Category: Staff

Tina Whitman Senior Science Directorshe/her/hers Winner of the 2022 Salish Sea Science Prize, Tina is staff scientist for Friends of the San Juans, where she has managed shoreline research, restoration and protection programs since 2002. Tina holds a Master of Science from the University of Oregon focused on the application of biological data to improved land management and…

Ken Putney Data and Gifts Administratorhe/him/his With experience in philanthropy, Ken is excited to use his skills to connect the critical work of Friends of the San Juans to those most interested and affected by it. Ken brings a BS in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems and decades of experience in Microsoft Office, Networking,…

Lovel Pratt Marine Protection and Policy Directorshe/her/hers Lovel joined Friends in 2018. Her previous consulting work focused on maritime shipping and oil spill prevention on behalf of environmental groups, including Friends of the San Juans. Lovel served on the San Juan County Council for one term and represented WA State counties on several regional and…

Kirsten Kane, Ph.D. Salish Sea Strategy and Engagement Managershe/her/hers Kirsten joins Friends with extensive experience in ocean ecology and marine policy. Kirsten will help build and support our coalition efforts, work with the press, and enhance community engagement to protect the health and biodiversity of the Salish Sea.. With a Ph.D. in Ocean Ecology and…

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…

Magali Cota Staff Attorney and Legal Directorshe/her/hers Magali’s experience and skills in environmental law have been shaped by her work with nonprofit organizations such as Earthjustice, the Western Environmental Law Center, Columbia Riverkeeper, and, most recently, the Northwest Justice Project, where she focused on protecting vulnerable communities. Throughout her career, Magali has recognized the essential…

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…

Shannon Davis Deputy Directorshe/her/hers Shannon works to safeguard the Salish Sea from the net zero home she and her husband built in Port Townsend. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning with an emphasis on natural resource management and an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies. As Deputy Director, Shannon helps the Executive Director with…

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…