Staff Directory

Jeannie Abbott

Program Coordinator

360-480-2701

jeannie.abbott@gsro.wa.gov

Jeannie joined RCO in 2019 as the program coordinator in the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office. She is responsible for managing the lead entity program. Early in her career, Jeannie was a Stream Team coordinator in Pierce County and the regional fisheries enhancement group coordinator for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. She worked for fourteen years at the Department of Natural Resources, where she served as a fire specialist, training manager, and operations manager for the agency’s fire operations; the emergency preparedness coordinator; and a training coordinator for forest practices and fire prevention and communications. Jeannie has bachelor of arts degree in zoology from the University of Washington.

Ashly Arambul

Compliance Grants Manager

360-867-8779

ashly.arambul@rco.wa.gov

Ashly is the Land and Water Conservation Fund post-completion/compliance grants manager in the Grant Services Section. She joined RCO in 2018 as a compliance specialist. She has spent most of her professional career managing and maintaining recreation sites for the Washington Department of Natural Resources. Ashly graduated from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin, where she received her bachelor of science degree in natural resource management and biology. She is an avid outdoor recreationist who loves to hike, camp, hunt, and fish. When she is not outside, she can be found inside preserving summer for the winter in the form of jams, jellies, fruit butters, pickles, dried fruits, and canned vegetable, soups, and stews, basically anything that can be put in a mason jar.

Eli Asher

Policy Specialist

360-472-5543

eli.asher@gsro.wa.gov

Eli joined RCO in August 2022 as the policy specialist for the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office. He coordinates statewide salmon recovery policies with regional salmon recovery plans, forms and maintains strategic partnerships, and publicly communicates progress on salmon and orca recovery. Previously, he worked with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe where he was most recently the interim deputy director of the Natural Resources Department. He holds degrees in speech communication and natural resource management. He’s happiest on a boat, mountain, or beach or when he’s gathering wild food for his family.

Beth Auerbach

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-280-6103

beth.auerbach@rco.wa.gov

Beth is the statewide grants manager for the No Child Left Inside and Outdoor Learning Grants programs. She has a bachelor's degree in conservation biology and a minor in environmental education from Prescott College in Arizona and a master's degree in land planning and design from the Conway School in Massachusetts. Some of her past professional experience has included running a small business, environmental consulting, landscape design, volunteer coordination, wildlife rehabilitation, farming, horse training and riding instructor, preschool teacher, and director of a kindergarten through twelfth-grade rock climbing program. Beth has served on several boards that focus on youth, farming, stewardship, and restoration. She enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest and spending time outside with friends and family.

Marguerite Austin

Recreation and Conservation Grants Section Manager

360-867-8140

marguerite.austin@rco.wa.gov

Marguerite is the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section manager. She moved to Washington in 1988 and has spent most of her career working at RCO as an outdoor grants manager, an assistant section manager, and now manager of the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board’s grants section. She has extensive experience working with organizations interested in funding for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes. Originally from the Midwest where she worked at Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources, Marguerite has spent the past few years exploring the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys reading, engaging in various community service projects, traveling, and finding unique views of Mount Rainier.

Amee Bahr

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8585

amee.bahr@rco.wa.gov

Amee joined RCO in 2014 and now is salmon grants manager for the upper and lower Columbia River regions. Amee’s experience includes nearly twenty-three years working in the environmental field conducting wetland delineations and restoration work, identifying Washington native plants, and managing a native plant nursery. She earned her bachelor of arts degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. Amee has lived in Washington most of her life and enjoys hiking, dancing, and time with family.

Myra Barker

Compliance Specialist

360-865-8434

myra.barker@rco.wa.gov

Myra joined RCO in 1999 as an outdoor grants manager and now serves as the agency’s compliance specialist assisting staff and grant recipients with preventing and resolving compliance issues at funded sites.

Kathleen Barkis

Office Assistant

360-902-3002

kathleen.barkis@rco.wa.gov

Kathleen joined RCO in 2005 as an office assistant. Before joining RCO, Kathleen worked for twenty-two years as administrative assistant and health care placement coordinator for a Seattle company. She left Seattle to be closer to family in the Olympia area. Kathleen’s interests include all areas of community service and volunteering with Saint Michael Parish, here and in Juarez, Mexico. She likes photography, camping, and family gatherings.

DeAnn Beck

Senior Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8145

deann.beck@rco.wa.gov

DeAnn joined RCO in 2018 as an outdoor grants manager for the Recreation and Conservation Section. She has more than twenty-seven years of land acquisition and grants management experience gained from two natural resources agencies: the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Natural Resources. A native Washingtonian, DeAnn loves photography, live music, and is an enthusiastic animal lover. DeAnn enjoys the great outdoors, particularly Washington’s deep forests and coastline as well as the Columbia River Gorge and the San Juan Islands.

Anya Boettcher

Office Assistant

anya.boettcher@rco.wa.gov

Anya joined RCO in 2016 doing computer work as a volunteer for the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office, and was hired soon after. Anya scans and archives documents, files, and performs other office tasks.

Lauren Burnes

Special Assistant to the Director

360-338-5611

lauren.burnes@rco.wa.gov

Lauren joined RCO as special assistant to the director in June 2022. She is formerly the director of workplace culture and development at the Department of Natural Resources. She has extensive experience managing complex initiatives and facilitating work groups and teams. Her skills include large and small project management, communication and change management, lean six sigma, and workplace culture expertise.

Elizabeth Butler

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8650

elizabeth.butler@rco.wa.gov

Elizabeth is an outdoor grants manager for the Salmon Section working in Puget Sound Region and Middle Columbia River Salmon Recovery Region.

Kay Caromile

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8532

kay.caromile@rco.wa.gov

Kay is an outdoor grants manager for the Salmon Section and manages grants for the Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program, Salmon Recovery Funding Board, and Brian Abbot Fish Passage Barrier Removal Board. Before joining RCO, Kay worked as an environmental engineer for Battelle, King Conservation District, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. After returning to school to earn a degree in restoration ecology from the University of Washington, Kay worked as a plant health diagnostician for Washington State University and as a landscaper before joining RCO in 2007. Although a New Englander at heart, Kay has made her home in Washington since 1994. Kay pursues every opportunity to be outside playing in the dirt, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, camping, fishing, and venturing on roads less traveled.

Brian Carpenter

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8523

brian.carpenter@rco.wa.gov

Brian joined RCO in 2018 as an outdoor grants manager for the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. A Washington native, Brian has lived and adventured throughout the state. With his background in trails and park development, he serves Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, and Ferry Counties; and the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Before joining the RCO team, he worked in camp management, government contract administration, and as an Adopt-A-Trail coordinator. Brian completed his bachelor’s degree in recreation and associate’s degree in computer programming. Eagerly pursuing new opportunities for learning and exploration, Brian often can be found in museums or on other adventures.

Adam Cole

Policy Specialist

360-867-8615

adam.cole@rco.wa.gov

Adam joined RCO in 2007 as an outdoor grants manager in the Recreation and Conservation Section and again in 2014 as a natural resource policy specialist. He writes grant program rules, evaluates public comments on policy changes, manages program requirements with outside agencies, communicates with partner organizations, and manages contracting issues. Before coming to RCO, Adam worked as a trail builder for the Washington Trails Association, environmental stewardship coordinator for the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, and as a contracted customer service officer for the U.S. Army. He has a political science degree from the University of Connecticut and a master of public administration degree from Indiana State University. Adam enjoys making memories with his wife and two young children, and playing senior league baseball and ice hockey.

Hayley Dalgetty

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-472-5542

Hayley.dalgetty@rco.wa.gov

Hayley joined RCO in October 2022 as an outdoor grants manager. She has worked in the parks and conservation field for a decade in roles as a park ranger and program/project manager at a variety of federal, state, regional, and nonprofit land management organizations. She holds a bachelor of arts in law, societies, and justice and a master of public administration, both from the University of Washington. She lives in Seattle with her husband and dog and enjoys hiking, camping, running, baking, theater, and board games.

Marissa joined RCO in 2024 as an intern for the Washington Invasive Species Council. She has a bachelor of arts in anthropology from Pacific Lutheran University and is working towards a master's degree in marine biology. In her down time, she enjoys taking care of her nearly one hundred tropical plants and loves to swim, do crosswords, and play with her cat, Gram.

Allison Dellwo

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8626

allison.dellwo@rco.wa.gov

Allison joined RCO in 2018 as an outdoor grants manager for the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. Allison was born and raised in Washington and considers both Spokane and Olympia her hometowns. She is a graduate of Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, and has her master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado. Before joining the RCO team, Allison spent ten years in Colorado working at various nonprofit organizations, most recently at the Colorado Rural Health Center running a grant program through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. In her spare time, she loves traveling, volunteering, concert-going, and spending time with friends and family.

Leah Dobey

Policy Specialist

360-867-8451

leah.dobey@rco.wa.gov

Leah joined RCO's policy team in August 2021. Leah formerly was the assistant division manager for recreation at the Department of Natural Resources. She has experience in policy development, grant management, contracts, diversity and equity issues, and legislative coordination. She attended Western Washington University and received a bachelor of science degree in geology. Before making her way back to natural resources, Leah spent time working in customer service, lettuce farming, and youth development. She now lives in Olympia and enjoys hiking and backpacking with her husband, and mountain biking, reading, and playing with her young daughter.

Ben Donatelle

Policy Specialist

360-867-8331

ben.donatelle@rco.wa.gov

Ben started with RCO in 2016 as an outdoor grants manager in the Recreation and Conservation Grant Section. Now as a policy specialist, he works with others to research, update, and create policy related to salmon recovery, recreation, and conservation. Ben came to RCO from Montana where he managed a bike and ski shop and worked for various nonprofits as a community organizer for public lands advocacy and trails development. Ben holds a master of science degree in environmental studies and master’s certificate in natural resource conflict resolution from the University of Montana. In his spare time, Ben enjoys bicycling, hiking, snowboarding, and exploring the great outdoors with his wife and their two poodles.

Sandy Dotts

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-628-9487

sandra.dotts@rco.wa.gov

Sandy joined in RCO in November 2021. Previously, she worked for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, where she spent twenty-one years as both a habitat biologist and watershed steward in northeast Washington. She was active in the Kalispel Tribe-Pend Oreille Lead Entity for salmon grants for more than twenty years and had provided technical assistance on many Salmon Recovery Funding Board and Family Forest Fish Passage Program grants. Sandy received her bachelor of science degree in natural resource management from Washington State University. She and her husband live in Colville with their two horses.

Megan Duffy

Director

360-902-3000

megan.duffy@rco.wa.gov

Megan joined RCO as its director in May 2021. She has spent her career caring for Washington’s rich natural heritage. After graduating with a law degree, she went to work with Ross Strategic, where she helped government agencies develop policies and programs for environmental issues. She then joined RCO as a policy specialist and went on to become the executive coordinator of the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office, which is charged with implementing the state’s salmon recovery strategy. She promoted to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, where she served as the department supervisor, overseeing the daily operations of the agency and its 1,500 employees. While there, she was appointed to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board, which oversees the State’s grant program for salmon recovery projects. Before returning to RCO, she served as the deputy director of the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board. Megan has lived in Washington since 1997 and enjoys hiking, running, and paddle boarding with her family.

Karen Edwards

Assistant Section Manager

(360) 920-4753

karen.edwards@rco.wa.gov

Karen joined RCO in 2024 as an assistant section manager for the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. Previously, she worked for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as the real estate services manager where she led a team of fourteen real estate professionals. Before that, she worked in real estate, land management, and grant management positions for the Recreation and Conservation Office, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Department of Transportation, and Washington State Parks. She lives in McCleary with her five dogs, four horses, five chickens, a duck, and a cat. Her greatest joy is spending time with her family and competing in team sorting and team penning events on her horses.

Brittany Engle

Operations Administrative Assistant

360-902-3082

brittany.engle@rco.wa.gov

Brittany joined RCO in November 2023 as an administrative assistant in the Operations Section. As the front desk point of contact, she helps with all things agency related—room bookings, fleet maintenance, travel, supplies, and more. Before joining RCO, she worked as a data entry clerk as well as a maintenance and sanitation assistant in a distribution center for four years. She also has a background in retail customer service and experience as a merchandising manager. When Brittany is not at work, she might be rock hounding, going to concerts or plays, hanging out with friends, or cuddling her two cats. She loves hiking scenic trails, camping under the stars, and going on road trips.

Alissa Ferrell

Senior Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8618

alissa.ferrell@rco.wa.gov

Alissa is a senior outdoor grants manager for the Salmon Section. Before joining RCO in 2018, she managed the state’s nonpoint source water quality grants program, where she worked on policy issues, grant database implementation, federal reporting, and grant administration and coordination. Alissa also worked in the solid waste program managing public participation outreach grants and the recycling hotline, among other duties, during her eleven-year tenure at the Washington State Department of Ecology. She studied environmental science at Washington State University and received a bachelor of science degree with an emphasis in biology. Alissa grew up moving around the country as a military dependent but spent her formative years in Hawaii where she developed a love of the ocean. She landed in Washington and made it her home. She continues to play outside surfing, paddle boarding, snowboarding, camping, and hiking. Alissa enjoys a good laugh and travels as much as possible.

Jessica Fish

Data Consultant

360-902-3087

jessica.fish@rco.wa.gov

Jessica joined RCO in May 2022 as a data consultant to support the Salmon Recovery Portal’s data alignment effort, the State of Salmon in Watersheds report, and the orca Web site. Jessica previously worked as a contractor for RCO and within retail technology. She earned her bachelor of science degree in environmental science, technology, and policy from California State University of Monterey Bay and her master’s degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys kayaking, climbing, cooking, and walking her dog.

John Foltz

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8573

john.foltz@rco.wa.gov

John joined RCO in June 2023 as a salmon grants manager. Before that, he was the executive director and lead entity coordinator for the Snake River Salmon Recovery Board and, before that, the lead entity and project coordinator for Klickitat County. He holds a bachelor of science degree in fish science from the Ohio State University and a master's degree in engineering science from Washington State University. John enjoys camping and being outdoors with his family, as well as snowboarding, photography, and reading science fiction.

Leslie Frank

Administrative Services Manager

360-902-0220

leslie.frank@rco.wa.gov

Leslie joined RCO in June 2012 as the executive assistant to the director, deputy director, and legislative and policy director and now is the administrative services manager. In 2014, she added the role of human resources liaison. In addition to her years at RCO, she worked in the Governor’s Office for more than twenty-two years, serving four different Governors. Leslie enjoys the outdoors and often can be found hiking or scaling mountains with her friends. She also is an animal lover. Joining her husband and two adult children are eight chickens, two dogs, one pet rabbit, and many rescue friends.

Tara Galuska

Orca Recovery Coordinator

360-485-2027

tara.galuska@rco.wa.gov

Tara was appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee as the state's orca recovery coordinator in May 2021. Before that she worked in salmon recovery at RCO and led the Salmon Section. Before that, she worked on aquatic planning and science at the Washington Departments of Ecology and Natural Resources. Tara received her bachelor of science degree in environmental science, policy, and management from the University of California at Berkeley and her master’s degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. She lived, taught, traveled, and worked overseas for several years, in Asia and Central and South America. Tara lives in Olympia with her partner and two daughters. She loves soccer, ultimate Frisbee, horseback riding, backpacking, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Kyle Guzlas

Grant Services Section Manager

360-972-0168

kyle.guzlas@rco.wa.gov

Kyle is the manager of the Grant Services Section. He joined RCO in 2013 as an outdoor grants manager in the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section after spending more than ten years working in land management and habitat restoration at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Before that, he had spent numerous seasons working on backcountry trails and as a biological science technician for the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service in Arizona, California, and Utah. Originally from the East Coast, Kyle has spent the past two decades working and exploring the West. Kyle earned a bachelor of arts degree in environmental policy from Prescott College in Arizona. He enjoys coaching and playing soccer, running, surfing, hiking, golfing, and traveling all over the place to do those activities. He is married and has three awesome kids in Olympia.

Dan Haws

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-280-7079

dan.haws@rco.wa.gov

Dan joined RCO in 2004 as an outdoor grants manager in the Recreation and Conservation Grant Section. He works with the Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, and Snohomish County, focusing mainly on trail grants. Dan’s experience includes seven years with the states of Utah and Idaho as a park ranger. He earned a bachelor of science degree and a master’s degree from Utah State University as well as a master’s degree from the University of Idaho. He was raised in eastern Washington and enjoys the outdoors.

Brent Hedden

Data Team lead

360-867-8751

brent.hedden@rco.wa.gov

Brent joined RCO in 2011, and is the performance and data analyst. He manages the performance reporting for the agency, performs data analysis, and also serves as the agency’s Lean advisor. Brent’s experience includes eight years of fiscal and data analysis for state government. He earned a master of professional accountancy degree from Central Washington University. He was born and raised in western Washington and enjoys camping, fishing, and hunting.

Stephanie Helms

Executive Coordinator

360-704-0973

stephanie.helms@rco.wa.gov

Stephanie joined RCO in August 2023 as the executive coordinator for the Washington Invasive Species Council. She began her career in Baltimore, Maryland where she built programs and partnerships focused on invasive species, contributed to emerald ash borer response and white-tailed deer management, and revamped the Weed Warriors volunteer program. She then served as an urban forester for the City of Seattle where she oversaw street tree care and provided a municipal perspective to the statewide steering committee for the Washington Urban Forest Pest Readiness Playbook. She has a bachelor of science degree in geography and environmental planning from Towson University and is an ISA-certified arborist and municipal specialist. In her free time, she enjoys traveling abroad, backpacking through Washington’s ample backcountry, and paddle boarding.

Andrea Hood

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-472-5545

andrea.hood@rco.wa.gov

Andrea joined RCO in September 2022. Previously, she was an environmental planner with the Department of Fish and Wildlife where she managed contracts for the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in environmental management from Yale University. She is an enthusiastic outdoor recreationist who loves water sports like kayaking and sailing, and also enjoys hiking and spending time in the great outdoors with her family.

Jared Hudson

Information Technology Support Specialist

360-485-3739

jared.hudson@rco.wa.gov

Jared joined RCO in 2022 through an internship program at South Puget Sound Community College. After obtaining his degree in cybersecurity network and administration, he was hired as an information technology support specialist. Jared loves traveling, camping, and trying new independent restaurants. He’s a devoted Seattle Mariners fan and travels to Seattle every year to watch them play. When not outdoors, Jared enjoys watching movies, especially Star Wars.

Karl Jacobs

Assistant Section Manager

360-867-8641

karl.jacobs@rco.wa.gov

Karl joined RCO in 2009 as an outdoor grants manager and is currently an assistant section manager for the parks team in the Recreation and Conservation Grants section. He leads a team of grants managers that handle parks and recreation grants and assists with developing policies and procedures. Before coming to RCO, Karl negotiated commercial real estate leases for the then-Washington State Department of General Administration and worked on environmental permitting and a variety of real estate transactions for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. He earned bachelor of arts degrees in environmental economics and environmental policy and assessment from Western Washington University and a master’s degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. Karl grew up in western Washington and enjoys music, playing cards, reading, softball, hiking, and spending time with his family.

Mark Jarasitis

Fiscal Manager

360-902-3006

mark.jarasitis@rco.wa.gov

Mark joined RCO in 2001 as the financial manager and chief financial officer. He leads the agency’s financial section and some of the administrative staff. Mark’s experience includes more than twenty-five years as a financial professional for the Department of Health, Energy Office, and other state agencies. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration, with an emphasis in accounting from Washington State University.

Sarah Johnson Humphries

Cultural Resources Unit Manager

360-764-3072

sarah.johnsonhumphries@rco.wa.gov

Sarah joined RCO in August 2021 as our first archaeologist and promoted to the Cultural Resources Unit manager in 2024. She is responsible for review, preparation, and administration of the agency’s cultural resources compliance process. Sarah is a Secretary of Interior-qualified archaeologist with more than fifteen years of experience. She has a bachelor of arts degree from Western Washington University and a master of arts degree from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. Before joining RCO, she was a senior archaeologist at Equinox Research and Consulting International and worked on numerous RCO-funded projects throughout western Washington. She has conducted cultural resources training for construction crews and land managers, helped train dozens of new archaeological technicians, and completed hundreds of archaeological surveys and investigations. She enjoys using mapping technology, working closely with staff at tribal governments, and presenting at area professional conferences. Sarah grew up in Olympia and has worked and traveled in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, Wyoming, and British Columbia. She loves to read, bike, camp, and paddle with her spouse and two kids.

Bridget Kaminski

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-472-5546

bridget.kaminski@rco.wa.gov

Bridget joined RCO in November 2021. She worked previously at the Washington Department of Natural Resources, where she spent fourteen years as an aquatic land manager and natural resource technician in Jefferson and Clallam Counties. There, she provided technical assistance on a wide variety of projects and reviewed many Salmon Recovery Funding Board projects on the Olympic Peninsula. She grew up on the Olympic Peninsula, fished for salmon along Whidbey Island and for steelhead in the Dungeness River, and now fly fishes in local streams and lakes. She also is a beekeeper. Bridget earned her bachelor of science degree in wildlife biology from Washington State University. She and her family live in Port Ludlow.

Kendall Kohler

Salmon Grants Manager

360-764-9086

kendall.kohler@rco.wa.gov

Kendall joined RCO in 2019 as the administrative assistant in the Salmon Section and became a salmon grants manager in 2023. She holds a bachelor of science degree in fisheries and wildlife sciences through Oregon State University. A wildlife enthusiast, Kendall enjoys hunting and fishing. Outside of her work, you can find her with her two kids, two dogs, and two budgies.

Chantell Krider

Data Specialist

360-902-3020

chantell.krider@rco.wa.gov

Chantell joined RCO in 2018 as a data specialist, working with the PRISM and Salmon Recovery Portal data team. She provides support for the Salmon Recovery Portal, Geographic Information System (GIS), and data visualizations. Chantell has worked in the natural resources field for nineteen years. She graduated from Humboldt State with a master’s degree in watershed management and a certificate in GIS, remote sensing, and cartography. Chantell enjoys spending time with her friends and hiking with her dog.

Jessica La Belle

Invasive Species Program Specialist

360-472-5553

Jessica.labelle@rco.wa.gov

Jessica joined RCO in September 2022 as an invasive species program specialist for the Washington Invasive Species Council. Previously, she worked for the Washington State Department of Agriculture where she worked on several invasive species projects, including being the Department’s primary point of contact when Washington state’s “murder hornet” problem became national news. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Alaska Anchorage and a master’s degree in agricultural sciences and Extension education from Colorado State University. In her free time, she likes to ride and train horses or take her dog for a walk in one of Washington’s beautiful parks.

Josh Lambert

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8781

josh.lambert@rco.wa.gov

Josh joined RCO in 2015 as an outdoor grants manager in the Salmon Section. Josh came to RCO with more than twelve years of experience in natural resource assessment, conservation, and management, working throughout a wide range of western U.S. ecosystems from high desert to temperate rain forest. Josh earned his bachelor of environmental science degree from the Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University, and a master’s degree in plant systematics at Oregon State University. When not focused on work, Olympia area music projects, or backcountry pursuits, he and his wife are driven to complete wonderment and joyful exhaustion by their daughter and son.

Rachelle Lim

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-649-2036

rachelle.lim@rco.wa.gov

Rachelle (pronounced Rachel) joined RCO in 2024 as an outdoor grants manager for the parks team with the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. She has a wide range of experience in the biotech and nonprofit sectors and most recently worked as a project manager for a nonprofit urban forest carbon registry, where she supported land trusts, local governments, and nonprofits to leverage carbon crediting to fund tree planting and preservation in urban and peri-urban areas across the country. She holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a master’s degree in oceanography from the University of Washington. Rachelle loves exploring the outdoors and enjoys kayaking with her wife and performing volunteer forest restoration work on the weekends.

Butch Lovelace

Outdoor Grants Manager

(360) 472-6795

butch.lovelace@rco.wa.gov

Butch joined RCO in 2024 as an outdoor grants manager for the parks team with the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. He spent the past twenty-five years working for King County Parks as a project and program manager and managed the youth sports grant program for the agency. He has a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology from the University of Washington. In his free time, in addition to enjoying the many outdoor benefits of living in the Pacific Northwest, he enjoys attending music and cultural events with friends.

Doran Lower

Fiscal Analyst

360-902-3007

doran.lower@rco.wa.gov

Doran joined RCO in February 2023 as a fiscal analyst. After receiving his degree from the College of Business Administration at the University of Oregon, he spent the next twenty-six years teaching high school students. He loves traveling, going to the coast, and all kinds of sports—baseball, basketball, and football. He has rooted for the Seattle Seahawks since 1978.

Bart Lynch

PRISM Support Specialist

360-725-3936

bart.lynch@rco.wa.gov

Bart joined RCO in August 2022. He has spent the past four years as a marketing assistant, where he performed database queries, designed marketing products, and managed other Web-based tasks. Before that, he worked as a graphic designer, design developer, and lecturer for art and design courses at multiple universities. In his spare time, Bart enjoys making art, taking walks with his family, and doing yard work.

Greer Maier

Science Coordinator

360-890-0804

greer.maier@gsro.wa.gov

Greer joined RCO in September 2023 as the science coordinator for the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office. She has a breadth of experience working with federal, state, and local governments, tribes, and nonprofits on a wide range of conservation issues. She was a Knauss fellow in Washington D.C. in 2007 and worked as a fish biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service, and the U.S. Forest Service before spending ten years as the science manager for the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board and two years working for Triangle Associates as a technical facilitator on statewide issues related to hydropower, fisheries management, fish passage, ecosystem planning, and orca recovery. Greer has a bachelor of science degree in marine biology from the University of Miami and a master of science degree in fisheries and aquatic sciences from the University of Washington. She lives in Winthrop with her family and enjoys hiking, camping, skiing, and especially getting out on the rivers across the state.

Russell Malburg

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-340-1282

russell.malburg@rco.wa.gov

Russell joined RCO in September 2023 as an outdoor grants manager with the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. A Michigan native, he most recently worked as the recreation operations manager for Southfield, a suburb of Detroit. Before entering the parks and recreation profession, he worked for more than eight years in intercollegiate athletics at Indiana University, Fresno State University, and Michigan State University. He has a bachelor's degree in public affairs from Indiana University, is a certified park and recreation professional with the National Recreation and Parks Association, and in 2022 received a professional certificate in geographic information systems. Russell likes sports of all kinds and enjoys live music, bar trivia, playing cards, watching Jeopardy, occasionally screenwriting, canning veggies, quilting, and seeing new places.

Maria Marlin

Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist

360-472-5552

maria.marlin@rco.wa.gov

Maria joined RCO in November 2022 as a community outreach and environmental education specialist working on behalf of the Washington Invasive Species Council. She comes to the agency from Oregon State University, where she served as a research and extension agent at a satellite station in Aurora. She was part of the nursery plant pathology program, where she organized trainings, developed informative educational material, conducted outreach to underserved audiences, and performed research funded by grants she wrote. Before that, she was at the University of Idaho completing her master’s degree in natural resources. Originally from Pennsylvania, Maria double-majored in biology and environmental science at Bridgewater College in Virginia. Maria's hobbies change with the seasons but a couple stay constant: horseback riding and hiking. She is also an amateur mycologist.

Julia Marshburn

Records Officer

360-902-3085

julia.marshburn@rco.wa.gov

Julia is the records officer. Born and raised in Olympia, she spent sixteen years enjoying the incongruence that is Vancouver B.C.; a dense urban city surrounded by sprawling wilderness. She graduated from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 2006. She previously was employed by Women in Trades Training, a nonprofit program dedicated to increasing the number of women in the trades. In her spare time, she continues to practice woodworking (from sustainably sourced wood, of course) and also enjoys ranking the quality of Thurston County playgrounds (on a scale of alright to awesome) with her two children.

Josh McKinney

Communications Consultant

360-764-3081

josh.mckinney@rco.wa.gov

Josh joined RCO in 2021. He has more than twenty years of experience in a range of writing and marketing jobs. Most recently, he was the content development and marketing manager for an exhibit design-fabrication company. Josh wrote and edited text for museum and visitor center displays for the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other state and private agencies. Josh is a self-aware nerd (aka geek) and once created and ran a gaming and entertainment blog network that had more than 100,000 subscribers and millions of monthly visitors. In his spare time, Josh enjoys cross-stitching, kayaking, hiking, wildlife watching, and, of course, gaming.

Kate joined RCO in June 2023 as a salmon grants manager. Prior to that, she spent five years at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife working on the Fish Passage Diversion & Screening Inventory database and evaluating fish passage barriers around the state. Kate came to Washington from southern California where she monitored endangered southern California steelhead and their habitats and served as a technical reviewer for the state’s salmon restoration grant program. Kate has also studied fish populations and their habitat in Montana, Massachusetts, and New York. She earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Boston University and a master degree in natural resources (fisheries) from Humboldt State University. Kate spends her free time with her family and enjoying the rain.

Julia McNamara

Board Liaison

360-819-3345

julia.mcnamara@rco.wa.gov

Julia joined RCO in 2019. She worked as an administrative assistant before promoting to board liaison. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Saint Martin’s University in 2017. In her last year of college, she spent time studying the invasive species, the New Zealand mud snail. In her free time, Julia enjoys hiking and nature walks.

Sasha Medlen

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-819-3374

sasha.medlen@rco.wa.gov

Sasha joined RCO in July 2022 as a salmon grants manager. She has a bachelor’s degree in science and technology from the University of California-Berkley and more than eighteen years of experience working on environmental issues, with the past three as a property and acquisition specialist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. There she managed forty grants worth $50 million. She enjoys spending time with her family and dog, surfing, gardening, fishing, and painting. She also is known for her homemade Claussen dill pickles!

Brock Milliern

Policy Director

360-789-4563

brock.milliern@rco.wa.gov

Brock joined RCO in January 2022 as the policy director and legislative liaison. Before joining RCO, he managed the Toxics Cleanup Program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. The largest share of his career was spent as the manager of the Recreation, Conservation and Transactions Division in the state Department of Natural Resources. There he managed a staff of fifty and budgets up to $30 million. While there he also represented that agency on the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. Early in his career, he served as a park ranger, cut trail, and led park maintenance crews. Brock earned his bachelor of arts degree in outdoor recreation from Western Washington University. He and his wife and two boys live in OIympia and enjoy hiking, backpacking, and skiing. Additionally, Brock enjoys golf and mountain biking.

Teresa joined RCO in 2024 as an outdoor grants manager for the office programs team with the Salmon Section. She has spent her career working in the natural resources field, and most recently, worked for the Department of Natural Resources as a grants manager with the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead, managing EPA funds for projects focused on Puget Sound recovery. She has a bachelor of science degree in environmental science from The Evergreen State College. When she’s not shuttling kids around, she enjoys paddle boarding, biking, hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, or pretty much anything else outdoors.

Megan Montgomery

Boards and Policy Administrative Assistant

360-902-3079

megan.montgomery@rco.wa.gov

Megan joined RCO in January 2023 as the administrative assistant to the boards and Policy Team. She has a bachelor of science degree in geology; experience in drafting, mapping, and forest practices; a strong background in customer service, and creative experience doing marketing for a number of local small businesses. In addition, she has been involved in her children’s cooperative preschool board and likes to travel, cook, and spend time outside with her husband and two daughters.

Kat Moore

Assistant Section Manager

360-867-8426

kathryn.moore@rco.wa.gov

Kat joined RCO in 2010 as an outdoor grants manager with the salmon recovery program. Kat is now an assistant section manager for the salmon section and oversees salmon recovery funding board-related projects and manages grants in the San Juan Island lead entities. Before joining RCO, Kat worked in private land conservation. Kat studied natural resources at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and has a law degree and master’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Oregon. Kat’s love of the outdoors comes from spending summers as a kid hiking and camping in the Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness of eastern Oregon.

Caroline Morin

Equity Coordinator

360-472-3452

caroline.morin@rco.wa.gov

Caroline joined RCO in December 2024 as its first equity coordinator. She comes to RCO from North Carolina where she ran a diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting services business. Her work background comes with a wide breadth of experience including executive director of the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast, vice president of Learning and Development at Tru Colors Brewing, and regional field coordinator with the American Civil Liberties Union. In addition to work, Caroline received her law degree from New England Law and is an active member of the Massachusetts Bar. When Caroline isn’t working, she likes to hike, garden, cook, and be in or on the water as much as possible.

Erik Neatherlin

Executive Director

360-628-2548

erik.neatherlin@gsro.wa.gov

Erik joined RCO in 2019 as the executive director of the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office, which coordinates salmon and Southern Resident orca recovery for Washington. Erik has a background in conservation science in various capacities with governmental and non-governmental organizations. He previously served as science director and policy lead for salmon recovery with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and has represented the state on several national and international boards and commissions. He has a bachelor of science degree from Florida State University and a masters of science degree from the University of Washington. Erik loves the Pacific Northwest and enjoys hiking, skiing, camping, sailing, and playing music with friends and family.

Nick Norton

Planning and Policy Specialist

360-902-2219

nicholas.norton@rco.wa.gov

Nick joined RCO in May 2022 as a planning and policy specialist. Previously, he was the executive director of the Washington Association of Land Trusts, representing and serving more than thirty land conservation nonprofits in the state. Nick also has previous experience in land acquisitions as a project manager with the Palouse Land Trust. Nick received a bachelor of arts degree in biology and environmental studies from Bowdoin College and a master’s of science in plant biology from Washington State University. In his free time, Nick enjoys getting out with his partner and young son to camp, cross-country ski, canoe, clam, identify plants and birds, and hunt for worms in the garden.

Christopher Popek

Grant Compliance Specialist

360-764-3156

christopher.popek@rco.wa.gov

Chris joined RCO in 2019. A born and raised Washingtonian, he grew up in a small town near Mount Rainier and graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor of fine arts in painting. Before starting at RCO he worked as a wilderness ranger at Mount Rainier National Park, a sales representative at REI, operations manager and lead fine artist at a design studio in Gig Harbor, and a park aide at Washington state parks. In his spare time, he is an avid outdoor recreationist who loves to hike, backpack, and explore the outdoors.

Katie Knight Pruit

Salmon Recovery Coordinator

360-902-2955

katie.pruit@gsro.wa.gov

Katie joined RCO in 2019 as a planning and policy specialist. In 2022, she moved to the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office to coordinate implementation of the Governor’s statewide salmon strategy, working closely with agencies, tribes, and regional salmon recovery organizations. Katie’s state government experience includes land-use policy leadership and legislative coordination for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. She also has worked for local governments and land trusts. Katie has a master's degree in conservation planning from Cornell University and post-graduate studies in human psychology and organizational development. Katie was raised in Kitsap County and loves exploring outside with her friends and family whether it’s hiking, skiing, listening to music, or just relaxing.

Dawn Pullin

Tribal Affairs Director

360-948-5494

dawn.pullin@rco.wa.gov

Dawn Pullin, a member of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, joined RCO in 2024 as the tribal affairs director. She came to RCO after working as the tribal liaison for the Washington State Patrol, where she focused on the missing and murdered indigenous people crisis for nearly four years. Before that, she was the Spokane Tribe’s chief executive officer, its director of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and a contracting officer for Indian Health Services, an agency within the federal Department of Health and Human Services. Dawn’s personal interest in health and wellness has led her to teach fitness classes at Gonzaga University. Dawn also started the nonprofit, Tribal Nation Building, to support tribal sovereignty and nation building and independence. Dawn is a member of the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition Board and the Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative Board. She has a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Eastern Washington University and a master of business administration degree from the University of Phoenix. She lives in Spokane and has been married for twenty-six years and has three children, two grandchildren and three dogs. Dawn enjoys traveling, especially to any Hawaiian island.

Christy Rains

Assistant Section Manager

360-865-7221

christy.rains@rco.wa.gov

Christy started at RCO in February 2024 as an assistant section manager for the Salmon Section. She oversees the office programs, which include the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board, Family Forest Fish Passage Program, Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program, and the Washington Coast Restoration and Resiliency Initiative. She spent the previous nine years doing fish passage work at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife where she started as a technician on the fish passage barrier inventory and assessment crew and most recently filled the fish passage section manager roles for both the Inventory and Assessment and Project Scoping sections. She earned a bachelor of science degree in environmental science from Drexel University in Philadelphia and a master’s degree in stream ecology from Virginia Tech. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, hiking, clamming, and gardening.

Amy Lyn Ribera

Executive Assistant

360-768-7470

amylyn.ribera@rco.wa.gov

Amy Lyn joined RCO in May 2021. She is the executive assistant to the director, Megan Duffy.

Scott Robinson

Deputy Director

360-867-8784

scott.robinson@rco.wa.gov

Scott has been RCO’s deputy director responsible for agency operations since 2012. Scott received his bachelor of science degree in natural resources and forest management in 1992 from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He began his career in Washington a year later with the Department of Natural Resources where he was the timber sales and silvicultural forester, recreation and natural areas district manager, and aquatics assistant region manager. Scott enjoys volunteering his time and is on the board of All Kids Win, a nonprofit that provides food for at-risk youth in Thurston County. He also has served on the Lacey Planning Commission and the Lacey Library Board. Scott has been married since 1994 and has two grown children and two Australian shepherds.

Alice Rubin

Senior Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8584

alice.rubin@rco.wa.gov

Alice joined RCO as a outdoor grants manager in the Salmon Section in 2013. She has dedicated her career to natural resources conservation, restoration, and protection. Alice manages projects in the Snake River Salmon Recovery Region, is RCO's Washington Coast Restoration and Resiliency program manager, and provides assistance to other programs in the Salmon Section.

Kim Sellers

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-280-6466

kim.sellers@rco.wa.gov

Kim is an outdoor grants manager in the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section specializing in programs related to conservation and farmland and forestland preservation. Before joining RCO in 2007, she worked at the Washington Department of Natural Resources in forest practices, habitat conservation planning, and timber sales. She came to Washington State after more than a dozen years working seasonal wildlife and conservation jobs with state and federal agencies across the United States. She studied wildlife biology at Colorado State University and has a master’s degree from The Evergreen State College.

Justine Sharp

Information Technology Support Specialist

360-490-9680

justine.sharp@rco.wa.gov

Justine joined RCO in 2014 as an administrative assistant supporting many areas of the agency. She trained as an information technology intern and transitioned into an information technology specialist role in 2018. Justine continues to pursue her education and is committed to learning and providing excellent customer service. Justine’s background is in veterinary and human medicine. She enjoys hiking, painting, and spending time with loved ones.

Jesse Sims

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8438

jesse.sims@rco.wa.gov

Jesse started with RCO in 2018 as an outdoor grants manager in the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. He assists RCO’s partners and grant recipients with proposal development and project management. Jesse came to RCO with eighteen years of natural resources management experience from two different agencies: Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service. Jesse holds a bachelor of science degree in outdoor recreation management from Central Washington University. In his spare time, Jesse enjoys spending time with his family hiking, fishing, camping, and playing some acoustic guitar!

Henry Smith

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-867-8328

henry.smith@rco.wa.gov

Henry joined RCO in January 2022 as an outdoor grants manager for the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. Previously, he coordinated environmental and educational AmeriCorps programs with the Washington Service Corps in the Employment Security Department. He also has worked for the Nisqually Land Trust and Pacific Education Institute, and even spent time as an AmeriCorps member on a backcountry chainsaw crew in Eugene, Oregon. Henry graduated from Pacific Lutheran University’s International Honors Program in 2016 with a degree in environmental studies and communications. He holds a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in public policy from The Evergreen State College. When he’s not working, Henry enjoys kayaking, visiting museums, playing basketball, and hiking.

Erin Souza

Administrative Assistant

360-725-3934

erin.souza@gsro.wa.gov

Erin joined RCO in September 2022 and is the administrative assistant for the Governor's Salmon Recovery Office. She spent the past two years working as an administrative assistant in the wildlife program for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Before that, she completed a communications internship with the Department of Natural Resources after obtaining her bachelor’s degree in communications studies. In her free time, she likes to volunteer as a social media content creator at a farm sanctuary or spend time with her husband and dog.

Elizabeth Spaulding

Habitat Policy Specialist

(360) 720-6763

elizabeth.spaulding@gsro.wa.gov

Elizabeth joined RCO in 2024 as the habitat policy specialist for the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office. Previously, she served as the policy lead for the Habitat Strategic Initiative at the Department of Natural Resources. Before that, she spent ten years as a public policy facilitator and project manager in the private sector, leading collaborative decision-making and stakeholder engagement processes addressing complex environment and natural resource issues across the across the western United States. Elizabeth attended the University of Oregon where she obtained her juris doctor degree in environment and natural resources law, a master of science degree in conflict and dispute resolution, and a bachelor of arts degree in journalism. In her free time, she enjoys wandering the mountains, coastlines, and bookstores of the Pacific Northwest with her family and friends.

Sarah Steinkraus

Cultural Resources Specialist

360-867-8195

sarah.steinkraus@rco.wa.gov

Sarah joined RCO in January 2023 as a cultural resources specialist. She is a Secretary of the Interior qualified archaeologist and architectural historian with fifteen years of experience in the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, Midwest, and Mexico. Her archaeological experience ranges from monitoring sewer pipe installation in Tacoma to excavating Tarascan urn burials in Mexico. She has a bachelor of science degree from Central Washington University and a master of science degree from the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom. She loves to hike, camp, and travel with her family.

Amy Suckut

Fiscal Technician

360-725-3941

amy.suckut@rco.wa.gov

Amy joined RCO as a fiscal technician in June 2022. Previously, Amy provided customer service in the grocery, retail, and restaurant industries. She is a lifelong nature and animal lover and is passionate about the conservation of our resources.

Eric Tompkins

Contracts Specialist

360-902-2242

eric.tompkins@rco.wa.gov

Eric joined RCO in January 2024 as a contract specialist in the Grant Services Team. He brings seventeen years of experience in contracting and previously worked at the Washington State Departments of Commerce, Employment Security, and Transportation. Eric graduated from The Evergreen State College, where he earned his master’s in public administration degree. He has extensive experience working on a wide array of state contracts and brings project management and Lean process improvement skills as well. Eric is an advocate for conservation, sustainability, wellness, and truly enjoys public service.

Greg Tudor

Chief Information Officer and Information Technology Manager

360-902-3018

greg.tudor@rco.wa.gov

Greg joined RCO in 2010 as the chief information officer and manager of the Information Technology (IT) Section. He supervises the IT team, provides IT oversight and consulting on application and data development contracts, provides Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and database support, and represents the agency at the Chief Information Officer Forum. Greg has worked nearly thirty years in enterprise IT/GIS – developing applications, administering databases, and managing projects and programs for regulation, aquatic land, land survey, records, photogrammetry, hydrography, transportation, firefighting, salmon and ecosystem recovery, and grants in private, county, state, and federal sectors. Greg majored in physics, astronomy, and Russian, and mastered in land survey and photogrammetric engineering. Outside of work, Greg enjoys his family, skiing, backpacking, kayaking, rowing, sailing, rock and ice climbing, trumpet, and piano.

Edison Velez

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-340-1280

edison.velez@rco.wa.gov

Edison joined RCO in September 2023 as an outdoor grants manager in the Grant Services Section. Edison has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Florida. Edison has spent most of his youth and young adult summers working and recreating in the outdoors, often traveling far from Florida to explore beyond swamps and pine forests. Since his time in Florida, Edison spent more than ten years with conservation corps programs in California, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington, working with students and young adults on a variety of projects in natural resources in both urban and wilderness settings. When he is not enjoying the outdoors professionally, he can be found cycling to coffee shops and trying to organize a sea of photos from the past several years of work and travel.

Bob Warinner

Outdoor Grants Manager

360-543-3485

bob.warinner@rco.wa.gov

Bob joined RCO in August 2022 as a salmon grants manager. He has spent the past twenty-three years at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rising through the ranks from scientific technician to area habitat biologist to assistant regional habitat program manager, all in the La Conner office. He has provided technical assistance to salmon habitat restoration practitioners, primarily to the Skagit Watershed Council lead entity, and represented the department in local forums on regulations, habitat recovery, and related political issues. Bob received his bachelor’s degree in environmental science and chemistry from Western Washington University. In his spare time, he likes to hunt, fish, hike, and hang out with his daughter in Portland.

Troy Wilson

Cultural Resources Specialist

360-764-9841

troy.wilson@rco.wa.gov

Troy joined RCO in February 2024 as a cultural resource specialist. Previously, he worked for Archaeological and Historical Services at Eastern Washington University and also taught a wide range of anthropology courses at Washington State University, Lewis-Clark State College, Whitman College, and University of South Carolina-Aiken. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Carroll College and a master’s and PhD degree from Washington State University. He loves to cook, coach, hike, and travel with his family.

Susan Zemek

Communications Manager

360-764-9349

susan.zemek@rco.wa.gov

Susan joined RCO in 2004 as the communications director. She leads the agency’s program that produces all of RCO’s publications, websites, social media, and public outreach materials. Susan’s experience includes seven years as a newspaper journalist and more than thirty years as a communications professional for health, natural resources, recreation, transportation, and other state agencies. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from Washington State University. She was raised in Tacoma and enjoys camping with her daughter.