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Staff Directory
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 14 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 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.
Handling recreation and conservation grants:
Clallam County, Jefferson County, Pierce County, Thurston County, Olympic National Forest
Beth is an outdoor grants manager for the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. She has a bachelor's degree in conservation biology and a minor in environmental education from Prescott College in Arizona and a master's in land planning and design from the Conway School in Massachusetts. Some of her past work has been as a small business owner, environmental consultant, land use planner, landscape designer, volunteer coordinator, wildlife rehabilitator, farmer, horse trainer, and rock climbing instructor. Beth and her family enjoy spending time outside and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Marguerite Austin
Recreation and Conservation Grants Section Manager
360-902-3016
Marguerite Austin
Recreation and Conservation Grants Section Manager
360-902-3016
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.
Handling salmon grants:
Island County Lead Entity, Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board Lead Entity, Lower Columbia River Salmon Recovery Region, Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Region, Stillaguamish River Salmon Recovery Co-Lead Entity
Amee joined RCO in 2014 to support the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and now is a salmon grants manager for the Green/Duwamish, Stillaguamish, and West Sound lead entity areas. Amee’s experience includes nearly 15 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 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 joined RCO in 2005 as an office assistant and now is a receptionist and secretary senior. She supports the agency in many ways such as scheduling meetings and cars, serving on the safety committee, and supporting efforts in records retention and fiscal. Kathleen has 22 years of experience 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.
Kendall Barrameda joined the Salmon Section as the administrative assistant in 2019. Kendall is a wildlife enthusiast excited to support projects encompassing endangered species conservation. Kendall grew up in a small farm town in the Midwest and later moved to sunny San Diego where her passion for animals and the outdoors grew. As a military wife, Kendall traveled while raising her two kids and completing her bachelor of science degree in fisheries and wildlife sciences through Oregon State University. Kendall has extensive volunteer experience with nonprofit organizations in administration, education, and animal husbandry settings. Outside of her work, Kendall enjoys painting, surfing, practicing yoga, and hiking with her dog.
Handling recreation and conservation grants:
King County (Seattle is managed separately), Department of Natural Resources (DNR Conservation Grants)
DeAnn joined RCO in 2018 as an outdoor grants manager for the Recreation and Conservation Section. She has more than 27 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 and live music and is an enthusiastic animal lover, and often spends her free time volunteering with a local Bloodhound Search and Rescue Team. 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 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.
Wendy is the policy director and legislative liaison.
Justin was hired as executive coordinator of the Washington Invasive Species Council in 2016. He has worked on invasive species issues since 2008 with federal, state, regional, and local organizations including King County and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin where he managed the Texasinvasives.org statewide partnership. During these years, he has been involved in various projects to prevent, detect, and control both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species and is passionate about reducing the threat they pose to native species and ecosystems. He attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Central Washington University, and Portland State University with a focus on political science, project management, and geography. When not battling invasive species he can be found traveling, SCUBA diving, or enjoying our state’s rivers in a raft or kayak.
Handling salmon grants:
Green, Duwamish, and Central Puget Sound Watershed (WRIA 9) Lead Entity, Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed (WRIA 8) Lead Entity, Middle Columbia Salmon Recovery Region, Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Region, Snohomish Basin Lead Entity, Yakima Basin Fish and Wildlife Recovery Board Lead Entity
Elizabeth is an outdoor grants manager for the Salmon Section and covers the Duwamish/Green/Central Puget Sound, Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish, and Snohomish watersheds. Before joining RCO in 2009, Elizabeth worked with the Trust for Public Land protecting Puget Sound shoreline habitat for wildlife and people. She brings more than 25 years of experience managing complex environmental conservation and community development projects. Elizabeth moved from the Long Island Sound to Seattle in 1990, and she hasn’t looked back since. In her spare time, she works in her creek-side garden, and enjoys Seattle’s cultural riches.
Handling salmon grants:
Chehalis Basin Lead Entity
Brandon joined RCO in 2019 as an outdoor grants manager in the Salmon Section, managing the Chehalis basin projects as well as other grants. He has worked as a fisheries technician with the U.S. Forest Service and with the Grays Harbor Conservation District managing restoration projects. Brandon has a bachelor of science degree in fishery resources from the University of Idaho and is pursuing a master's degree in fishery resources from Oregon State University. When not working and spending time with his family, he’s an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, reading, and attempting projects around the house.
Handling salmon grants:
Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Region, West Sound Watersheds Council Lead Entity
Kay is an outdoor grants manager for the salmon team and covers the Snake, Yakima, and Mason County lead entities. 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.
Handling recreation and conservation grants:
Chelan County, Douglas County, Ferry County, Okanogan County, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (Chelan Ranger District, Entiat Ranger District, Methow Ranger District, Tonasket Ranger District)
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.
Handling salmon grants:
Kalispel Tribe-Pend Oreille Lead Entity, Klickitat County Lead Entity, Middle Columbia Salmon Recovery Region, Pierce County Lead Entity, Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Region
Dave grew up exploring the hills and valleys of northwest Pennsylvania. From there he headed to Nebraska for a bachelor of science degree in geography and ultimately obtained a master of science degree in geography from Oregon State. He worked for a bit as a park ranger and then for 18 years at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he focused on fish passage. He’s joined RCO in 2008, managing the Family Forest Fish Passage Program and Salmon Recovery Funding Board grants for Pend Oreille, Klickitat, and Pierce lead entities. In his spare time, Dave splits his time between kids’ soccer and baseball games and biking, skiing, and woodworking.
Tessa is a volunteer and grants process coordinator.
Scott joined RCO in 1990 as an outdoor grants manager. He worked 15 years in the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section before taking the position of PRISM Application manager. In this position, he oversaw the development of PRISM 2007 and PRISM Online. Scott migrated from Ohio to Washington, where he first worked as a park ranger in the North Cascades and Mount Rainier National Parks for 9 years. He then spent 3 years working with King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks before joining RCO. Scott has a bachelor of science degree in recreation resource management from the University of Montana and a master of science degree in parks administration from Ohio State University. Hiking and camping are Scott’s favorite recreational activities.
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.
Kaleen was appointed director of RCO in 2007. During her career, she has worked for four governors and the elected public lands commissioner in a variety of management and advisory positions. She got her start in Olympia working for the Washington State Senate. Kaleen graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in forest resources and received her law degree from the University of Puget Sound. She was born and raised in Washington and lives in Olympia.
Russ is an information technology specialist.
Handling recreation and conservation grants:
Island County, King County Government, San Juan County, Seattle, Skagit County, Whatcom County
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 10 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.
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.
Keith was hired as the science coordinator for the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office in 2011. He has worked in the field of natural resource assessment and management for more than 25 years, with an emphasis on salmon ecology and wetlands environments. Keith has worked with federal, state, and local governments, serving as environmental specialist and habitat biologist, continuing as planner, habitat restoration coordinator, and natural resource director for the Skokomish Indian Tribe. He attended college in New York City and California, received his bachelor of science degree, and completed graduate coursework in environmental studies at The Evergreen State College in OIympia in the 1990s. Keith enjoys spending time with his partner Alice for the past 35 years, playing music with friends, and experiencing varied outdoor and water-based activities. Keith has lived in the Puget Sound region since 1979.
Handling salmon grants:
Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Region, Skagit Watershed Council Lead Entity, Upper Columbia River Salmon Recovery Region, Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board Lead Entity
Marc joined RCO in 1999 as an outdoor grants manager for the Salmon Team. He manages projects in Chelan, Island, Okanogan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties. Before coming to RCO, Marc was the shorelines and watershed planner for Lewis County, and a transportation planner for the Washington Department of Transportation. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in geography from Western Washington University. He was born and raised in western Washington and will probably never leave. Marc is blessed with a wife and four kids, who all love most things outdoors and sports related. Marc is happiest in the mountains…where he’s free.
Originally from Florida, Bob Joined RCO in 2001 after retiring from the U.S. Army. He is responsible for systems administration and application development specializing in Web sites and Web hosting infrastructure, and GIS including GIS server, Web maps, and mapping applications.
Handling salmon grants:
Chehalis Basin Lead Entity, North Pacific Coast Lead Entity, Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Region, Quinault Indian Nation Lead Entity, Washington Coast Salmon Recovery Region, Willapa Bay Lead Entity, WRIA 1 Watershed Management Board Lead Entity, WRIA 14 Salmon Habitat Recovery Committee Lead Entity
Alissa is an outdoor grants manager for the Salmon Team. 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 11-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.
Tammy is an operations specialist and leads short-term projects aimed at increasing efficiency such as electronic file and Intranet management and agency policy revisions. In addition, she oversees the agency’s Administrative Support Team. Tammy’s experience includes almost 30 years of state service including board management, executive assistance, contract management, and administrative support for the Department of Ecology, Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office, Recreation and Conservation Office, and the Puget Sound Partnership. She is a fourth generation Washingtonian and lives on a mini-farm within walking distance of the family homestead. She loves spending time with her grandchildren, hiking, raising goats, and working on family genealogy.
Leslie is the executive assistant to the director.
Tara has worked in salmon recovery at RCO since 2002 and she leads 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.
Eric is an information technology specialist supporting the Puget Sound Partnership.
Handling recreation and conservation grants:
Adams County, Asotin County, Benton County, Columbia County, Franklin County, Garfield County, Grant County, Lincoln County, Pend Oreille County, Spokane County, Stevens County, Walla Walla County, Whitman County, Department of Natural Resources (DNR State Lands Restoration)
Alison has been with RCO since 2015 and is an outdoor grants manager in the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section. She earned her bachelor of arts and master of science degrees from Washington State University (Go Cougs!) and has experience working for land trusts and local government, providing a well-rounded background in conservation, farmland, acquisitions, parks and recreation, planning, and grant management. She services most of Eastern Washington, and enjoys exploring our beautiful state with her husband and three kids. Alison reports for duty in Colton, Washington allowing her to serve Eastern Washington well.
Kyle joined RCO in 2013 as an outdoor grants manager in the Recreation and Conservation Grants Section after spending more than 10 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.
Alexis Haifley
Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist
360-725-3934
Alexis Haifley
Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist
360-725-3934
Alexis joined RCO in 2016 as the administrative assistant for the Salmon Section and became the community outreach and environmental education specialist for the Washington Invasive Species Council in 2019. Originally from the Midwest, she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and environmental science from Ashland University. Since graduating, she has worked with both state and federal governments, starting as a seasonal park ranger with the National Park Service and later landing a permanent job working for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources as the state’s only full-time education and enforcement warden.
Handling recreation and conservation grants:
Snohomish County, Department of Natural Resources (DNR Recreation Grants)
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 7 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 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 8 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.
Handling recreation and conservation grants:
Parks and Recreation Commission, Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park
Karl joined RCO in 2009 and is a senior outdoor grants manager for the Recreation and Conservation Grant Section. He manages a portfolio of grants and assists with policy and procedure development. Before coming to RCO, Karl negotiated commercial real estate leases for the then-Washington State Department of General Administration, and worked on a variety of real estate transactions for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Western Washington University and a master degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. Karl grew up in western Washington and enjoys music, softball, hiking, and camping with his family.
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 25 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.
Jennifer is the information coordinator for the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office. She manages projects related to tracking and reporting salmon recovery information. Projects include Web sites, videos, and a project tracking database. Jennifer has a master’s degree in marine affairs from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in visual and performing arts. She likes to paint, kayak, hike, and experience the waters and aquatic life we depend on.
Chantell joined RCO in 2018 as a data specialist, working with the PRISM and Habitat Work Schedule data team. She provides support for the Habitat Work Schedule, Geographic Information System (GIS), and data visualizations. Chantell has worked in the natural resources field for 19 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.
Handling salmon grants:
Hood Canal Coordinating Council Lead Entity, Hood Canal Salmon Recovery Region, Nisqually River Salmon Recovery, Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Region, WRIA 13 Salmon Habitat Recovery Committee Lead Entity, WRIA 14 Salmon Habitat Recovery Committee Lead Entity
Josh joined RCO in 2015 as an outdoor grants manager in the Salmon Section. Josh came to RCO with more than 12 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.
Jim joined RCO in 2019 and has more than 30 years of experience in state financial services. He is a lifelong resident of Washington and an avid outdoorsman. Jim married his wife in 2011 on a Belize beach. Between the two, they have 13 grandchildren and enjoy camping, fishing, flying kites, gardening, and traveling.
Wyatt joined RCO as the board liaison in January 2018. Before coming to RCO, Wyatt worked in the Government Affairs Division and the Fish Program at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Wyatt was born and raised in Washington and graduated from Central Washington University with a bachelor of arts degree in law and justice and a bachelor of science degree in interdisciplinary studies. Wyatt loves to fish, hunt, and backpack. He prefers these activities take place in the Pacific Northwest because it’s hard to hang a hammock without trees. Go Wildcats!”
Julia is the records officer. Born and raised in Olympia, she spent 16 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.
Julia joined RCO in 2019 as an administrative assistant. 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.
Dwight is a technical lead and systems administrator.
Handling salmon grants:
North Olympic Peninsula Lead Entity, Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Region, San Juan County Salmon Recovery Lead Entity
Kat joined RCO in 2010 as an outdoor grants manager with the salmon recovery program. Kat is now the senior grants manager and manages grants in the north Olympic Peninsula and 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.
Erik joined RCO in 2019 as the executive coordinator of the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office. Erik had been science director and policy lead for salmon recovery with the Department of Fish and Wildlife since 2011. In that role, he managed 200 employees and a $26 million biennial budget, and represented the agency on the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission. Erik started at the Department of Fish and Wildlife in 2003 as a biologist and worked his way up to a leadership position, working with many external partners, such as tribes, local and federal governments, the Legislature, and Congress. Before joining the Department of Fish and Wildlife, he worked as the conservation program director for the Sustainable Ecosystems Institute in Portland. He has bachelor and master degrees in science from Florida State University and the University of Washington, respectively.
Chris joined RCO in 2019 as the administrative assistant for the Grant Services Section. 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 joined RCO in 2019. She has worked as a state agency policy lead, local government planner, and land trust conservation director. Katie spent 5 years at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife leading the local government technical assistance program under the state Growth Management and Shoreline Management Acts, and managed the Priority Habitats and Species Program. Previously, she worked at Thurston County, where she administered county conservation programs, managed public process and zoning code changes, and worked on a habitat conservation plan to protect federally listed species. Katie started her conservation career working at land trusts in Alaska and Washington to protect the last great places. Katie loves exploring new places and being outside with her family whether it’s hiking, beachcombing, swimming, or just taking it all in.
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 has served on the Lacey Planning Commission and the Lacey Library Board and currently is a shopper for Homeless Backpacks, a nonprofit that provides food for homeless teens. Scott has been married since 1994 and has two children.
Handling salmon grants:
Snake River Salmon Recovery Board Lead Entity, Snake River Salmon Recovery Region
Alice joined RCO as a outdoor grants manager in the Salmon Section in 2013. Before starting at RCO, Alice managed water quality grants and coordinated environmental review at the Department of Ecology and also spent time working for the State of Indiana on water quality issues. Alice has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Rutgers University and master’s degrees in both natural resources management and public administration from Indiana University. In her spare time, Alice enjoys bird watching and singing.
Gerald is a lead fiscal analyst.
Handling recreation and conservation grants:
Kitsap County, Mason County, Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW Conservation Grants)
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 Technical Support Specialist
360-490-9680
Justine Sharp
Information Technology Technical Support Specialist
360-490-9680
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.
Handling recreation and conservation grants:
Clark County, Cowlitz County, Kittitas County, Klickitat County, Skamania County, Yakima County, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (Cle Elum Ranger District, Wenatchee River Ranger District, Naches Ranger District), Olympic National Forest
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 18 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!
Sabrina joined RCO in 2015 as a fiscal analyst. She assists grant recipients with reimbursements. Her duties also include processing accounts payable and receivable, as well as purchasing and other accounting-related tasks. Before RCO, Sabrina worked as a part-time administrative assistant for the Department of Corrections while earning a bachelor of arts in business administration and accounting from the University of Washington. Before that, she was a small business owner. Aside from work, she loves playing guitar and piano, being with family, animals, health food, eyeliner, and anything funny.
Sarah joined RCO in 2007 and is a senior outdoor grants manager. She manages the Cultural Resources Program and other special projects. Sarah graduated from The Evergreen State College with a degree in environmental health and outdoor education and has spent the past 20 years working in the natural resources field. Sarah enjoys facilitating efforts that help bring together natural resources restoration efforts and cultural preservation. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, including camping, hiking, and watching her son play lots of soccer.
Greg Tudor
Chief Information Officer and Information Technology Manager
360-902-3018
Greg Tudor
Chief Information Officer and Information Technology Manager
360-902-3018
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 30 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.
Susan joined RCO in 2004 as the communications director. She leads the agency’s program that produces all of RCO’s publications, Web sites, social media, and public outreach materials. Susan’s experience includes 7 years as a newspaper journalist and more than 25 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.