Administration
Jeff Parker
Executive Director
Jeff Parker
Jeff Parker is our Executive Director. Jeff brings significant experience in strategic development, coordination, and execution of complex public and private projects to his position. He first worked for NYC in 1994 as Project Manager at a residential AmeriCorps camp on the Olympic peninsula. Jeff has also worked as NYC’s Youth Corps Program Director, and Deputy Director. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Art Degree in Political Science from the University of Washington, and a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science, with an emphasis on Public Policy, from Evergreen State College. A north Eugene resident, Jeff is the proud father of two boys, and an avid outdoor enthusiast.
KEITH BROWN
SENIOR DIRECTOR, ADMINISTRATION
Keith Brown
Keith previously served as the Youth Corps Program Director, Operations Director, and head of the Marketing and Community Relations Department. Keith began his career with NYC in 1992 as a crewleader and spent his first few winters supervising NYC’s YouthBuild home construction program. When Keith is not working, he enjoys spending time exploring the northwest forests and coastal areas with Ann, his wife and best friend.
KATE OBORSKI
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Kate Oborski
Kate (she/her/hers) grew up in Pennsylvania but has called the PNW home for the last 19 years. Before having the opportunity to join the NYC team, Kate spent almost two decades in the non-profit world supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live happy and healthy lives. Her passions are art, music, gardening, cooking and spending time with her dog Rosie.
JAY A. SATZ
Senior Director, External Affairs
Jay A. Satz
Jay (he/him/his) is responsible for developing new conservation service program models, managing relationships with NYC’s key partners and supporting programs in the field. Jay is an award winning conservationist with a 30+ year career of connecting youth to conservation, creating and running effective backcountry conservation service programs, and developing and promulgating effective risk management practices for NYC, SCA, National Park Service, YMCA and other organizations and programs. In addition to his work with NYC, Jay serves on the boards for Aerie Backcountry Medicine and the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s Camping and Outdoor Leadership Branch, was a standing member of the Wilderness Risk Managers steering committee 1995-2019, and is an Associate with Experiential Consulting, LLC.
Hap Clemons
Philanthropy Director
Hap Clemons
Hap (he/him/his) was born and raised in Indiana and, in 2016, traded those rolling hills for the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. His 30+ year career in the nonprofit sector allowed him to work with Indiana nonprofit organizations spanning the fields of medicine, history, research, education, and fine arts. Now, at Northwest Youth Corps, Hap is excited to further its mission to enrich the lives of youth and young adults by teaching them transferrable life skills during their conservation journey. Hap serves on the board of Olympia Lamplighters and volunteers as an online tutor with Upchieve. When not working, Hap enjoys spending time with his rowdy Weimaraner, Bach, taking day trips on the weekend, and reading.
NATALIE WHITSON
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Natalie Whitson
Since 1998, Natalie has worked to fund new programs through grant-writing and alumni and community solicitation. Her other responsibilities include donor and volunteer development, facility rentals, representing NYC on the Laurel Hill Valley Executive Committee, and chairing NYC’s Safety Committee. Prior to NYC, Natalie lived in The Hague, The Netherlands, where she operated a small cleaning business. She has also worked at a foundation supporting public schools, and as a Volunteer In Service To America (VISTA) where she developed youth activities. Natalie earned her Master of Fine Art Degree in Painting from the University of Oregon. She and her husband have a daughter who is a proud graduate of NYC’s high school, now called the Twin Rivers Charter School. When not working, Natalie studies and competes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
ELENA GALIK
Chief Financial Officer
Elena Galik
Elena (she/her/hers) was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, and relocated to Lane County Oregon in 2005. She earned her MBA in Finance in 2014. After working in finance for a variety of other companies, Elena found her home as Finance Director at Northwest Youth Corps in 2019 and became Chief Financial Officer in 2022. Elena harmonizes financial operations, develops effective financial strategies, guide efforts towards financial stability, monitor all financial activities, promote revenue growth, and ensure compliance with accounting regulations. In her spare time, Elena love to spend time with her family. She also enjoys baking, gardening, and her sphynx cats.
TRACY DENSON
Payroll Specialist
Tracy Denson
Tracy has been NYC’s bookkeeper since 2010. Considering herself a Jane of all trades, before NYC, Tracy worked in a variety of jobs including silk screener, adult foster home assistant, and tile worker. A lifelong Oregonian, Tracy was born in Florence and moved to Eugene when she was five, where she’s lived ever since. She enjoys camping, waterskiing, bowling, and spending time with her husband and two children.
Erica Minson
Accounting Specialist
Erica Minson
Erica was originally from Denver Colorado and spent most of her adult life in Arizona. She loved snow skiing, hiking, and camping with her family in her youth. In 2008 she moved to Montana and then relocated to Eugene Oregon in 2014 to be near family. Erica brings 24 years of financial background with 10 years experience in various accounting positions. She loves reading, gardening, knitting, and making jewelry. She is passionate about animals and would like to be a foster for kittens and cats in need someday. One item on her bucket list is to visit Scotland and Ireland.
Jessie Johnson
Human Resource Officer
Jessie Johnson
Jessie Johnson joins NYC as the HR Officer. Born in Florida and was transplanted to the tiny town of Cove Oregon. She feels that this upbringing gave her the best of both worlds. Surrounded by forests and fields she developed a true appreciation for nature and its’ lasting impact on youth. In 2012 Jessie attained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oregon. Over the course of her career she has provided management, leadership, and human resources in both the non-profit and private sector. Additionally, she is a SHRM-CP certified HR Professional who is passionate about organizational development and employee engagement. Outside of work you can find Jessie enjoying time with her daughter or getting out and exploring the community.
Sara Gangaware
Executive Assistant
Sara Gangaware
Sara grew up in foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York where she developed a love for all things nature. She attended Appalachian State University in North Carolina and studied outdoor education. She then spent time in Colorado and Montana. She spent two years as a backpacking guide leading trips in Yellowstone National Park. After guiding she spent 3.5 years as Office Manager for a property management company in Big Sky. Sara moved to Eugene in the spring of 2023 and has fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest. When not in the office you can find her mountain biking, hiking through Oregon’s public lands, or enjoying a community event.
Peter Chesser
Communications Officer
Peter Chesser
Peter grew up in New York’s Hudson Valley and studied at the University at Albany and the College of Saint Rose and earned a bachelor and masters degree in Business Administration. After college He wanted to travel and explore America’s wild places and discovered AmeriCorps Conservation Crews were his answer. He went on to work on and lead conservation crews in Alaska, with the Southeast Alaska Guidance Association and in Montana, with the Montana Conservation Corps. In 2011, he moved to Oregon where he became a crew leader for Northwest Youth Corps. Peter now leads NYC's organizational communications efforts.
CASSIDY CONNOLLY
AMERICORPS MANAGER
CASSIDY CONNOLLY
Cassidy was born and raised in the Boise area. She has always been an avid animal lover and enjoyed the outdoors. She attended Boise State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. Her journey with nonprofits started while serving as a coordinating team member for the Boise River Enhancement Network. With her passion for environmental conservation and nonprofit work, she joined the Idaho Conservation Corps. In her free time, she loves to be outside on the water kayaking and fishing, but most importantly, spending time with her beloved cats.
Jason Fisher
AmeriCorps/Member Services Coordinator
Jason Fisher
Jason (He/Him) was born and raised outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After graduating college, he left his home state to work on a chef-owned biodynamic garlic farm in Ontario, Canada to gain a more in-depth view of sustainable food systems and take a quick break before settling down. To continue this break, Jason began working a conservation corps based in Flagstaff, Arizona which exposed him to the beautiful ecosystems of the American southwest which were notably different from northern Appalachia. Since completing his term with the conservation corps, Jason has worked as a garden educator, native plant horticulturist, coffee shop chef, fertilizer salesman, and a spotted owl research technician. He is now on year 5 of his quick break before settling down. Jason owes much of his success to the experiences and exposure gained through the conservation corps and is thrilled join the team at NYC in hopes of contributing to the positive impact on every crew member. Outside of work, Jason spends most of his time tending to his compost, watching movies with his kittens, telling stories about his kittens, or taking his canoe out on a lake somewhere.
Member Services
ANDREW TAGGE
MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR
Andrew Tagge
Andrew (he/him/his) grew up in the cornfields of Central Illinois before escaping to Minnesota and all its many lakes in 2010. In Minnesota, he started his work with the Corps world, serving three terms with Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa, happily wielding a chainsaw almost every day. After completing his terms of service, Andrew returned to the University of Minnesota to gain his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management. Anxious to see just how big a lake he can find, Andrew found himself drawn to Oregon and its coast, and his next foray into the Corps world began with NYC. When not with NYC, you can find Andrew hiking along the coast, soaking in hot springs, biking, reading, or woodworking.
Zeke Zeff
Member Services Coordinator
Zeke Zeff
Zeke was born and raised in west Philadelphia before discovering trail crew and the benefits of work in the mountains. He graduated from Hampshire College in 2019 with a BA in photography and environmental science, and worked on recreation and research projects in Puerto Rico, Arizona, and Montana before joining NYC in 2021. Outside the office, he enjoys climbing mountains, cooking impossibly spicy food, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Taylor Mailly
Member Services Coordinator
Taylor Mailly
Taylor (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Topsham, Maine. She attended Arcadia University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a minor in French. Following graduation, she accepted a crew member position in North Fork, Idaho, where she fell in love with corps life and the beauty of the state. After two years of crew leading across the west coast, she moved back to Idaho to obtain her W-EMT and work for ICC as a Member Services Coordinator. In her free time, she enjoys climbing, backpacking, lifting, and wilderness medicine.
Carson Fleming
Member Services Coordinator
Carson Fleming
Carson (She/ Her) grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Emory University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Following graduation, she joined a young adult crew with Northwest Youth Corps. After her time on a young adult crew, she worked in construction with Habitat For Humanity for two years, until returning back out west to Washington to become a Member Services Coordinator for Northwest Youth Corps. Outside of work Carson likes to watch reality TV, hike, ski, and walk along the water with her beloved dog Sadie.
Conservation Programs
Oregon
JEFF OLSON
RISK MANAGEMENT AND FIELD TRAINING OFFICER
Jeff Olson
Jeff spent his teenage salad days working with NYC in the mid- 90’s, participating in a variety of programs. He returned to the NYC family in 2007 as a crew leader, previous to his current position he served as a program manager in WA and Field Director for the organization. Jeff grew up in Tacoma, WA and studied Studio Art at Evergreen State College. He has held a Wilderness EMT Certification since 2008 and teaches Wilderness Medicine courses with Aerie Backcountry Medicine. Outside of work, Jeff can be found building furniture, in the uplands with pointing dogs and on the river swinging flies for unsuspecting fish.
HANNIA CANDELARIO
Conservation Corps Director
HANNIA CANDELARIO
Hannia grew up with one foot on the mountains of Costa Rica and the other one on the beaches of Miami. She initiated her AmeriCorps journey in 2012 leading summer crews in back and front country settings. Since then, she’s been part of other AmeriCorps programs as well as programs in Latin America that facilitate environmental justice and social engagement spaces for communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation and Ecotourism from Unity College in Maine and recently received her master’s degree in Environment, Development and Peace with specialization in Sustainable Natural Resource Management from the United Nations Mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica. She focused her research on how environmental education and youth engagement in outdoor recreation can be used as a framework for social justice and civic engagement in areas of high social vulnerability in Latin America. With her grad school journey, she also began running trails and mountains. So far, she has completed two ultra-trail marathons and several mountain half marathons. She received two pounds of cheese once as a first-place prize on a 25K. Hannia is part of the Program Coordinator team in Oregon and comes to NYC with a high interest and passion in youth development, outdoor recreation, experiential education and community outreach.
AMANDA WALLACE
OREGON PROGRAM Manager
Amanda Wallace
Amanda (she/her) was born and raised in east Texas. She moved to Austin in 2011 and received a BS in Biology from the University of Texas in 2015. She joined the Texas Conservation Corps after graduation as a member on the Trails Across Texas crew and realized that the conservation corps world was where she wanted to be. She served another term as a leader with TXCC and a leader term with the Montana Conservation Corps, then worked with the Excelsior Conservation Corps in upstate New York. Amanda returned to TXCC in May of 2020 as a staff member. She has now moved to the program coordinator position in Eugene, OR with NYC and is excited to explore the Pacific Northwest with her fiancé and dog.
ANNA MCCORMICK
OREGON PROGRAM COORDINATOR
ANNA MCCORMICK
Anna (she/her) grew up in central Pennsylvania and developed a passion for the outdoors while studying environmental science at a small college in Tampa Bay Florida. While pursuing her degree Anna began doing field work for NYC starting as a member in 2021. One season was not enough, and she returned as a leader in 2022 to then continue field work as a woodsboss for the Community Wildfire Protection Corp in 2023. Outside of the office, you can find her somewhere down a forest road, lifting weights, or spending time with her cat Monty.
Brian Thompson
OREGON PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Brian Thompson
Brian (he/him) was born and raised in Oakland, California. After studying Natural Resource Management at the University of Vermont, he worked on organic farms throughout New England, growing produce and raising a variety of livestock. He eventually moved back to his native west coast and landed in Eugene. After many years in agriculture, he decided it was time for a change and is excited to be at NYC serving others and improving the natural world throughout our beautiful region! When he’s not working you can find him cooking up delicious food, riding his bike around town, or hiking in the woods with his dog Willie.
Jude Wages
OREGON Affinity PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Jude Wages
Jude (they/them) is from Orlando, Florida. They studied Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Central Florida. While in college Jude worked for UCF’s Arboretum as a coordinator for the Land Management team where they managed 850 acres of beautiful natural space. In tandem, Jude also worked for UCF’s outdoor recreation program as an Adventure Trip lead and a Challenge Course Supervisor. Jude is interested in creating equitable and accessible spaces in conservation for folks who are often marginalized. They are a certified Type II Firefighter and a Wilderness First Responder; they hope to one day create a fire crew aimed to empower queer folks. Jude worked as a crew lead and intern for NYC before coming into this current position. In their free time they can be found crafting in the form of painting, crocheting, or pottery.
Eryn Lippitt
OREGON PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Eryn Lippitt
Eryn (She/Her) grew up in Michigan and developed a passion for the outdoors after spending every summer at summer camps. She attended Michigan State University and graduated with a BS in Sustainable Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Eryn did her first trail crew in 2021 and fell in love with both the work and community. Before joining NYC, she was working as a state park manager in Vermont. In her free time, Eryn likes cooking, camping, and hanging out with her pet hedgehog, Oatmeal.
Nick HARVEY
OREGON PROGRAM COORDINATOR
NICK HARVEY
Harvey (he/him) grew up in Ridgefield, Washington, where his high school mascot was a potato wearing a crown (go spudders). Harvey received his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Washington in 2015, and had the opportunity to contribute to several projects ranging from fundamental physics research, satellite GNC and launch procedure. While on hiatus from the engineering-sphere and excited to explore new spaces, Harvey completed a season as a member on a 2020 NYC winter crew. The intention put into community-building, mindfulness, and communication had him hooked, and he has since served as crew leader, woodsboss, and now program coordinator. Outside of work, Harvey can be found on a blanket in Westmoreland Park or lounging alongside his cats, Sammy and Clyde.
Washington
Hannah Pauly
Washington Program Manager
Hannah Pauly
Hannah (she/her/hers) is from Houston, TX, and Chicago, IL. She attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison and completed her studies in Community & Environmental Sociology. It wasn’t until she left the big city that she found her passion for the outdoors and increasing its accessibility. After graduating, Hannah worked for US Fish & Wildlife and the National Park Service in their education and interpretation departments. Most recently, she lived and worked in Yellowstone NP as a crew leader for their Youth Conservation Corps. Outside of work, Hannah likes to spend her time hiking, bouldering, reading, and cooking new recipes.
Clay Rush
Washington Program Coordinator
Clayton Rush
Clay (he/him/his) grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Ohio State University where he studied economics and environmental science. After graduation, Clay moved out west to Colorado and joined a trail crew with Rocky Mountain Youth Corps for what he thought would just be a fun seasonal job. However, one season was not enough, and he found himself returning to the trails for the following three years. He served various roles within Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, including as a crew leader, an intern with the USFS Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, and as a field coordinator. In between trail seasons, Clay enjoyed living a nomadic lifestyle and traveling as much as he could. Some favorite off-season adventures included bartending in Ireland, professionally climbing trees in Boise, Idaho, and practicing Spanish while on a backpacking trip across Latin America. Clay is now a part of the team at Northwest Youth Corps where he is excited to serve and explore the public lands of the PNW.
Idaho
LISA O'FLAHERTY
State Director
LISA O'FLAHERTY
Lisa (she/her/hers)joined the Northwest Youth Corps as the Idaho State Program Manager in 2021. She spent her formative years as a world traveler, living in Texas, Minnesota, Indonesia, and England. After earning a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame in 2010, she ran off to the mountains of Northern California to serve on a Backcountry Trail Crew with the California Conservation Corps. She fell in love with working to protect and promote access to our natural spaces and hasn’t looked back since. She spent the next few years leading conservation crews in Texas and Washington, responding to natural disasters across the country, working trails for the Forest Service in California, and most recently working as a municipal Arborist in Boise, the City of Trees. When not at work, Lisa is most often hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, or relaxing with her husband and dog.
Dominic Martinez
ProgramCoordinator
Dominic Martinez
Dominic was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Upon graduating high school, he up and moved to one of the most extreme regional switches in the lower 48 to attend Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. While receiving his two B.S. degrees in Geosciences and Natural Resources, his passion for understanding the Earth around us and what grows from it began his passion for conservation work. He has a variety of work under his belt ranging from being a conservation corps member with the Washington Conservation Corps, to a recreation Technician with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, to most recently as a park Ranger at Eagle Island State Park. If he is not working, you will find him on the nearest disc golf course with his dog Misha, or hanging out at home with his partner gardening, upkeeping their 1930’s era home, tending to his chickens Mocha and Macchiato, or cozied up on the couch with his cats Gichi and Gami.
Oliver Scofield
Program Coordinator
Oliver Scofield
Oliver (he/him/his) grew up on the Wyoming/Idaho border and was introduced to many amazing outdoors opportunities at a young age. His first job was as a youth crew member on the Grand Teton National Park trail crew and he never looked back from there. After graduating from the University of Vermont, he spent a year travelling around the U.S. visiting National Parks and other natural wonders before landing as a crew leader for NYC in Eugene. With a few summer leading youth crews under his belt, he journeyed to Montana to begin working as a Wilderness Ranger with the Forest Service. Five years later, and with a Masters in Creative Writing, Oliver returned to NYC as a Program Coordinator. Outside of work, Oliver enjoys trail-running , reading, writing, cross-country skiing, and is an aspiring rock climber.
Community Wildfire Protection Corps
Sarah Worthington
CWPC Director
Sarah Worthington
Sarah (she/her/hers) grew up in Boise, ID and has lived in Oregon since 2015. She has spent time working as a park ranger on the Rogue River and has been in the nonprofit world as an Executive Director in Southern Oregon. Sarah is passionate about public land, conservation, and environmental education. You can find her biking, camping, hot springing, or out on the trail with her beloved boxer dogs.
WillWildebrandt
CWPC COORDINATOR
Will Wildebrandt
Will is from coastal Alabama and spent much of my life there. From a young age I have greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, kayaking, and recreating on Alabama’s public forests and beaches. I attended 4 years at the University of Alabama and received a bachelor’s in history and Geography, while enrolled at Alabama I was also a 4-year member and leader of the “Million-dollar band” marching band program. Post college I decided to pursue the conservation field with the hopes of finding a job that would allow me to help support conservation efforts and land stewardship. My job search led me to Northwest Youth Corps, and I have had the opportunity to fill several roles here since. I started as a crew member in Idaho, but quickly made a transition to a young adult lead for Oregon programs. Following these experiences, I realized that I wanted to continue working in the conservation field and came back to NYC as a Crew supervisor for the Community Wildfire Protection Crew and then as a Woods boss for Youth programs. I will now be joining the Oregon office as a Program Coordinator and am very excited to start a new chapter of my life in the Pacific Northwest! Outside of work you can find me listening to local live music with my black lab Biscuit and watching Alabama football.
Internship Program
Lev Kellendy
Internship Director
OLIVIA KELLEY
Kate Sanders
Internship Program Coordinator
Kate Sanders
Kate (she/her/hers) graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science. From there she jumped around the conservation world - serving on the Palmetto Conservation Corps building trails across South Carolina, teaching outdoor education for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry on the Oregon Coast, and working for the National Park Service at Shenandoah National Park as a trails and maintenance employee. Kate made a career transition during the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteering and working as a medical assistant with Occupy Medical to provide safe quarantine and isolation space for unhoused Eugenians. Upon the completion of that project, Kate continued working with unhoused individuals as the Vaccine Hesitancy and Education Director for Integrated Holistic Aid Collective. Since Kate parted ways with IHAC, she now works for Northwest Youth Corps as the Internship Program Coordinator, supporting interns in partnership with the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. In her free time, Kate enjoys wandering in the woods, tending to her garden, and fiber crafts.
Operations
Matthew Crowley-Miano
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Matthew Crowley-Miano
Matthew is originally from Connecticut, and his career has taken him across three continents in a variety of operational leadership roles. He has worked as a Park Ranger in Alaska, served as an environmental educator in the Peace Corps, and managed off-grid properties in Alaska and Tanzania—and it all started when he took a chance and volunteered as a crewmember in a youth conservation corps.
A graduate of the University of Connecticut, he brings significant experience in facilities and fleet management, logistics, safety, and outdoor education. A recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest, he spends his free time on camping trips with his wife.
Tiana Last
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Tiana Last
Tiana Last grew up in San Diego, California. After starting her studies at UC Berkeley, she worked in an animal shelter, and then with several conservation corps in Pennsylvania, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. Working on these crews motivated Tiana to return school. She applied to Oregon State University’s Natural Resource Management major, where she had the opportunity to work for OSU’s Research Forests. She then connected with the Forest Service and fought fires in Eastern Oregon in 2020 and 2021. After finishing her degree, Tiana joined NYC, to be able to contribute positively to the climate crisis. In her spare time, Tiana cooks and bakes, reads, does yoga, and hikes and goes on adventures with her dog, Peru.
