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.
2023 Seasonal Staff
Sophie Wiesbrook
Kelly Backcountry Restoration Crew
Cormac Weichel
Kelly Backcountry Restoration Crew
Emmett Wurster
Roving Backcountry Restoration Crew
Leo Golub
Roving Backcountry Restoration Crew
Kaleb Cohen
Trail Crew
Ella Bradley
Trail Crew
Board of Directors
Daphne Herling, Senior research analyst, Bureau of Business and Economic Research, University of Montana. (Board 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, 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
Hannah Featherman, Communications Manager, National Forest Foundation
Aylan Lee, former Idaho outfitter, University of Montana School of Law student
Elise Watts, Social Worker, Community Collaborator, outdoor enthusiast
Kayla Barr, Sales Manager, REI