Amanda Ward
Before she became Executive Director of UCSRB, Amanda served as District Manager for the Foster Creek Conservation District. Although originally from New Zealand, Amanda has lived and worked in the US for over 20 years. Her diverse career in conservation includes environmental consulting and planning in the Chicago region, managing a lake restoration program in New Zealand, and conducting stream assessments and restoration projects in Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Land and Water) from Charles Sturt University, Australia and an Advanced Diploma of Land Management from the University of Sydney, Australia. In her free time, Amanda is a keen photographer who enjoys capturing the landscapes of the PNW while hiking and exploring Washington state.
Ryan Niemeyer
Ryan is a seventh generation Washingtonian and grew up on an alfalfa farm in Okanogan County where his parents still live. He completed his Masters in Natural Resources and PhD in Water Resources both at University of Idaho. He subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at University of Washington and University of California Santa Barbara. He has worked on various natural resource issues including the impact of dams on river temperatures in the Eastern US, forest thinning impacts on water resources the interior Pacific Northwest, and riparian buffers in Nicaragua. He currently lives with his wife and two kids and enjoys hiking, hunting, and fishing.
Julie Foss
Julie Foss is a Washington native and an Accounting Operations Professional who has worked in many financial capacities within various industries, resulting in a well-rounded and fulfilling career. She is thrilled to continue her professional path and growth within the non-profit sector at UCSRB. Julie is passionate about all things outdoors, from flower farming to road and mountain biking to open water swimming. As an Ironman finisher, she now enjoys volunteering at Ironman sanctioned races. Julie is a Washington State Notary and a member of the National Notary Association.
Meghan Camp
Meghan grew up in Washington in the verdant foothills of the Cascades where she developed a deep passion for the natural world. She earned a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Wildlife Ecology from Washington State University and University of Idaho. Meghan has conducted research on a variety of wildlife species including pygmy rabbits, American pikas, mule deer, white-tailed deer, Andean bears, and songbirds. Prior to joining the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board as Salmon Habitat Recovery Project Manager, Meghan worked at Cramer Fish Sciences where she gained experience in salmon recovery and habitat restoration. Outside of the professional realm, Meghan is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and fly fishing, activities that reinforce her connection with nature and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Ariel Edwards
Ariel’s love for the environment began while growing up in southeast Idaho, where she spent much of her time enjoying wild and scenic places on foot or skis with family and friends. Before moving to Wenatchee to join UCSRB, Ariel worked for multiple natural resource agencies in Oregon, Idaho, California, and Alaska. She completed her Master of Science in Biology at Northern Michigan University, where her research focused on the trophic dynamics of the Lake Superior fish community, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Western Washington University. Ariel has extensively worked with salmon in their native ranges in Northern California and Alaska, as well as their nonnative range in the Great Lakes. Her passion for salmon and their habitats extends beyond the workplace, as she enjoys exploring the waters of the PNW while fly fishing, hiking, and backpacking.
Karen Berg
Karen is passionate about protecting ecosystems and their interdependent human communities. She has lived in several countries, developing a deep understanding of the relationship between culture and environment. Karen brings a broad perspective to her work as a facilitator, guiding diverse stakeholder groups toward mutually satisfying solutions. She has a wide range of experience in conservation and sustainability including forest health, environmental planning, sustainable development, native landscaping, recreation, renewable energy, and climate policy. She has a M.S. in Environmental Geography from University of Massachusetts with a focus on ecosystem management and a B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University. Karen has made central Washington her home base for over 20 years. When she is not exploring our mountain habitats, she is likely building or remodeling her own nest.
Gabby Vermeire
Gabby moved to Wenatchee after living in Boulder for many years, and finds great comfort and familiarity in once again living very close to very big rocks. Having an academic background in political science and biology, Gabby loves that she's able to work on issues where both science and policy can be tools to create the best restoration outcomes for salmon. Previously, she has worked as a paralegal, permaculture landscaper, and in the nonprofit world. She is also a freelance writer who believes in the power of words and creative, persuasive messaging to bring conservation biology to new audiences. Ever in search of a good sunset, she'll always take you up on a golden hour hike up Saddle Rock.
