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.
Heather Bailey
Volunteer Maryland Coordinator
Masters in Social Work, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI
BA, Sociology, Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
As the Volunteer Maryland Coordinator, Heather works to develop new volunteer partnerships in the community that will allow our volunteer program to thrive for years to come! Heather is passionate about helping people to connect to their natural world through hands on volunteer work! Prior to AWS, Heather worked as a social worker, camp counselor and naturalist at a nature center in Rhode Island. Feel free to contact her if you’re interested in learning more about our trash cleanup, invasive plant removal, or tree planting events.
Brent Bolin
Director of Advocacy
BA, Political Science (minors Biology & Environmental Studies), Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH
JD, Indiana University – Bloomington, Bloomington, IN
MPA, Indiana University – School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Bloomington, IN
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
Director of Watershed Stewards Academy
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.
Emily Gillespie
Communications Consultant
BA, Studio Art and Women's Studies, Lafayette College, Easton, PA
As the Communications Consultant, Emily supports the communications and graphic design needs of the education, stewardship, advocacy and recreation programs at AWS. For media inquiries, please call the main AWS line at 301-699-6204 or email info@anacostiaws.org.
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.
Lori Johnson
Advocacy 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 Advocacy Associate working to support the initiative to restore the Anacostia River and its tributaries by engaging members of the community, legislators, and fellow scientists. For 2011-12, she will also be working to promote and administer the District Department of the Environment’s (DDOE) Green Roof Rebate Program. 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.
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.
Chris Lemieux
Environmental Educator
MS, Environmental Studies (Science Teaching Concentration), Antioch University New England, Keene, NH
BA, History, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Chris has spent his life in places where science and education meet. The past ten years have taken Chris to NJ, where he taught classes in environmental education and adventure recreation; and to New Hampshire and Vermont, where he taught science in high school classrooms, with topics ranging from biology and ecology to physics. He is very excited to now work to educate about and help to restore the Anacostia River.
Michael Lucy
Senior Consultant
Masters Degree, Urban and Environmental Planning & Design - University of Virginia School of Architecture
Michael has more than 20 years experience in environmental design, development, construction and management. His current projects at AWS include administering DC’s Green Roof Rebate Program; working on Environmental Site Design and Low Impact Development projects in DC, the Port Towns and throughout the Watershed. He can be reached directly at 202-557-5814.
Maddie Koenig
Membership and Volunteer Coordinator
BA, Environmental Studies, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD
As the Membership and Volunteer Coordinator, Maddie works to recruit and educate volunteers in restoring, enhancing, and honoring the Anacostia River watershed with events like tree plantings, invasive plant removals, storm drain stenciling, and trash cleanups. Maddie's experience includes working with the public in outdoor and educational settings as a teacher's assistant, camp counselor, naturalist, and volunteer park ranger. She is excited to work with volunteers of all ages, and hopes to help create meaningful experiences for AWS volunteers!
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.
Jamie Phillips
Stewardship Team - Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer
BA, Sociology, St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, MD
Jamie is the second Chesapeake Conservation Corps Volunteer to join AWS. He assists the Stewardship Team with native plantings, invasive plant management, trash mitigation, and other related restoration programs. Some of Jamie's other responsibilities include data entry and grant writing.
Simon Plog
Office Administrator
Simon coordinates and manages financial accounts, payroll, and benefits; provides administration, and clerical support; participates in organization-wide efforts such as community events; and assists in proposal and report preparation. Before coming to AWS, he was owner/operator of a bookshop/coffeeshop. He also worked in contract management for 11 years at a Maryland based health consulting firm.
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.
Ariel Trahan
Manager of Environmental Education
BA, Environmental Studies and History, Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
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.
Membership
Want to make a difference in your community and our world right away? Join our AWS family today!
Subscribe
Stay informed of the latest watershed issues by subscribing to our free e-mail updates & event announcements.
Supporters Spotlight
The Summit Fund of Washington, D.C.Supporters of environmental advocacy and stewardship on the Anacostia River.
