program Manager As Program Manager for the Pacific Region's Sierra Nevada office, Mark provides support for NPCA's conservation efforts in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks, as well as in the surrounding Central Valley and Sierra Foothill Communities.
Job Titles:
- Senior Managing Director of Development
Mary Murtala Senior Managing Director of Development Operations Mary Murtala joined NPCA in 2016. In her role as Senior Managing Director of Development Operations, her work is focused on strategy, leadership, and coordination of the administrative operations of the Development Department.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Development
Mary O'Connor Senior Vice President of Development As Senior Vice President of Development, Mary leads NPCA's strategic vision to grow and achieve our mission of protecting and advocating for national parks, connecting our work to audiences and empowering individuals to reach their own philanthropic goals.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Energy and Landscape
Matthew Kirby Senior Director, Energy and Landscape Conservation Matt has spent the last decade running campaigns to protect the public lands he loves. Currently he oversees NPCA's work to protect parks and the landscapes that surround them from energy development.
Job Titles:
- Regional Director, Sun Coast As
Melissa Abdo, Ph.D. Regional Director, Sun Coast As Regional Director overseeing national park & preserve protection efforts from Louisiana and Florida to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Melissa leads NPCA's work across the Sun Coast.
Job Titles:
- Continent Campaign Director
Michael Jamison Crown of the Continent Campaign Director Michael joined NPCA's Glacier Field Office in September 2010. As Campaign Director for NPCA's Crown of the Continent initiative, Michael continues to expand his efforts to promote the narrative of the Crown and of the people who call it home
Job Titles:
- Senior Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Michaela Pavlat Senior Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Michaela Pavlat is the Senior Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Region. She is a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
Natalie Levine Climate and Conservation Program Manager. Natalie works on a variety of issues including landscape conservation and protection, air quality and visibility, and wildlife protection, with a focus on western states.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director
- Senior Director of Field Operations
Neal Desai Senior Director of Field Operations Neal joined NPCA's Pacific office in 2004, and is now the Senior Director of Field Operations for this region.
Nicholas Moy Conservation Science Program Manager Nicholas Moy is the Conservation Science Program Manager of the National Parks Conservation Association. He joined NPCA in 2019 and is dedicated to using GIS and science communication techniques to advance biodiversity conservation and land protection.
Nwadiogo Quartey-Ngwube Senior Online Advocacy Manager Nwadiogo uses digital tools to cultivate, engage and empower park advocates to create the environments they deserve.
Nicolas Brulliard Senior Editor Nicolas is a journalist and former geologist who joined NPCA in November 2015. He writes and edits online content for NPCA and serves as senior editor of National Parks magazine.
Nicole Spooner Senior Coordinator Nicole officially joined NPCA in June 2016 as the Senior Coordinator for the Pacific office. She manages and implements the administrative needs of the region's staff and assists with specific program functions.
Job Titles:
- Nicholas Moy Conservation Science Program Manager
Nicole Spooner Senior Coordinator Nicole officially joined NPCA in June 2016 as the Senior Coordinator for the Pacific office. She manages and implements the administrative needs of the region's staff and assists with specific program functions.
Job Titles:
- Senior Mid - Atlantic Program Director
- Senior Program Director of the Mid - Atlantic Region
Pamela Goddard Senior Mid-Atlantic Program Director Pamela Goddard is the Senior Program Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the National Parks Conservation Association. She works with local, state, and federal stakeholders to restore and protect the 78 national parks, five national trails, and nine national heritage areas in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Job Titles:
- Pamela Kemper Senior Coordinator, Government Affairs
- Senior Coordinator, Government Affairs Pam Kemper
Pamela Kemper Senior Coordinator, Government Affairs Pam Kemper joined the Government Affairs team at NPCA as Senior Coordinator in a temporary capacity in March 2014. After "test driving" the position she stepped into the role as a full-time employee.
Job Titles:
- Pat Todd Volgenau Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Fellow
Pat Todd Volgenau Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Fellow Pat Todd works to restore historic pronghorn migration corridors and establish meaningful relationships with community members in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) alongside the Yellowstone Field Office team.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Conservation Programs Priya Nanjappa
Priya Nanjappa Vice President of Conservation Programs Priya Nanjappa has had a long history with National Parks, starting with her immigrant father who drove all around the country sightseeing while in graduate school. His love of scenic beauty was conveyed to Priya and her brother, driving them all around the country when they were kids so they could also see these same parks. This was part of the inspiration for Priya's career. She comes to NPCA with over 20 years of conservation science and policy experience.
Job Titles:
- Associate General Counsel
Rachel Kenigsberg Associate General Counsel In her role as Associate General Counsel, Rachel manages litigation on behalf of NPCA to support and protect national parks and also provides general legal counsel to the organization.
Rachel Mentzer Director of Events Rachel Mentzer joined NPCA in 2015 and serves as the organization's Director of Special Events. Based in the headquarters office in Washington, D.C., Rachel focuses on creating and implementing an overall vision for NPCA's largest events, including Salute to the Parks and New York Gala.
Rob Smith Regional Director Rob serves as the Regional Director of NPCA's Northwest Regional Office in Seattle, Washington. Rob's environmental work has included work on land and wildlife protection, climate change, and air quality through lobbying officials and organizing local support for conservation measures.
Robin Martin McKenna Chief Operating Officer Robin Martin McKenna joined NPCA in 2000 and is currently Chief Operating Officer. Previously Robin was Vice President of Regional Operations, overseeing NPCA's field program for two years and served as Deputy for the department for eight years prior to that.
Job Titles:
- Senior Stewardship Coordinator
Royer Leon Lopez Senior Stewardship Coordinator As Senior Stewardship Coordinator, Royer aids in the curation and execution of engagement and experiences for NPCA donors. Royer actively works to curate the donor experience to provide a "best-in-class" donor experience for NPCA donors.
Ryan Valdez, Ph.D. Director, Conservation Science & Policy Ryan Valdez serves as Director of Conservation Science for National Parks Conservation Association. As a member of the Conservation Programs team, he facilitates the application of multidisciplinary science to help protect US national parks.
Sally Garcia Outreach Manager As our Los Angeles Outreach Manager, Sally will connect underrepresented communities to our public lands and building a cadre of national park advocates reflective of Los Angeles's, and the nation's, diverse and changing demographics.
Job Titles:
- Samantha Nygaard West Virginia Program Manager
Samantha Nygaard West Virginia Program Manager Samantha Nygaard serves as the West Virginia Program Manager, part of the Mid-Atlantic regional team. Through this role Sam is dedicated to advocating and preserving the Mountain State's parks and public lands, including America's newest national park, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
Job Titles:
- Sarah Gaines Barmeyer Deputy Vice President
Sarah Gaines Barmeyer Deputy Vice President, Conservation Programs Sarah Barmeyer is senior managing director for NPCA's Conservation Programs where she coordinates priority initiatives for water restoration, landscape conservation, wildlife, and clean air.
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Development
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Foundation Relations
Shanya Purushothaman Associate Director of Foundation Relations Shanya joined NPCA in May 2019. As Associate Director of Foundation Relations, Shanya focuses on implementing development strategy, grant writing and deepening donor relationships to support our wonderful national parks.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager Sharon Joined NPCA 's Mid - Atlantic Team in 2017.
Stephanie Adams Associate Director, Northern Rockies Region Stephanie joined NPCA in the summer of 2013 as the Yellowstone Wildlife Fellow and is now Associate Director for NPCA's Wildlife Program.
Sharon Mader Senior Program Manager Sharon joined NPCA in July 2007. She works as a Senior Program Manager in the Northern Rockies region, advocating for the protection of Grand Teton's outstanding natural and historic resources, and promoting NPCA's national strategic priorities in Wyoming.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager
- Senior Manager of Digital Communications
Alan Spears Senior Director of Cultural Resources, Government Affairs Alan joined NPCA in 1999 and is currently the Senior Director of Cultural Resources in the Government Affairs department. He serves as NPCA's resident historian and cultural resources expert. Alan is the only staff person to ever be rescued from a tidal marsh by a Park Police helicopter.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Northern Rockies Region Stephanie
Stephanie Adams Associate Director, Northern Rockies Region Stephanie joined NPCA in the summer of 2013 as the Yellowstone Wildlife Fellow and is now Associate Director for NPCA's Wildlife Program.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director & Counsel, Clean Air & Climate As
Stephanie Kodish Senior Director & Counsel, Clean Air & Climate As Senior Director and Counsel for Clean Air and Climate Programs Stephanie Kodish leads NPCA's effort to drive solutions towards a healthy climate and clean air for national parks and communities.
Read more about Conservation Biologist Staff Steven Goodman Conservation Biologist As our Volgenau Wildlife Fellow, Steve ably lead our wildlife connectivity field research in the Pigeon River Gorge from 2018-2021 and we're so happy to have him now on the Southeast team permanently.
Job Titles:
- Theresa Pierno President and CEO
Job Titles:
- Tim Moyer Chief Financial Officer
is the Chief Financial Officer of NPCA and has been with the organization since 2010. He is a CPA with more than 28 years of finance and accounting experience. Tim provides strategic and operational leadership for accounting, taxes, risk management and information systems.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager
- Staff Timothy Leonard Outreach & Engagement Program Manager
Staff Timothy Leonard Outreach & Engagement Program Manager Timothy is program manager of NPCA's northeast outreach and engagement initiatives.
Job Titles:
- Senior Managing Director, Digital & Editorial
Todd Christopher Senior Managing Director, Digital & Editorial Strategy Todd guides NPCA's content strategy and leads the team that produces our website, magazine and podcast. He is also the author of The Green Hour: A Daily Dose of Nature for Happier, Healthier, Smarter Kids.
Job Titles:
- Staff Tracy Coppola Colorado Senior Program Manager
- Tracy Coppola Colorado Senior Program Manager
Tracy Coppola Colorado Senior Program Manager Tracy Coppola is based in Denver and serves as the Colorado Senior Program Manager for the Southwest Regional Office. She is proud to have the opportunity to celebrate her state's incredible parks and advocates.
Tracy Kramer Outreach and Engagement Manager Tracy is proud to work for NPCA because "What's good for our national parks is good for the people, the land, our shared history and most importantly - our shared future. Leaving our national treasures unimpaired for future generations is important work and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Job Titles:
- Tucker Johnson Legislative Program Manager
Job Titles:
- Campaign Director, Clean Air Program Ulla
Ulla-Britt Reeves Campaign Director, Clean Air Program Ulla serves as NPCA's Senior Advocacy Manager in the Clean Air Program working across the country to galvanize support to defend and support clean air and climate rules to protect national parks.
Job Titles:
- Social Media Manager As Social Media Manager, Vanessa Advances NPCA's Mission through Creative Storytelling and Engaging the Organization 's Online Community.
Vonda M. Arey Associate Director for Planned Giving Vonda officially joined NPCA in 2016. In her role as Associate Director for Planned Giving, her focus is on building stronger relations with our Mather Legacy Society members, as well as assisting with marketing efforts to promote bequest and charitable gift annuities to our members.
Victory Navajo Citizens Stop Developers from Building an Egregious Resort and Tramway on the Rim of the Grand Canyon Developers have been attempting for years to build a massive 420-acre resort hotel and aerial tramway right on the rim of the Grand Canyon. In February 2018, Western Navajo citizens unanimously opposed allowing this destructive project on their land, effectively ending the threat to this landmark national park and its deeply significant cultural sites.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director for Planned Giving Vonda
Vonda M. Arey Associate Director for Planned Giving Vonda officially joined NPCA in 2016. In her role as Associate Director for Planned Giving, her focus is on building stronger relations with our Mather Legacy Society members, as well as assisting with marketing efforts to promote bequest and charitable gift annuities to our members.
Job Titles:
- Regional Director of Development
- Regional Director of Development As
Staff Wally Long Regional Director of Development As the Regional Director of Development for Alaska, the Northwest, and the Northern Rockies regions, Wally connects National Parks Conservation Association's most generous supporters in these regions with our advocacy and activities to protect our national parks.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Development
Job Titles:
- Junior Gift Officer, Trustees for the Parks As
- Zach Ragbourn Senior Director, Digital Communications
Zach Kirby Junior Gift Officer, Trustees for the Parks As Junior Gift Officer, Trustees for the Parks, Zach Kirby connects NPCA supporters with our work in their regions and across the county.
Zach Ragbourn Senior Director, Digital Communications Zach leads NPCA's work in social media and digital advocacy, developing messaging and coordinating between all of NPCA's federal and regional campaign priorities.