James Foster
President
Environmental Resource Management, The Pennsylvania State University
The President is responsible for implementing the organization's strategic plan, meeting requirements of the Board of Directors, and providing strategic input to advance the mission of the organization.
Brent Bolin
Director of Advocacy
BA, Political Science (minors Biology & Environmental Studies), Wittenberg University
JD Indiana University – Bloomington
MPA Indiana University – School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Brent comes to AWS from a background as a citizen activist. A watershed resident, he has been active on Anacostia River issues for a number of years. His efforts at AWS focus on leading our campaigns, engaging citizens, and building coalitions - we all have a part in making a healthy Anacostia River. Brent’s environmental consciousness was inspired by a teenage field study trip with Art Mansbach; those lessons about being thoughtful in the environment are still with him today. Special thanks to Professor Tim Lewis for raising his ecological consciousness.
Jorge Bogantes Montero
Stewardship Team - Conservation Biologist
BS, Natural Resources Management and Protection, Universidad Estatal a Distancia, San José, Costa Rica
Before coming to AWS, Jorge worked for five years in biodiversity conservation issues and natural resources management in Costa Rica. Presently, He works with the staff of the Anacostia Watershed Society to control populations of many harmful invasive plant species occurring in local woodlands. AWS's Invasive Plant Removal Program improves habitat quality for many native plants and animals; as well as, the outdoor experiences of hikers, joggers, bikers and others using our shared parkland every day. In his capacity as Conservation Biologist, Jorge also work with AWS's team of educators to teach area residents and visitors about local environmental issues.
Lee Cain
Manager of Education Programs
BS, Physical Science, Culture and Writing, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA
Lee leads the education department in developing and implementing educational programs geared toward generating stewards of the land and waters of the Anacostia River. Among these programs are three-part service learning programs like the Watershed Explorers program, which teaches students watershed mechanics, provides them with on-water experience, and engages them in a service project on the river that helps them use what they've learned. Lee and the education staff also conduct teacher trainings that empower and equip teachers to lead these experiences on their own and in teams.
Erin Borgeson Castelli
Director of Development
BA, French and Psychology, Colby College, Waterville, Maine
Erin works with the Anacostia Watershed Society's Development Team to build relationships and raise funds from major donors and prospects, including foundations, governments, individuals, and corporations. If you would like to make a contribution (cash, stock, or planned gift such as putting us in your will) or to learn more, feel free to contact her.
Emily Gillespie
Communications Manager
BA, Studio Art and Women's Studies, Lafayette College, Easton, PA
As the Communications Manager, Emily supports the education, stewardship, advocacy and recreation programs at AWS. She manages AWS’s Web site and social media presence, implements public relations strategies and develops all newsletters and e-communications.
Patricia Gladding
Director of Operations
BS, Medical Technology
Pat's responsibilities with the Anacostia Watershed Society include financial planning and management, collaborating with board and management team to create and oversee organizational budget process, securing funding from sources to sustain organizations financial needs, maintaining close relationship with watershed community, and working with the staff and board to strategically ensure best practices.
Steve Kinzer
Maintenance Engineer
Steve works hard to keep things running smoothly at AWS and around the George Washington House. He has previously worked as a plumber, electrician, painter and carpenter and now brings his expertise to AWS.
Meg Mackin
Development Team - Membership Coordinator
BA, Journalism, Michigan State University
Meg comes to AWS’s development team with seven years of successful sales experience in corporate business development and college recruitment. After doing fundraising and development volunteer work at a no-kill animal shelter in Chicago, she decided to make a career change into the nonprofit field. Meg is in charge of membership recruitment and helping to increase fundraising overall at AWS.
Masaya Maeda
Stewardship Team - Water Quality Specialist
BS, Chemistry, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
Masaya came from Japan where he worked for the government in Mie Prefecture for 7 years. He is a chemical engineer graduated from Waseda University in Tokyo. In contrast to his AWS colleagues who engage in positive activities, like tree planting, wetland planting, and native species protection, Masaya is charged with a darker responsibility. He locates pollution, tracks it to its source, reports it to the proper authorities, and makes sure the issue is addressed.
Eric Sibley
Stewardship Team - Programs Manager
MBA, California State University - Humboldt, Arcata, CA
BS, Business Management, Davis & Elkins College, Elkins, WV
Eric manages the Stewardship Team and specifically administers our new Green Roofs Program. He is ultimately responsible for all of our restoration and mitigation projects. If you live in the Anacostia Watershed, chances are you've seen the positive results of one of our programs.
Tracey Toscano
Development Coordinator
Tracey works on researching new funding streams and donor opportunities while helping to maintain AWS's current committed relationships. She also collaborates on all our special events, activities, and programs.
Ariel Trahan
Environmental Educator
BA, Environmental Studies and History, Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota
Ariel works as a member of the education team to develop and implement service learning programs on the Anacostia River. Before coming to AWS, Ariel worked as an environmental educator in New Hampshire and Michigan. She is excited to use her experience in environmental education to engage both youth and adults in the Anacostia Watershed.
Wendy Van Norden
Environmental Educator
BA, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Thomas Edison State College, Trenton, NJ
Wendy implements educational programs to students and teachers in the Anacostia watershed, and is passionate about developing stewards of all ages. Before AWS, she worked with Montgomery County Public Schools for three years as a paraeducator and eighth grade math teacher, and coached youth lacrosse for ten years. Her interest in the environmental movement was sparked by her 4th grade teacher and she is excited to pass her enthusiasm on to future generations.
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Supporters Spotlight
The Summit Fund of Washington, D.C.Supporters of environmental advocacy and stewardship on the Anacostia River.