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  • Theresa Pierno President and CEO Theresa Pierno is President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association. She joined NPCA in 2004 after a distinguished career in public service and natural resource protection, and has helped to solidify the organization's role as the voice of America's national parks.
  • 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.
  • Tim Moyer Chief Financial Officer Tim Moyer 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.
  • Adam Siegel General Counsel As General Counsel, Adam leads NPCA’s in-house legal department, manages NPCA’s litigation program, and provides general legal counsel to the organization.
  • 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.
  • David Lamfrom Vice President of Regional Programs David, the Vice President of Regional Programs, uses his passion and knowledge of our natural, cultural and historical resources to inspire others to learn about and protect our national parks.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Abbey Robertson Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships 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.
  • 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.
  • Alana Garibaldi Manager, Strategic Partnerships As the manager of corporate partnerships and cause marketing, Alana connects like-minded companies to NPCA’s work, creating collective impact for our parks.
  • Alana Weinroth Director of Development Alana joins with a decade in successful fundraising, communications, and event management on both the national and local level. Prior to joining the team at NPCA, Alana served as Director of Development and Communications at Covenant House California, where she helped create strategic plans to grow and expand the organization, build a dynamic team, and create meaningful, lasting donor relationships.
  • Alex Johnson Campaign Director, Arctic and Interior Alaska Alex directs NPCA’s programs to protect and enhance the national parks and preserves in Alaska.
  • Alexander Kelly Associate General Counsel, Contracts & Compliance In his role as Associate General Counsel - Contracts & Compliance, Alex manages contracts and partnerships, compliance-related issues, and provides general legal counsel to NPCA.
  • Alexandra Utts Senior Administrative Coordinator, Pacific Region Alexandra joined NPCA in 2023. As Senior Administrative Coordinator, she manages the administrative functions of the Pacific Region. Alexandra has always had a great love for nature and visiting national parks.
  • Alison Zemanski Heis Director, Communications Alison Heis joined the organization in 2010 and oversees media outreach and communications for the East Coast, Midwest, and NPCA’s national water initiatives. She leads communication outreach focused on strengthening NPCA’s brand and our emerging celebrity engagement efforts.
  • Amy Tian Geospatial Science Fellow, Conservation Programs Amy is a cartographer and science communications specialist who transforms data into engaging environmental stories. As NPCA's Geospatial Science Fellow, she uses cartography, scientific illustrations, data visualization, and infographics to communicate conservation science that empowers national parks advocacy.
  • Andrew Fung Yip Senior Veterans Fellow Andrew Yip is from 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 worked at Active San Gabriel Valley as a Program Specialist, advocating for safer streets, public transit, and open space. He's also currently serving as an alternate board member for the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Beau Kiklis Senior Program Manager, Energy & Landscape Conservation Beau manages campaigns to advance NPCA's public lands conservation priorities by ensuring energy projects are sited appropriately and the landscapes surrounding national parks are managed for conservation.
  • 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.
  • Beverley Stanton Online Producer Beverley joined the NPCA staff more than 15 years ago. She currently helps manage the website.
  • Brynne Harold Senior Director, Regional Operations Brynne joined the NPCA team in 2008. She is the Senior Director of Regional Operations and works with NPCA's regional and field offices from Seattle, WA.
  • Caitlin Miller Associate General Counsel, Clean Air and Climate In her role as Associate General Counsel, Caitlin manages litigation on behalf of NPCA to and provides general legal counsel services to the organization related to air pollution and climate issues that negatively impact national parks and surrounding communities.
  • Caitlyn Burford Communications Manager Caitlyn Burford joined NPCA in 2023 as a communications manager representing the Northwest, Southwest, and Pacific regions, along with NPCA’s work on national energy policy.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships & Marketing As the senior director of corporate partnerships and cause marketing, Casey identifies, cultivates and stewards corporate partners and prospects through cause marketing and corporate philanthropic efforts.
  • Cassidy Jones Senior Visitation Program Manager Born and raised in Utah, Cassidy comes to NPCA with an inborn interest in parks, public lands, and political-cultural conflict.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Cheryl Swaby Sun Coast Senior Coordinator As the Senior Coordinator, Cheryl oversees administrative functions of the Sun Coast office, and supports the regional and national program efforts while embodying a positive and productive character as part of the Sun Coast team.
  • 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.
  • Charlie Olsen Climate Policy Manager As the Climate Policy Manager for the Government Affairs team, Charlie advocates for a clean energy transition on public lands and waters as well as policies to help protect and preserve parks.
  • 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.
  • Christine R. Goepfert Campaign Director, Midwest Region Chris is the region’s Associate Director in NPCA's Minnesota Field Office in Minneapolis.
  • Chyla Anderson Online Engagement Manager As Online Engagement Manager, Chyla works to engage park supporters at every stage of their journey, empowering them to form long-lasting relationships with our parks.
  • Christina Hazard Legislative Director, Government Affairs Christina Hazard joined NPCA in 2006 and is the Legislative Director for the Government Affairs team.
  • Cory MacNulty Campaign Director, Southwest Region Cory’s focus as campaign director in the Southwest region is primarily on issues concerning the national parks in Utah.
  • Colin Deverell Senior Program Manager, Northwest Region Colin is the Senior Program Manager of the Northwest Regional Office in Seattle, Washington.
  • Cristóbal López Texas Field Representative Cristóbal López joined NPCA in 2023 as a Texas Field Representative. Cristóbal earned his M.A. in History from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2022 and his B.A. in History from Tarleton State University in 2019. He wrote this M.A. thesis on the history of Mexican immigration and labor from 1930-1980. His area of focus includes the U.S. Southwest Borderlands and Mexican immigration. Since finishing his M.A., he has served as an advocate for public history and cultural resource management.
  • Crystal Davis Senior Regional Director, Midwest Crystal M.C. Davis is a visionary executive leader, now serving as the Senior Midwest Regional Director for the National Parks Conservation Association. With a rich history in executive leadership, her career is marked by influential positions in both Ohio and Washington D.C., spotlighting her profound expertise in government affairs, public policy, and strategic relationship management.
  • Diane Gerrish Regional Director of Development Diane Gerrish serves as the Regional Director of Development for the Midwest. Diane connects National Parks Conservation Association's most generous Midwest-based supporters with our advocacy and activities to protect our national parks.
  • Dennis Arguelles Southern California Director Dennis, Los Angeles Program Manager, works on park protection and expansion efforts as well as engaging diverse and underserved communities not traditionally connected to the national 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.
  • 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.
  • Daina Bouquin Data Operations and Research Manager Daina's work focuses on strengthening data analytics, while building systems that improve data consistency and accuracy at the NPCA. She also supports research for advancement.
  • Dana Krissoff Associate Art Director Dana joined NPCA in 2021 as Associate Art Director, with the objective of aligning NPCA’s visual brand identity to the mission and core values.
  • 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.
  • Edward Stierli Senior Regional Director Ed serves as Senior Director in the Mid-Atlantic region, overseeing NPCA’s activities in five states and the District of Columbia.
  • Emily Douce Deputy Vice President, Government Affairs As the Deputy Vice President for Government Affairs, Emily Douce helps manage the department and advocates for additional funding for national parks, both through appropriations and supplementary sources.
  • 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.
  • Eboni Preston Goddard, PhD Acting Southeast Regional Director & NPS Diversity Lead Led by a call to action, Eboni is a management professional with a background in non-profit administration, program operations, partnerships, and workforce development.
  • Erika Pelletier Associate Director Erika is the Associate Director of the Texas and Oklahoma Regional Office. Erika works to support the 18 national parks in Texas and Oklahoma and their communities.
  • Emily Wolf New Mexico Program Manager Emily is the New Mexico Program Manager in the Southwest region. With a background in hydrology and outdoor education, she works to advance policies and coordinate our advocacy to protect New Mexico’s parks, communities, and climate.
  • Erika Pollard Campaign Director, Southwest Region Erika is a campaign director in the Southwest region. She focuses primarily on issues concerning the national parks in Utah.
  • 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.
  • 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 Program Manager
  • Heather Vihstadt Associate Director of Trustees for the Parks As Associate Director of the Trustees for the Parks, Heather Vihstadt and her fellow colleagues aim to grow the NPCA family of supporters to help preserve, protect and expand our national parks so they may remain beloved treasures for generations to come.
  • Holly Sandbo Associate Regional Director Holly, the Northern Rockies' Manager of Outreach and Engagement, joined the team in January 2015.
  • Jared Dial Associate Director of National Parks Experiences Jared Dial is the Associate Director of National Parks Experiences 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.
  • Jarrod Fasching Major Gifts Officer Jarrod brings more than a decade of fundraising and philanthropy experience to serve the incredible donors and partners who support NPCA. Having spent years supporting arts education and higher-education institutions, he is thrilled to bring his abilities to advocate for and protect his greatest passion, the national parks and the natural world.
  • Julie Hogan Senior Director, Foundation Relations Julie Hogan began her career at NPCA in the fall of 2015 as a senior manager in the development department. Currently, she is the Senior Director of Foundation Relations.
  • Jen Woolworth 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.
  • Jeff Taylor Associate Director of Donor Relations As Associate Director of Donor Relations, Jeff helps curate NPCA's donor experience.
  • 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.
  • Jeana Lim Coordinator of National Parks Experiences As Coordinator of National Parks Experiences for NPCA’s Travel Program, Jeana helps to facilitate immersive, small group educational and travel adventures for NPCA members in national parks across the country.
  • Jeffrey Hunter Southern Appalachian Director, Southeast Jeff Hunter is the Southern Appalachian Director 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.
  • Jennifer Errick Managing Editor of Online Communications Jennifer co-produces NPCA's award-winning podcast, The Secret Lives of Parks, writes and edits a wide variety of online content, and manages NPCA's style guide.
  • 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.
  • Joshua Jenkins Mississippi and Alabama Field Representative Joshua Jenkins is based in Birmingham, working in Alabama and Mississippi. He is supporting new park campaigns and heritage areas, building deeper connections focusing on the links between parks and community needs/desires.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Kati Schmidt Director, Communications Kati Schmidt is based in Oakland, CA, and leads media outreach and communications for the Pacific, Northwest, Northern Rockies, Alaska, and Southwest regions, along with NPCA's national wildlife initiatives.
  • Katherine DeGroff Associate and Online Editor Katherine is the 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.
  • 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.
  • Kira Davis Great Lakes Senior Program Manager Kira Davis 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.
  • Kim Rowsome Deputy Vice President of Development Kim joined NPCA in 2014, merging her love of national parks with her expertise in leadership and fundraising.
  • Kelly Burton Associate Director of Advancement Communications As Associate Director of Advancement Communications, Kelly creates materials that showcase NPCA's work and accomplishments to donors, members and supporters.
  • Kristen Sykes Northeast Regional Director Kristen is the Northeast Regional Director where she oversees NPCA's work in New Jersey, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont and leads advocacy campaigns to benefit the forty-nine national park sites in the region.
  • Krista Vaisman Director of Major Gifts Krista brings over a decade of successful fundraising and philanthropy experience to serve the incredible donors and partners who support NPCA.
  • Kristin Gladd Deputy General Counsel In her role as Deputy General Counsel, Kristin manages litigation on behalf of NPCA to support and protect national parks, as well as provides general legal counsel services to the organization.
  • Kyle Groetzinger Associate Director, Communications Kyle Groetzinger joined NPCA in June 2019 and serves as Associate Director of Communications. He leads communications strategy and media outreach efforts for the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Sun Coast, and Texas regions, along with the organization’s 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.
  • Larissa Walker Director of Outreach & Engagement As the Director of Outreach and Engagement, Larissa helps to lead the organization's efforts to deepen our work with communities and partners across the country as we focus on building a more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive park advocacy community. Larissa works closely with NPCA's regional staff to engage younger audiences in national park advocacy as well as support our growing Veterans Program.
  • Laura Atchison Senior Director of Board Relations Laura Atchison has been with NPCA since 2005 and is currently Senior Director of Board Relations.
  • Lam Ho Senior Climate Communications Manager Serving as NPCA’s Senior Climate Communications Manager, Lam calls attention to the effects of climate change on public lands with an emphasis on air quality and environmental justice.
  • Laura Navar (She/Her/Ella) Senior Manager, Outreach & Engagement I am an immigrant woman, proud to be Oaxacan. My single mother taught me to be independent and to forge my own path. My family is full of food lovers, nature respecting, hardworking people.
  • Linda Coutant Staff Writer As staff writer on the Communications team, Linda Coutant manages the Park Advocate blog and coordinates the monthly Park Notes e-newsletter distributed to NPCA’s members and supporters.
  • Lauren Cosgrove Northeast Campaign Director Having grown up in New England as a Brooklyn native, Lauren currently serves as campaign director 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.
  • Luke Basulto California Desert Program Manager Luke recently joined NPCA in 2022 but has worked in desert conservation for most of his life. As the California Desert Program Manager, Luke works with desert communities and assists in conservation efforts to protect the beautiful and sensitive desert landscape.
  • Marisa Carrozzo Senior Coastal & Wildlife Program Manager Marisa Carrozzo is Senior Coastal & Wildlife Program Manager with NPCA’s Sun Coast Region. As an environmental policy professional with a proven track record in leadership and coalition-building across diverse stakeholder groups, Marisa works collaboratively to protect and enhance the treasured coastal and wildlife resources within and linked to the 21 national park units within the Sun Coast.
  • Marcelo Balladares Everglades Engagement Fellow Marcelo Balladares is a Miami native and has long been passionate about preserving our environment. As a fellow with the NPCA, he works to help the Suncoast Regional Office team protect and restore Everglades National Park and the surrounding waters and ecosystems to their desired state.
  • Madeleine Starkey Director, Executive Madeleine Starkey is the Senior Executive Assistant to NPCA's President and CEO.
  • Mark Mesle Midwest Field Representative Mark Mesle is the Midwest Field Representative 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.
  • Michaela Pavlat Indigenous Partnerships Field Representative Michaela Pavlat is the Indigenous Partnerships Field Representative for the Mid-Atlantic Region. She is a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
  • Melissa Abdo, Ph.D. Regional Director, Sun Coast Melissa brings over 20 years of leadership experience to her role as the Sun Coast Regional Director of NPCA.
  • Mary Chandler Blankenship Foundation Relations Coordinator Mary Chandler joined NPCA in November 2023 after working previously for The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital and the American Hiking Society.
  • 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.
  • Megan Conn Foundation Relations Manager As Foundation Relations Manager, Megan helps create and manage a successful foundation fundraising program on behalf of NPCA’s national and regional programs.
  • 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.
  • Natalie Gupta Planned Giving Officer Before joining NPCA, Natalie spent the majority of her career in client-facing roles, and defines herself as a true "people person."
  • Nik Moy Senior Program Manager, Conservation Science & Policy Nik is a landscape conservation and science communications expert who directs the organization's databases, cartography, and geographic information systems to best empower the connection of science and advocacy. Additionally, he leads geospatial science for NPCA's priority national park landscapes work.
  • Nwadiogo Oben 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.
  • Natalie Levine Senior Manager, Clean Air and Climate Programs Natalie works on a variety of clean air issues including air quality, visibility, and reducing harmful air emissions.
  • Neal Desai Senior Program Director Neal joined NPCA's Pacific office in 2004, and is now the Senior Program Director for this region.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ryan Valdez, Ph.D. Senior Director, Conservation Science & Policy Ryan Valdez serves as Senior 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.
  • Ron Sundergill Senior Regional Director Ron joined NPCA in 2005. He is the Senior Regional Director for the Pacific office, overseeing the work of the regional office and its four field offices.
  • Renee Reber Mid-Atlantic Climate and Clean Water Program Manager Renee joined NPCA in August 2022. Renee’s work is focus on protecting parks and surrounding communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region from the impacts of the climate crisis, including sea level rise, flooding, and extreme weather events.
  • Rachel Kenigsberg Senior Associate General Counsel In her role as Senior 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 Holmes Director, Special Events & Design Rachel Holmes joined NPCA in 2015 and serves as the organization’s Director of Special Events & Design. 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.
  • Royer Leon Lopez Senior Advancement Coordinator As Senior Advancement 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.
  • Rona Marech Editor-in-Chief Rona Marech is the editor-in-chief of National Parks, NPCA’s award-winning magazine. Formerly a staff writer at the Baltimore Sun and the San Francisco Chronicle, Rona joined NPCA in 2013.
  • Sarah Lundstrum Glacier Program Manager Sarah joined NPCA in 2012 as the Glacier Field Representative in Whitefish, Montana. Her work is focused in and around Glacier National Park with an emphasis on community organizing throughout the Crown of the Continent.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Sarah Gaines Barmeyer Deputy Vice President, Conservation Programs Sarah Barmeyer is Deputy Vice President for NPCA’s Conservation Programs where she coordinates priority initiatives for water restoration, landscape conservation, wildlife, and clean air.
  • Sandra Ramos Texas Coastal Program Manager Sandra Ramos is Texas Coastal Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, working on conservation projects in Big Thicket National Preserve, Padre Island National Seashore and Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park.
  • Sanober Mirza Arizona Program Manager Sanober joined NPCA in September 2023 as the Arizona Program Manager.
  • Sarah Reed Regional Director of Development Sarah joined NPCA in 2017, with 13 years of development experience she serves as the Regional Director of Development for the Texas and Sun Coast Regions.
  • Stephanie Adams Director, Conservation Programs Stephanie joined NPCA in the summer of 2013 as the Yellowstone Wildlife Fellow and is now Director for NPCA's Conservation Programs.
  • Sheila Nguyen Associate Director of Digital Communications As Associate Director of Communications, Sheila Nguyen leads NPCA’s media and outreach efforts across all social media platforms.
  • 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.
  • Tariq Zahran Director of Cultural Resources Tariq brings over ten years of expertise to NPCA, having worked in both the House and Senate, as well as in various NGOs. He joins NPCA as the Director of Cultural Resources in the Government Affairs department.
  • Tim Koenning Hamill Calumet Conservation Senior Coordinator Tim is the Hamill Calumet Conservation Senior Coordinator in NPCA's Midwest office in Chicago. Tim cooperates with NPCA's partners in the Calumet region of Northwest Indiana and Chicago to protect and restore Indiana Dunes National Park, Pullman National Monument, and the natural areas in between.
  • Timothy Leonard Northeast Program Manager Timothy is program manager of NPCA’s northeast outreach and engagement initiatives.
  • 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.
  • Todd Martin Northeast Senior Program Manager As the Northeast Senior Program Manager, Todd works to defend and enhance National Park units from Maine to Delaware. As a lifelong Mainer with more than a decade of grassroots environmental advocacy experience in the Pine Tree state, Todd is thrilled to join NPCA's northeast team.
  • 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.
  • Ulla-Britt Reeves Campaigns Director, Clean Air Program Ulla serves as NPCA’s Campaigns Director 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.
  • Vanessa Pius Senior Manager, Social Media and Engagement As Senior Manager, Social Media and Engagement, Vanessa advances NPCA’s mission through creative storytelling and engaging the organization’s online community.
  • Vanessa Trujillo, Ph.D. Senior Conservation Program Manager, Sun Coast As the Senior Conservation Program Manager, Vanessa oversees the Sun Coast office's conservation programs, supporting regional and national efforts while emphasizing advocacy and partner engagement.
  • Vonda M. Arey Director for Planned Giving Vonda officially joined NPCA in 2016. In her role as 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.
  • West Honeycutt Senior Director of Development and Advancement As Senior Director of Development and Advancement, West Honeycutt leads NPCA's advancement efforts including planned giving, midlevel giving, donor relations, and the Educational Travel Program.
  • Zach Kirby Gift Officer, Trustees for the Parks As Gift Officer, Trustees for the Parks, Zach Kirby connects NPCA supporters with our work in their regions and across the county.
  • Zach Ragbourn Deputy Vice President, 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.
  • Zana Pouncey Outreach and Engagement Manager Zana joined NPCA in 2023 as the Southeast Outreach and Engagement Manager. She works to build relationships that connect communities to park units across the southeast.
  • Alison Zemanski Heis Director, Communications Alison Heis joined the organization in 2010 and oversees media outreach and communications for the East Coast, Midwest, and NPCA’s national water initiatives. She leads communication outreach focused on strengthening NPCA’s brand and our emerging celebrity engagement efforts.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Caitlyn Burford Communications Manager Caitlyn Burford joined NPCA in 2023 as a communications manager representing the Northwest, Southwest, and Pacific regions, along with NPCA’s work on national energy policy.
  • Kati Schmidt Director, Communications Kati Schmidt is based in Oakland, CA, and leads media outreach and communications for the Pacific, Northwest, Northern Rockies, Alaska, and Southwest regions, along with NPCA's national wildlife initiatives.
  • Kyle Groetzinger Associate Director, Communications Kyle Groetzinger joined NPCA in June 2019 and serves as Associate Director of Communications. He leads communications strategy and media outreach efforts for the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Sun Coast, and Texas regions, along with the organization’s cultural resources and future parks teams.
  • Lam Ho Senior Climate Communications Manager Serving as NPCA’s Senior Climate Communications Manager, Lam calls attention to the effects of climate change on public lands with an emphasis on air quality and environmental justice.
  • Sheila Nguyen Associate Director of Digital Communications As Associate Director of Communications, Sheila Nguyen leads NPCA’s media and outreach efforts across all social media platforms.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Christina Hazard Legislative Director, Government Affairs Christina Hazard joined NPCA in 2006 and is the Legislative Director for the Government Affairs team.
  • Charlie Olsen Climate Policy Manager As the Climate Policy Manager for the Government Affairs team, Charlie advocates for a clean energy transition on public lands and waters as well as policies to help protect and preserve parks.
  • 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.
  • Emily Douce Deputy Vice President, Government Affairs As the Deputy Vice President for Government Affairs, Emily Douce helps manage the department and advocates for additional funding for national parks, both through appropriations and supplementary sources.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Tariq Zahran Director of Cultural Resources Tariq brings over ten years of expertise to NPCA, having worked in both the House and Senate, as well as in various NGOs. He joins NPCA as the Director of Cultural Resources in the Government Affairs department.
  • Tucker Johnson Legislative Program Manager Tucker Johnson is legislative analyst for natural resources in NPCA's Government Affairs department.
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