Elise Cope

Gary Greene Science Advisor Gary is a marine geologist who currently leads the Center for Habitat Studies at Moss Landing Laboratories, a renowned marine science lab serving seven California State Universities. Previously, Gary had a long career with the United States Geological Survey and also served as Director of the Moss Landing Labs. Gary earned ... read more

Val Veirs Science Advisor Val studied physics through his PhD (Illinois Institute of Technology) and then taught undergraduate physics and environmental science at Colorado College (Colorado Springs) for 30 years. At Colorado College he served as chair of the Physics Department and then, later, as founding chair of the Environmental Science Department. In 2023 the ... read more

Eva Schulte Executive Directorshe/her/hers During her career, Eva has driven lasting and systemic change throughout the social sector for the health and dignity of people and our planet. Prior to Friends, Eva was the Executive Director for Whatcom Community College Foundation, leading community support for students and strategic educational initiatives across our bioregion. Eva is ... read more

Jan Knudson TreasurerBoard of Directorsshe/her/hers Jan decided to join the Friends board after touring our Sucia Island restoration project. She recently retired from a long career in construction management. Jan brings experience in forest management, environmental impact analysis, land use, and environmental policy development, affordable housing, water treatment facilities, and habitat restoration.

Joseph Cohen Board of Directorshe/him/his Joe and his wife Martha reside in Eastsound on Orcas Island. Joe’s passion is in empowering donors to increase their current and future legacy giving and enjoy the pleasure of meaningful contributions in their communities of interest. Joe’s undergraduate education was at the US Naval Academy, after which he served ... read more

Natalie Baloy Board of Directorsshe/her/hers Natalie Baloy, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Western Washington University. Dr. Baloy’s work is informed by scholarship in critical Indigenous studies, settler colonial studies, and interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary collaborations toward transformation in context and community. She collaborates with colleagues across disciplines and institutions to design interdisciplinary courses ... read more

Erin Licata Board of Directorsshe/her/hers Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from College of the Environment at Western Washington University. She began her career in industrial environmental compliance monitoring, which led her to a focus on environmental research, biological monitoring, GIS mapping, and youth-focused outdoor experiential engagement. Erin’s commitment is centered on ... read more

Isabel Alexander Executive Administratorshe/her/hers Isabel provides administrative support to the Executive Director and the Board. Prior to joining Friends, Isabel was the Program Director at a nonprofit summer camp in the San Juan Islands. There, she gained experience in fundraising, marketing, hiring, grant writing, and outdoor education. Isabel has also interned with both the EPA ... read more

Elise Cope Communications and Outreach Directorshe/her/hers Elise Cope is a dedicated advocate for both people and the planet, leveraging her expertise in information design and digital storytelling to construct bridges of understanding. Her passion for environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and social equity drives her work as the Communications and Outreach Director at Friends of the ... read more

Katherine Dietzman Shoreline and Mapping Specialistshe/her/hers Katherine is inspired by the rich coastal ecosystems and communities she works to protect. Katherine grew up on San Juan Island, traveling up and down the Inside Passage and Southeast Alaska on an old wooden forestry vessel, and snorkeling throughout the Salish Sea since her early youth. With a ... read more