Announcement from Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters

Today we share news of a transition here at Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. Andrew Bossie is moving on to new endeavors after serving as Executive Director for over four and a half years. Deputy Director Sam Deeran has stepped up to serve as Acting Executive Director.

In the words of Board President Molly Ross: “Andy’s departing gift is an organization galvanized for continued success. We thank him for his work to move this organization from its start-up to a long, bright future.”

At our annual meeting on March 3rd, Friends members and the National Park Service staff joined us to celebrate ongoing work made possible through our public-private partnership, which has led to key projects like the new Lunksoos Tent Sites. You can watch an excerpt from the annual meeting here.


Meghan Cooper (Development Director), Kala Rush (Education Director), Andy Bossie (Friends’ first Executive Director), and Sam Deeran (Acting Executive Director) returned from a trip to Haskell Hut in 2019. In 2021, Friends added three new staff: Sarah Andre (Development Associate), Ruger Pearson (Admin Associate), and Elise Goplerud (Program Associate). While remote work has kept the staff from grabbing a photo together, we all wish Andy well in his future endeavors! Meghan Cooper (Development Director), Kala Rush (Education Director), Andy Bossie (Friends’ first Executive Director), and Sam Deeran (Acting Executive Director) returned from a trip to Haskell Hut in 2019. In 2021, Friends added three new staff: Sarah Andre (Development Associate), Ruger Pearson (Admin Associate), and Elise Goplerud (Program Associate). While remote work has kept the staff from grabbing a photo together, we all wish Andy well in his future endeavors!


Andy moves on having led the organization through its first strategic plan, delivering accomplishments for both the Monument and surrounding communities. He shared these parting words: “I’ll always be a Friend of Katahdin Woods and Waters. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity to give back to a place that has given so much to me. I trust that the Monument and the community will continue to thrive. The day-to-day operations of the Friends staff are stronger than ever.”

Friends, the official philanthropic partner to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, is nearing a membership of 1,000 people, works in collaboration with dozens of connected organizations, and is stewarded by a 14-person Board of Directors. Acting Executive Director Sam Deeran has worked for Friends for four years, three as Deputy Director. The staff of six will continue their work to support the organization’s mission as the Board focuses on the strategic priorities for the next chapter.

As we move forward, we share these words from Sam: “We’re inspired to play a part in important work happening here in the Katahdin Region. Relationships are at the heart of that work and so we extend our thanks to all those who are Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. Partners, collaborators, and supporters are vital to the future of the Monument and communities connected to it.”