Program Director Kala Rush, Sherman, Maine, is the Program Director for Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. Kala’s love for the outdoors and education began during her work as a Youth Crew Leader for the Montana Conservation Corps and continued while creating educational and volunteer opportunities as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the United Way of…
Operations & Finance Manager Ruger Pearson, Poland, Maine, is the Operations & Finance Coordinator for Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. Born and raised in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains with views of Yosemite from his dad’s back porch, he has been deeply tied to public lands his entire life. While earning a…
Environmental Educator Michelle is the part-time Environmental Educator for Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. A recent homecomer, she spent significant childhood time wandering, picking berries, fishing, and poking things with sticks in Patten, Baxter State Park, and on Millinocket Lake. Since her early memories involve conversations about public/private access and outdoor heritage, she’s committed…
Executive Director Brian Hinrichs, Bangor, Maine, is the Executive Director for Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. He moved to Maine in 2013 to serve as the Executive Director for the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, where he oversaw significant growth and championed a focus on community engagement during his ten years of leadership. Brian grew up…
Education Manager Elise Goplerud, Howland, Maine, is the Education Manager for Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters. In 2017, she received a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism from the University of Maine and promptly moved to the Katahdin region to begin her career in outdoor education. Elise is a Wilderness First Responder, Registered Maine…
Development Director Sarah André, Westbrook, Maine, is the Development Coordinator for Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. Growing up in the foothills of western Maine, she spent the bulk of her childhood staring at clouds or stars. She credits her love for hiking, running, and cross-country skiing to her formative years “in the middle of…
Board of Directors John Pond, Bangor, has over 39 years of experience in the environmental and engineering consulting services with an extensive background in the evaluation of water, wastewater, groundwater, surface water, soils and special waste. In his current role, John is responsible for a staff of approximately 40 Environmental Scientists, Geologists, Engineers, and Technicians. In…
Board of Directors Linda Qualey, Benedicta, Maine, is a retired professional with more than forty years of experience in nonprofit work, including resource development, public relations, and human resources. Throughout her career, she’s focused on strengthening communities across Northern Maine through practical problem‑solving and collaborative leadership. Linda’s work included serving with the Healthy Maine Partnerships,…
Board of Directors Carla Chung Mattix served as an attorney for the National Park Service at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor, from 1995 to 2021. She worked in the Washington, D.C. headquarters office and later in the San Francisco and Santa Fe offices. Carla provided legal counsel and litigation support…
Board of Directors Amanda R. Hannah is a seasoned corporate communications executive with over 20 years of experience in strategic communications and reputation management for globally recognized consumer brands. Currently serving as the Head of External Communications and Brand Engagement at L.L.Bean, she leads a dynamic team focused on public affairs, reputation management, and brand…
