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RACHEL VASAK

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Email: rachel.v@whatcomlandtrust.org

Rachel Vasak, is a natural leader, a skilled connection builder, and has a talent for feeding people delicious food. Rachel has over 25 years of experience in salmon recovery, 16 years as executive director at Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, and degrees in environmental and engineering geology and a master's in nonprofit leadership, Rachel brings extensive knowledge and experience to her role as Executive Director of Whatcom Land Trust. Raised on a farm, Rachel developed a lifelong connection to the land that inspires her work in conservation today. When she's not preserving special places, she enjoys watching her son play baseball and exploring the outdoors through activities like hiking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding, boating, and kayaking.

JODI BROUGHTON

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Email: jodi.b@whatcomlandtrust.org

Jodi Broughton, a master in asking good questions and a shining example of helping people feel welcomed and connected, joined Whatcom Land Trust as Development Director in November 2024. She brings more than 20 years of experience in communications and fundraising, including 10 years in environmental education with North Cascades Institute and thirteen years in wildlife and wildland advocacy with Conservation Northwest. Jodi enjoys meeting with supporters one-on-one, learning about their interests in Whatcom Land Trust, and finding new ways to garner support for conservation and stewardship efforts. Originally from Texas, she lived in various locations around Puget Sound before settling in Bellingham, where she has lived for the past thirty years. In her free time, Jodi enjoys gardening, kayaking, hiking, and cooking. She is passionate about land conservation through Whatcom Land Trust because it allows private landowners to leave a lasting legacy and fosters collaboration across governments, nonprofits, and communities to protect lands that do not receive federal protection.

Jennifer Mackey

Stewardship Director

Email: jennifer@whatcomlandtrust.org

While attending Western Washington University for a B.S. in Environmental Science, Jennifer spent her summers interning to gain hands-on experience. She accomplished stream profile surveys, vegetation surveys, fish surveys, small mammal surveys in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. For the Mount St. Helens Institute she also co-led the Youth Stream Team, a program aiming to bring at-risk youth outside to gain a better understanding and appreciation of their natural surroundings. After graduating and completing other internship opportunities, Jennifer joined the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC), an AmeriCorps program, to gain riparian restoration experience with Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association. She later joined the Whatcom Land Trust team in her final year with WCC as a Stewardship Associate, and then filled in as the Interim Stewardship Director. Jennifer then spent the following year with the City of Bellingham’s watershed team in aquatic invasive species prevention before joining Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group as a Restoration Technician for over a year. When the Stewardship Director position opened up, she didn’t hesitate to jump at the opportunity in joining the evolving Whatcom Land Trust team once more. On the weekends when she is not leading a work party, you can find her hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, biking, and exploring natural areas throughout Washington.

Claire Johnston

Communications Director

Email: claire@whatcomlandtrust.org

Claire’s family arrived in Seattle in 1877 and worked in fisheries, forestry, and farming throughout the state. Her maternal great-grandparents owned a large farm in Lynden, Washington and her paternal ancestors established Manning Seed Co. in Roy, Washington. Claire had a childhood full of Pacific Northwest adventures, inspiring a lifelong passion for conservation and recreation. She strives to help grow a conservation minded community in Whatcom County through meaningful community engagement.

Claire holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Resource Management from the University of Washington. She began her career in the outdoor recreation industry as a bike technician, team manager, and local community engagement lead. She started working in the Land Trust field while living in Southeastern Massachusetts, as the Programming and Outreach Manager for Wildlands Trust.

She is thrilled to call the Pacific Northwest home again, and excited to share her love for this land with all members of her community. When Claire is out of office you can almost always find her on a trail or a beach. Whether mountain biking, running, or paddling, she is usually accompanied by her dog (and best friend) Chowder.

Alex Jeffers

Conservation Director

Email: alex@whatcomlandtrust.org

Since 2019, Alex Jeffers has served as the Conservation Director at Whatcom Land Trust. He works to manage land and easement acquisitions, including identifying priority areas and parcels, managing communications with landowners, securing project funding, facilitating partnerships with other regional entities, and overseeing the transaction process. Alex is originally from Kent, Ohio, and has the incredible skill of navigating new places without a map. He holds a degree in Sustainability from Baldwin Wallace University and dual Master’s degrees in Water Resource Management and Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His passion for conservation stems from childhood experiences participating in river clean-up days in his hometown, instilling in him a deep commitment to working with community members to protect and care for places that are important. Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, birding, and playing music.

ALEX DALUISO

DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Email: alex.d@whatcomlandtrust.org

Alex has been supporting fundraising efforts since October, managing donor records, coordinating events, and assisting with communications and outreach to strengthen donor relationships. Alex loves knowing his work will help improve the community. Originally from Twin Falls, Idaho, Alex moved to Bellingham at age seven and has called it home ever since. With over five years of experience in local nonprofits, he specializes in database management and team coordination. As someone who is concerned about the rate of natural habitats disappearing, the increase in population, and the spread of invasive species, Alex sees Whatcom Land Trust as a key organization in reversing these issues in Whatcom County. Outside of work, Alex is a passionate tabletop gamer and a skilled miniature painter. He also enjoys hiking with his dog and exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Lauren Ralbovsky

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Email: lauren.r@whatcomlandtrust.org

A strong commitment to community, the incredible scenic and agricultural lands of Whatcom County, and a desire to engage in actionable environmental management led Lauren Ralbovsky to Whatcom Land Trust. Originally from rural upstate New York, Lauren gradually moved west, spending time in Utah and Idaho before landing in Bellingham. She joined the team in March, bringing a wide-ranging background in habitat restoration, invasive species management, and wildlife conservation, from working with several non-profits and agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Fish and Game, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

She believes communities thrive when their physical and creative efforts connect daily life to the ecosystems they inhabit and help sustain. Lauren is excited to contribute her skills at Whatcom Land Trust because it is a powerful tool for building those relationships and protecting the places we love for future generations.

Outside of work, Lauren enjoys reading, hiking, rafting, tidepooling, biking in the sunshine, and expressing herself through creative cooking and hands-on crafts.

Emily segura maze

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Email: emily.sm@whatcomlandtrust.org

Emily is originally from a small town in Costa Rica and grew up in Santa Fe, NM. Two places that heavily influenced her interest in the outdoors and care for the environment. A large part of why Whatcom Land Trust’s mission of protecting natural spaces so they can thrive in the future is inspiring to her. Emily earned a B.S. in Environmental Sustainability Studies from Northern Arizona University and two minors in Creative Media and Film and Spanish. While attending university she gained hands-on experience as a filmmaker and editor at an internship at Q Stories, a multi-media production company, inspiring her to pursue film as a freelance creative. Outside of work, you can find Emily, loving to try new things and enjoying hobbies like mountain biking, climbing, skiing, and now playing with her new puppy Juni.

TYLER YUNG

CONSERVATION EASEMENT COORDINATOR

Email: tyler.y@whatcomlandtrust.org

Since joining the team in April 2024, Tyler Yung has been known for bringing energy and positivity to all facets of Whatcom Land Trust. He is the Conservation Easement Coordinator and loves working with landowners who are passionate about stewarding their land. Originally from the East Coast (Connecticut), Tyler lived in Colorado for four years before moving to Bellingham to work at Whatcom Land Trust. Tyler holds a B.A. in environmental studies from Colorado College and completed an internship at Palmer Land Conservancy, where he gained valuable experience working with conservation easements. Outside of work, Tyler enjoys running, playing guitar, and eating delicious food. His favorite part of the job is cultivating positive, meaningful relationships.

Hailey Clark

Conservation Project Manager

Email: hailey@whatcomlandtrust.org

As the Conservation Project Manager, Hailey assesses new potential acquisition projects, writes grants, and facilitates land and conservation easement transactions by completing property due diligence (appraisals, environmental assessments, surveys, title reviews, and other items as needed). Hailey got her undergraduate degree in Environmental and Sustainability and a master’s degree in Environmental Management from Western Colorado University. While studying, Hailey was exposed to a variety of environmental nonprofit work, which led her to seek out Whatcom Land Trust shortly after moving to Bellingham. Hailey has a passion for connecting people with nature and quickly learned how land trusts serve as a powerful tool for both environmental protection and fostering connection between people and the land. Hailey’s favorite part about her job is visiting a property after completing a project and knowing it will be protected forever. When not working, Hailey is likely outdoors exploring on her splitboard or mountain bike with her dog, Oakl

Kelsey Bedient

Financial Specialist

Sun Mountain Consulting LLC

Kelsey moved to Bellingham with her husband in 2015. She started her career in public accounting working extensively with nonprofit organizations. After nearly 10 years working in public accounting, Kelsey decided to start her own consulting business to continue her work supporting nonprofits with their accounting and finance needs. When she’s not running her business, you might find her on a local trail with her 7-month old twins and two dogs.

Alexis Burton

Office Manager

Email: officemanager@whatcomlandtrust.org

As the office manager, Alexis Burton has helped create efficiency and answered vital questions at the front desk for three years. She orders office supplies, tracks and pays bills, submits new hire paperwork to the Bookkeeper, and supports database management for accurate financial tracking and the donor database. She is originally from Washington and enjoys seeing the positive side of things. Alexis holds degrees in Environmental Education from Western Washington University and a certificate in non-profit administration. She believes that land trusts are a tool for community empowerment, especially when communities have a direct voice in how land is protected and used. When not at the office, Alexis enjoys reading, climbing trees, taking road trips, and playing with her two cats.

HUNTER CALLUNA NELSON

STEWARDSHIP ASSISTANT

Email: hunter.c@whatcomlandtrust.org

After graduating with a degree in Ecosystem Management and Forestry from UC Berkeley, Hunter Calluna took a one-way road trip up to Bellingham to start as a Stewardship Assistant at Whatcom Land Trust. They have worked to monitor properties, engage with the public, and plan for the properties long-term care at Whatcom Land Trust for almost a year. Hunter is originally from San Diego but spent most of their formative years in the San Fransisco Bay Area. They are passionate about land trusts because they embody community-driven conservation and neighbors coming together to protect places they love. Hunter’s superpower is that they have a knack for turning chaos into clarity. At work, you’ll often find Hunter enjoying a biscuit and matcha when they can. Outside of work, they love solving puzzles, learning to crochet, leash training their two cats, and climbing at Vital.

Bryce Auburn

Stewardship Assistant

Email: bryce.a@whatcomlandtrust.org

Bryce Auburn, a true jack of all trades and originally from Whidbey Island, has been with Whatcom Land Trust for over two years. After graduating from Western Washington University with a B.A. in Environmental Studies, a certificate in GIS, and a Minor in Geography, Bryce gained hands-on experience at Whatcom Land Trust during a six-month-long internship in 2021 and now serves as a Stewardship Assistant. In this role, Byce is responsible for conducting yearly site visits and helps manage all of Whatcom Land Trust protected properties. Getting to explore the incredible landscapes that Whatcom Land Trust has helped protect and teaming up with amazing volunteers to restore properties is what Bryce enjoys most about his job. Outside of work, you can find Bryce staying active—whether it's playing soccer, longboarding, hiking, or shooting 35 mm film.

Kendra schmiedeskamp

OUTREACH AND EVENTS COORDINATOR

Email: kendra.s@whatcomlandtrust.org

Kendra is a coordination extraordinaire with a knack for unicycling. She joined Whatcom Land Trust in March as the Events & Outreach Coordinator, fostering fun and creative ways to connect people with the land, the Whatcom Land Trust’s work, and each other. Her favorite part of the job is meeting others who share her enthusiasm for the natural world. Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kendra earned her bachelor’s in Environmental Policy from the University of Michigan. She then earned a master’s in Natural Resource Management from the University of Vermont. After moving to the Pacific Northwest, she worked in stewardship for a Seattle-based land trust before joining the Lummi Island Heritage Trust, first as Stewardship Coordinator and later as Community Engagement Coordinator. Kendra believes land trusts are special because they combine local knowledge and long-term stewardship to conserve and care for land within their communities. She is excited to work for an organization with 40 years of experience protecting the county she calls home. When not at work, Kendra enjoys gardening, biking, hiking, and paddleboarding.

Hall Walker

President

Hall grew up in Bellingham and graduated from Sehome High School. His professional career started in the public sector with the Budget Offices of King County and the City of Seattle, focusing on sustainable and responsible spending policies and prioritizing limited public resources. While he continues his finance career in the private sector, he spends his time with his wife and two kids exploring the Pacific NW by land and by sea. He moved back to Bellingham in 2017 and joined the Whatcom Land Trust Board in 2019.

Dave brown

Vice President

Dave Brown works as an attorney at Brett McCandlis Brown. He joined the Board in 2016.

Lynne Givler

Vice President

Lynne Givler joined the Board in 2015 and currently serves as Board Secretary. She graduated from the Evergreen State College in 1977 with a degree in marine sciences. After working several field and lab jobs, she began her career in parks and recreation in 1979 as a Naturalist with Seattle Parks, and spent her last ten years with Seattle Parks as a Project Manager at the Woodland Park Zoo. In 2001 Lynne began working at Whatcom County Parks as the Operations Manager, and retired in 2011. During her years with Whatcom County Parks she worked closely with the Land Trust on a number of projects, giving her an opportunity first-hand to see the great work Whatcom Land Trust does in the community.

Jennifer Wright

Treasurer

Jennifer Wright joined the Board in 2011 and is serving as the Board Treasurer. She currently works as an accountant at Metcalf Hodges, CPAs.

Jennifer Parker

Board Member

Jenn grew up in Bellingham and has lived in Washington most of her life. Her childhood goal was to be a scientist who works outside. She fell in love with geology at Whitman College and completed her master’s degree from the University of New Mexico, kicking off her career as a geologist. Jenn is a 4th-generation co-owner of the Nourse Tree Farm in Snohomish County, where they manage their forest for sustainable timber, wildlife, water quality, and recreation.

Lynn Berman

Board Member

Lynn Berman joined the Board in 2016 and was the previous Board Vice President. Originally from the S.F. Bay Area she and her family moved to Whatcom County in 1978 after living in Norway for six years. Lynn founded and operated four businesses for over 30 years, helped establish the Bellingham Farmers Market and the Barkley Merchant’s Association, has been an advocate for sustainable agriculture, local and just food systems, and a mentor for young farmers and chefs. She was a board member of the Whatcom Humane Society for six years and an advisory board member for the Mt. Baker Vocational Technical program for over 18 years. She has volunteered extensively with WA Tilth Producers, Seattle Chef’s Collaborative (now FORKS), Slow Food USA, Slow Meat, Maple Alley Inn, and the Whatcom Land Trust. Other interests include hiking, sea kayaking, biking, traveling, and textile and fiber arts.

Pat Stevenson

Board Member

Pat Stevenson is recently retired from the Stillaguamish Tribe after 35 years of managing their environmental and natural resource department. He worked on many protection and restoration projects over the years including:, building 30-40 engineered log jams, connecting side-channels, planting miles of riparian habitat, and treating three major landslides contributing tons of fine sediment to the system. He also directed an annual Festival and Pow-Wow for 30 years. Pat has been a Whatcom community member for nearly fifty years has three children and three grandchildren.

Chris Moench

Board Member

Ceramic Artist, small business owner “I support Whatcom Land Trust because it enables every resident of our county to take tangible action to restore and protect the natural heritage of our landscape in ways that will be felt and appreciated by the generations to come. I have served on the board since 1990.”

Jason Hatch

Board Member

Jason joined the Board of Whatcom Land Trust in 2021. He currently serves as Program Director at Washington Water Trust, where has worked since 2013, overseeing the western Washington WWT program to restore flow and develop sustainable water management strategies. He is leading efforts to develop new instream flow tools including recycled water source substitution, natural system storage restoration, watershed services and low water use crops.He has more than 25 years of public interest experience, including work with the Trout Unlimited-Washington Water Project, California League of California Voters, Friends of the River, and a graduate project studying the social impacts of small dam removal on the Sprague River in Klamath County, Oregon. He has served on the Wenatchee Parks Advisory Board, founded the North Portland Tool Library and serves as Treasurer with North Portland Community Works. He received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara and an M.S. in Water Resource Policy and Management from Oregon State University. He enjoys snow-shoeing, trail running, fly-fishing, sea-kayaking, his annual backpack trip with his daughter and adventuring with his family.

John D'onofrio

Board Member

John D’Onofrio is a writer/photographer and the publisher of Adventures Northwest, a quarterly magazine dedicated to the exploration and appreciation of the magnificent landscapes of Cascadia. A resident of Bellingham for more than 30 years, he has focused his life on expressing the resonant beauty of the natural world and inspiring others to find deep connections to the land. He has written extensively about wilderness travel and environmental issues and has exhibited his photographs in venues across the United States. An avid hiker, paddler and seeker of beauty, he has served on the Board of the Whatcom Land Trust since 2015.

Rand Jack

Board Member

Rand Jack has lived in Whatcom County for 50 years as a lawyer, college professor, bird carver, spouse, father and grandfather. In 1984, he was a founding Board member of Whatcom Land Trust and has been very much involved in the life of the Land Trust ever since.

Laughlan Clark

Board Member

Laughlan (Loch) Clark has lived in Whatcom County since 1967, after starting out in Canada, then living in other locales in the U.S. He graduated from Lynden High School (1972), Western Washington State College (English, 1976) and the University of Puget Sound Law School (1980), then started a law practice in Bellingham in 1981. Loch joined his current firm in 1989 and is it longest tenured member. His practice focuses on lending law, business, and real estate. Loch has served on various non-profit boards over the decades, including Whatcom County Mental Health Board, Northwest Youth Services, and most recently Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. His interests include music, particularly playing jazz, and also traveling, gardening, bicycling, and hiking.

Leaf Schumann

Board Member

Leaving southern California in a pickup truck over 50 years ago, Leaf ultimately found both his perfect home and perfect partner in the Great Pacific Northwest. He reports that each day seems the best day of his life in large part because there is such strong community from which to draw energy. He developed a love for zoology while at Pomona College and a love for the land while living along the Middle Fork of the Nooksack. He skis badly each season at Mt. Baker but loves the drive up the mountain.

Our Staff

Rachel Vasak

Executive Director

Jodi Broughton

Development Director

Jennifer Mackey

Stewardship Director

Claire Johnston

Communications Director

Alex Jeffers

Conservation Director

Alex Daluiso

Development Specialist

Lauren Ralbovsky

Volunteer Coordinator

Emily Segura Maze

Communications Manager

Tyler Yung

Conservation Easement Coordinator

Hailey Clark

Conservation Project Manager

Kelsey Bedient

Financial Specialist

hiring

Office Manager

Hunter Calluna

Stewardship Assistant

Bryce Auburn

Stewardship Assistant

Kendra Schmiedeskamp

Outreach and Events Coordinator

Our Board

Hall Walker

President

Dave Brown

Vice President

Lynne Givler

Secretary

Jennifer Wright

Treasurer

Jennifer Parker

Board Member

Lynn Berman

Board Member

Pat Stevenson

Board Member

Chris Moench

Board Member

Jason Hatch

Board Member

John D’Onofrio

Board Member

Rand Jack

Board Member

Laughlan Clark

Board Member

Leaf Schumann

Board Member

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RACHEL VASAK

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

JODI BROUGHTON

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Jennifer Mackey

Stewardship Director

Claire Johnston

Communications Director

Alex Jeffers

Conservation Director

ALEX DALUISO

DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST