Hayley Newman

Executive Director. Hayley joined GBCA in 2018 as the Stewardship and Outreach Coordinator. As Director, Hayley leads GBCA’s policy and stewardship goals, making sure the organization is healthy and thriving. Previous to GBCA, Hayley worked on a variety of conservation biology issues with several local and national non-profit groups and federal government agencies. She holds a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a M.S. in Environmental Studies from University of Montana, focusing on road ecology.​

Chris Prange

Restoration Program Director. As the Restoration Program Director, Chris manages backcountry restoration projects centered on noxious weeds. Chris also leads GBCA’s educational outreach program. For the past four years, Chris has been a seasonal crew member with GBCA, working on trails as well as backcountry weed treatment. He holds a BS in Biology from Willamette University (OR), as well as an MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana.

Joelle Gallaugher

Stewardship Coordinator. Joelle is GBCA’s stewardship coordinator and backcountry ranger. In this role, she helps keep the Great Burn wild by patroling roughly 700 miles a year! Joelle also serves as our main crew liaison, ensuring that our volunteer and seasonal crews are well informed and on task through the busy summer season. Previous to GBCA, Joelle worked on several trail crews across the west. She has a BS in Ecology and minor in Native American Studies from Northern Michigan University.

Pete Zimmerman

Development and Communications Coordinator. Pete is the newest staff member at GBCA, joining the team in December 2023. As the Development and Communications Coordinator, Pete works to maintain and develop funding sources and foster awareness of the Great Burn and GBCA’s mission. Prior to joining GBCA, Pete held a variety of positions in guiding, journalism and non-profit grant writing. He has a BA from the University of Massachusetts and a masters in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism from the University of Montana.

Laura Lee

Staff accountant. Laura has been GBCA's staff accountant since 2000. She enjoys working with many small non-profits in Missoula, helping them achieve their mission through effective financial management. Laura holds a B.A. from Carleton College and acquired her accounting education from the University of Montana.

Dale Harris

Founder and Director Emeritus. Dale was a founding member of the Great Burn Conservation Alliance, and served as its Executive Director until 2019. He has received numerous awards in recognition for his conservation work, including 2020 induction into the Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame. Dale holds a B.S. in Forestry from the University of Montana.

Marilynn Mehmke

Big Sky Watershed Corps Member. Marilynn is this year's Big Sky Watershed Corps member at GBCA. During her year-long term of service, she will be assisting with GBCA’s noxious weed backcountry restoration projects and educational outreach programming. Before working with GBCA, Marilynn was part of various fuels, fire, and trail programs. She has a BS in Environmental Science and Sustainability from the University of Montana.


2024 Seasonal Staff

Clare Smith

Lolo Restoration Spray Crew

Josh Wolfolk

Lolo Restoration Spray Crew

Reed Cotthaus

Roving Restoration Survey Crew

Ella Bradley

Roving Restoration Survey Crew

Reed Phares

Trail Crew

Maureen Bricker

Kelly Backcountry Restoration Crew

Peter Chappell

Trail Crew

Caleb Chester

Trail Crew

 

Board of Directors

 
 

Daphne Herling, Senior research analyst, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana. (Board President)

Sarah Bates, Senior Director, Western Water (Retired) National Wildlife Federation. (Vice President)

Mike Oliver, Deputy Director of Public and Governmental Relations (Retired), US Forest Service Region 1 (Board Secretary)

Steve Seninger, PhD, Bureau of Business and Economic Research (Retired), University of Montana. (Board Treasurer)

Bert Lindler, Community volunteer in Grant Creek and Mineral County, former outdoor and environmental writer for the Great Falls Tribune and technical editor for the U.S. Forest Service. (President Emeritus)

Tom Gorman, Professor, College of Natural Resources, University of Idaho (Retired)

Skip Kowalski, Wildlife Biologist (Retired), US Forest Service

Sharon Sweeney, District forest ranger (Retired), US Forest Region 1

Aylan Lee, former Idaho outfitter, University of Montana School of Law student

Kayla Barr, Sales Manager, REI