James Foster
President
Environmental Resource Management, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
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.
Lori Baranoff
Policy Associate
BS, Biology-Zoology and Biology-Ecology, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
Lori started as a Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer with the Stewardship Team at AWS in late 2010. She is now our Policy Associate working to support the initiative to restore the Anacostia River and its tributaries by engaging members of the community, legislators, and fellow scientists. Surrounded by nature as a child, Lori developed a passion to preserve and protect the natural world shaping her decision to become a biologist. She enjoys using her skills and knowledge to bridge the gap between science and policy as an activist for the environment.
Jorge Bogantes Montero
Natural Resource Specialist
BS, Natural Resources Management and Protection, Universidad Estatal a Distancia, San José, Costa Rica
Before coming to AWS, Jorge worked for six years in biodiversity conservation issues and natural resources management in Costa Rica. Since April 2009 he has been working with the staff of the Anacostia Watershed Society doing reforestation, wetland restoration, as well as other revegetation projects, and invasive plant management. To do this work Jorge leads volunteer events engaging watershed residents and the public in meaningful outdoor stewardship activities. Jorge also helps AWS's team of educators to teach people about conservation and restoration issues. Additionally, he supervises our stewardship interns from spring to fall. AWS's restoration programs improve habitat quality for many native plants and wildlife, as well as the outdoor experiences of hikers, joggers, bikers, and others using our shared parkland every day.
Lee Cain
Director of Adult Education Programs
BS, Physical Science, Culture and Writing, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA
Lee leads the National Capital Region - Watershed Stewards Academy with local and regional watershed partners. He provides community leaders with the resources to serve as a point in their community on stormwater issues and to conduct projects that reduce pollution at the source. Lee began working at AWS in 2006 as an environmental educator. His passion for work in conservation stems from his roots in the Chesapeake Bay where he spent his youth fishing and crabbing. He enjoys kayaking and is always happy to share the secrets of the Anacostia to those who are interested.
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 Conrad
Development Coordinator
BA, Anthropology and Literature, American University, Washington, DC
Originally hailing from the Texas Hill Country, Emily first developed an appreciation for the environment and the outdoors while going on camping trips with her family as a child. She joins AWS as a member of the development team researching new funding streams and grant opportunities while helping to maintain AWS’s current committed relationships. Feel free to contact her if you have any questions on how you can support AWS’s critical work to restore the Anacostia Watershed.
Ann DeSanctis
Education Team - Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer
BA, Geography (minors Anthropology & International Studies), University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Ann is the third Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer at AWS. She assists with the Education Team's three-part service learning environmental education programs, including Rice Rangers, RiverSmart Schools, and the SONG Project. Her experience comes from time with Climate Summer, the Student Conservation Association, University of Kentucky's Organic Horticulture Research & CSA Farm, and the National Geographic Society. She loves being outdoors and keeps busy with activities ranging from ultimate frisbee to bike polo and is excited to develop her paddling skills on the Anacostia and other waterways of the region.
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.
Maddie Koenig
Membership and Volunteer Coordinator
BA, Environmental Studies, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD
MS, Park and Resource Management, Slippery Rock University (expected grad. 2014)
As the Membership and Volunteer Coordinator, Maddie works to engage community members and other individuals in a variety of ways -- as volunteers, service-learning interns, donors, and members. If you have questions about ways you (or your friends, family, team, co-workers, church, company, club, organization, etc.) can get involved, don't hesitate to call or email her!
Julie Lawson
Communications & Campaigns Manager
BA, Linguistics, Haverford College, Haverford, PA
Julie organizes the Trash Free Maryland Alliance, a network of nonprofits, businesses, and activists working to reduce litter in Maryland. She also manages AWS's communications functions. Prior to joining AWS, Julie honed her advocacy and organizing skills volunteering as the chair of the DC Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. She is also principal and cofounder of Communication Visual, a design and marketing studio for progressive nonprofit organizations.
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Supporters Spotlight
The Summit Fund of Washington, D.C.Supporters of environmental advocacy and stewardship on the Anacostia River.
