Katie Blackman, Vice President of Programs and Operations

Katie (she/her) serves in a senior leadership role, overseeing programming directly related to achieving clean water goals in the Potomac and daily operations at the Conservancy. In this role she ensures the programmatic alignment of our Land Conservation, Policy, and Community Conservation departments with our Clean Potomac Plan. Additionally, she ensures daily internal operations keep pace with the organization’s growth and mission work. Katie also directs the organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice efforts, including the management of our internal DEIJ working groups and board committee. Katie currently serves on the Chesapeake Gateway Networks Stewardship Working Group.

Katie came to the Conservancy in 2015 and previously led the organization’s community engagement efforts. She has a strong background in volunteer engagement formally managing programs for other local animal welfare and environmental nonprofits. She is also the founder of the Capital MOVE (Managers Of Volunteers for the Environment), a group of professionals who work with outdoor volunteers in the DC metro region. Katie has a BA from UMBC in history and elementary education and a master’s degree from King’s College of London in Tourism, Environment, and Development with a concentration on volunteer ecotourism. She lives with her family in Boyds, Maryland and is an avid sourdough baker (made with Potomac River tap water!) and enjoys hiking and canoeing on Little Seneca Lake.

Monica Bradley, Community Conservation Associate

Monica Bradley, originally from Manhattan, New York City, now residing in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a dedicated advocate with a profound passion for making a positive impact in the world. Her journey includes a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Nyack College, focusing on Business and the Bible, with a core commitment to integrating biblical principles into her life. 

With over 20 years in the Hospitality Industry, specializing in customer engagement, Monica has excelled at building relationships. Her career transformed when she earned a Master's in H.R. Management from Fordham University in 2015, directing her focus toward advocating for individuals in the face of systems that often hinder their well-being. 

Monica's advocacy journey encompasses canvassing for various council members in New York and Maryland. Presently, she collaborates with Potomac Conservancy as a Community Conservation Associate, emphasizing the mission of clean water and clean land, considering them essential for both physical and spiritual well-being. 

Monica's overarching dream is to lead in advocating for various causes, including environmental issues. She passionately works to protect the environment, recognizing the collective efforts needed for a brighter, healthier, and more compassionate world. Monica is deeply honored to work with Potomac Conservancy, raising her glass to a healthier climate and positive change through collective action. 

Alexis Dickerson, Senior Director of Community Conservation

Alexis (she/her) leads the Conservancy’s Tree and Seed Programs. With a background in environmental outreach and program management, she has facilitated immersive outdoor learning experiences across the Chesapeake Bay watershed since 2016. Alexis is passionate about expanding the voices reflected in the space of environmental conservation, and creating positive pressure towards a more culturally responsive and action-oriented environmental community.

Alexis has served as Co-President of the DC Environmental Education Consortium, a member of the Virginia Master Naturalist Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, as well as a member of Fairfax County's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Exception Review Committee. Alexis holds a bachelor's degree in American Studies from the University of Southern California. She is trained as a Master Gardener and Master Naturalist through the Virginia Cooperative Extension and holds certificates in Urban Sustainability (UDC) and Permaculture Design.

Alexis resides in Fairfax County, Virginia. You are likely to find her any place where land, water and people intersect. She can often be found kayaking or fishing in local waters, or birding at Huntley Meadows.

Cathy Dirksen, Development Manager

Cathy (she/her) stepped out of retirement in December of 2023 to join our team as a part-time member of our Development staff.  She is responsible for acknowledging the generous donations of our supporters and documenting their gifts on our robust database base. She works in partnership with other members of our staff to ensure that all of our members and volunteers are properly recognized for their contributions to our work. 

Most recently, Cathy was Director of Communications and Development for SEEC, a position she held for 18 years. SEEC provides support to people with developmental disabilities in Montgomery County, a mission she can personally align with as the parent of a child with autism.  Early on in her career, she worked for Defenders of Wildlife as Executive Assistant to the President, making her return to conservation work a full circle in her 40 years of work in the nonprofit sector. 

Haley Epping, Director of Digital Communications

Haley (she/her) joined Potomac Conservancy in the fall of 2022 as the Digital Grassroots Manager. Previously, she worked for an anti-trafficking organization where she focused on digital communications. She also organized on her college campus for the divestment of fossil fuels from the university’s endowment. Haley holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and Law and Society from American University. She earned a master’s degree from American University in Strategic Communication with a concentration in Digital Communication Strategies and Analytics.  

Haley grew up in Rochester, New York, where she visited the Adirondacks every summer, which strengthened her love of the outdoors. Now, in her free time, you can find Haley crocheting, hiking, or baking.  

Jeff Feaga, Stewardship Manager

Jeff (he/him) started as Stewardship Manager for the Conservancy in February 2023. In this role, he works closely with local landowners to protect lands throughout the Potomac River region and steward them in the best way possible. Jeff brings to the Conservancy experience completing natural resources assessments and implementing conservations plans on agricultural lands, forests, and wetlands.  

Formerly a natural resources planner in Maine and Virginia, a wetland delineator in Maryland, and a bog turtle habitat researcher throughout the Southern Blue Ridge, Jeff thrives when working in new landscapes and sharing his passion for hands-on conservation. He earned a PhD in Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech and an MS in Bioresource Engineering from Oregon State University. He has taught Hydrology and Environmental Science courses at Hood College and Shepherd University. Jeff currently lives with his family of four in Shepherdstown, WV. 

Olivia Guerra, Director of Institutional Giving

Olivia (she/her) joined the Conservancy in March 2019. As the Director of Institutional Giving she works closely with the Conservancy’s foundation and government funders and builds long-lasting business partnerships that benefit clean water and support the community’s well-being. Previously, Olivia served as the Development Operations Manager. She comes to the Conservancy with experience in executive administration, business management, project management, and business development. 

Olivia grew up in Northern Nevada, where she fostered a love of all things outdoors. She is thrilled to be helping protect and preserve the Potomac watershed and the communities who depend on it. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking in Great Falls, exploring trails, and meeting critters with her son.

Mindy Kania, Tomorrow’s Trees Manager

Mindy (she/her) joined the development team to assist Potomac Conservancy as it grows its network of members. She previously worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center managing a program in Preventive Medicine that provided care for Service Members.

A Maryland native, former rower for Loyola University Maryland, with a childhood exploring creeks and trails, she is happy to be promoting river health on a local level. Together with her husband, she also looks forward to passing on a love for nature and conservation to her two children.

Cassie Lotz, Director of Development

Cassie (she/they) joined the Conservancy in the summer of 2023 as the Director of Development. She attended Radford University for a degree in theater. However, during the pandemic, they became involved in nonprofit work and began to pursue a career in fundraising. 

They bring a passion for wanting to create meaningful societal change with a desire to connect with individuals that share those passions. Cassie works closely with individual donors to strengthen our communities' bond and create a cleaner, more sustainable Potomac River. She is motivated by the energy our donors bring to the cause and is excited to work with the community to turn their passion into action.

In her spare time, she can be found learning more about music history and playing her guitar.

Weyessa “Ace” McAlister, Director of Community Conservation: DC Metro

Weyessa (“Ace”) (he/him) joined Potomac Conservancy in fall 2021 with a passion to make difference in his community and advocate for clean water. 
He has experience in managing environmental, community engagement, leadership, and humanitarian related projects. He previously worked for Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) as a program Associate and Assistant Stewardship Manager.  

Born and raised in southern Ethiopia, former Track and Cross-Country athlete for Trinity College (Hartford, CT), and founder of water charity organization, H2OPE TC, Weyessa is excited to empower DC Metro residents to make a difference and to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water. He enjoys hiking and spending time with his family and friends in his free time.  

Anna Mudd, Senior Director of Policy

Anna (she/her) joined Potomac Conservancy as the Senior Director of Policy in 2022. In this role, she advocates for public policies that prioritize the nexus of clean water and environmental justice in Maryland and Virginia. An experienced strategist, Anna interacts with elected officials, relevant government agencies and other decision-makers, and also serves as the primary liaison with partner organizations and coalitions in the environmental policy space.

Before joining Team Potomac, Anna spent several years working in local and state government, and non-profit advocacy. She is a Maryland native and currently resides in Annapolis. In addition to spending quality time with her large extended family, Anna also enjoys exploring Maryland’s many trails and public parks with her husband, son, and goldendoodle.

Alyssa Murray, Eastern Panhandle Conservation Manager

Alyssa (she/her) joined the Conservancy in Spring 2023 as the Eastern Panhandle Conservation Manager and is thrilled to join the team to work toward a clean Potomac River.

She grew up in Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry, WV, taking full advantage of all the outdoor adventures the area has to offer. This included serving as a raft guide on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, guiding visitors along zip lines throughout the mountains, hiking every trail she could find, and kayaking many summer days. She channeled her love of the outdoors into her education, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Shepherd University. While there, Alyssa became Vice President of Shepherd’s Environmental Organization, which helped her gain experience organizing groups and creating partnerships for others to come together with the common goal of protecting and restoring our environment. She also interned with the Land Management team of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the National Conservation Training Center where she learned more about land conservation. In her free time, Alyssa loves camping, baking, rock climbing, and making jewelry.

Colleen Napolitano, Digital Content Manager

Colleen (she/they) joined Team Potomac in February 2024 to help advance the Conservancy’s digital engagement with its vibrant community of river advocates and nature enthusiasts. She has led audience cultivation and content creation efforts for a wide range of nonprofits and mission-driven companies, generating support for free cycling education in New York City, professional development opportunities for BIPOC entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh, ethical jewelry production in Rwanda, and public engagement with the arts worldwide. They are delighted to apply their love of data-informed storytelling to the celebration and championing of our “Nation’s River.”

Growing up along the shores of New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay estuary, Colleen developed a fascination for watershed ecology early in her childhood. When outdoors, they can often be found hiking, cycling, kayaking, and birdwatching, usually with a camera in tow. Other passions include making and supporting music, visual art, dance, and theater.

Andrea Reese, Public Conservation Funding Director

Andrea (she/her) joined the Conservancy in 2023 as the Public Conservation Funding Director to help unlock more state and federal public funding for the protection and restoration of land in the Potomac River watershed. 

Andrea came to the Conservancy from independent consulting, providing land trusts and conservation agencies with capacity building, grant writing, and project management. She is a volunteer commissioner with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Previously, she directed a land conservation team in Northern Virginia, worked to acquire regional park lands, stewarded conserved lands in Virginia's Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley, sought grants for Southeast and Mid-Atlantic battlefields, and helped preserve farmland in Connecticut.

Andrea holds two master's degrees from Duke University and a bachelor's degree from Pomona College. She was raised in Idaho and lives in Arlington, Virginia with her husband and young son.

Melissa Rodriguez, Operations and Finance Manager

Melissa (she/her) has lived in Northern Virginia for most of her life, getting her Associates degree from Northern Virginia Community College and B.S. in Biology from George Mason University. This is where she cultivated a strong interest in the local environment and wildlife rehabilitation. Before joining to Potomac Conservancy, she worked with Diva Crows, a local songbird rehabilitation organization, and she is currently a volunteer with the Wildlife Rescue League. She joined Potomac Conservancy in 2021 as the Administration & Data Associate. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, especially in Shenandoah, reading, spending time with her family, friends, and cats.

 Zach Scott, Virginia Policy Director

Zach (he/him) joined Potomac Conservancy as the Virginia Policy Director in fall 2023. In this role, Zach advocates for public policies that promote clean water policies and environmental justice in Virginia. Zach utilizes his past experience in advocacy and legislative affairs to engage with legislators, policymakers, and serves as the organization’s main contact with Virginia based environmental coalitions and partner organizations.

Before joining the Potomac Conservancy, Zach spent his career serving in the federal government and in non-profit advocacy. He is a Michigan native, and currently resides in Richmond, VA. In his free time, Zach enjoys watching sports and exploring Richmond’s many outdoor areas and the James River with his wife and young daughter.

Avery Siler, Senior Director of Land Conservation

Avery (she/her) leads the Conservancy’s Land Conservation programs. She will work closely with landowners and partner organizations to increase conservation and improve land management throughout the Potomac headwaters. Previously, she worked for The Nature Conservancy and for a regional land trust in Northeast Pennsylvania where she gained experience with real estate transactions, conservation easements, and connecting landowners to funding to help them better steward their properties. She has a Master’s in Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment, with a focus on increasing equity and justice in private land conservation.

A native of DC, Avery is thrilled to be protecting clean water, healthy landscapes, and thriving communities in her home region. She loves walking and hiking, bluegrass concerts, and spending time with her family and friends. She has a B.A. in Art History from William & Mary and takes full advantage of the many Smithsonian museums our area offers.

Zach Slavin, Grant Manager

Zach (he/him) joined the Conservancy in Spring 2023 as a Grant Manager. In this role, he collaborates with program staff and funders to find ways in which foundations, corporations, and governments can support the Conservancy’s programmatic work. He previously worked for the National Audubon Society for nearly a decade on their education and science teams and has also worked in the restaurant industry in DC.

Zach grew up in Connecticut, attended Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, and has lived in Washington, DC since 2009. He is an avid birdwatcher and hiker and serves on the board of DC Audubon Society where he often leads birdwatching trips along the Potomac River.

Mary Vasse, Vice President of Development

Mary (she/her) leads Potomac Conservancy’s fundraising initiatives. She guides the staff and board team to engage dedicated donors, connecting them with the work of protecting the Potomac River. She has been working closely with our impassioned individual, corporate, and foundation donors since 2016 and building an energized, philanthropic community of supporters.  

Mary has twenty three years of experience in environmental conservation, fundraising, partnership management, and grant making on the East and West coasts. Previous positions include Director of Development at Anacostia Watershed Society, growing the base of DC-area individual and corporate donors in this prominent tributary of the Potomac River. In the Pacific Northwest she was the director of the National Forest Foundation’s NW office and community partnerships at Sustainable Northwest. She earned her Master’s degree from University of Pennsylvania in regional & environmental planning, and her Bachelor’s from Hobart & Williams Smith Colleges. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland and frequently hikes and kayaks in the Potomac watershed.

Crystal Handfield Wade, Special Development Initiatives Director

Crystal (she/her) joined Potomac Conservancy in the winter of 2023. She has over a decade of development experience previously working at KID Museum, End Citizens United, and Every Voice. Before Crystal began her career in development, she worked on Capitol Hill serving as a Congressional Advisor and interned at the White House in 2012. Crystal holds a Master of Science (graduating magna cum laude) in Global Communication from Florida International University, and a Bachelor of Arts (graduating summa cum laude) in Mass Communications from Bethune-Cookman University.  

A native of Miami, Florida, Crystal grew up exploring the Florida coast and enjoying her home state’s sunny weather.  Having grown up in a coastal community, Crystal recognizes the importance of preserving the Potomac Watershed for future generations and is thrilled to be a part of the important work of Potomac Conservancy.    

In her spare time, you can find Crystal spending time with her husband and young child traveling, reading, learning French, and exploring nature.  

Scott Watkins, Community Conservation Associate

Sir Scott (he/him) attended Montgomery College for CPU Science. He joined Potomac Conservancy in the fall of 2023. Sir Scott was introduced to our organization via the “Maryland Service Corp” program, The 1st governmental initiative of its kind encouraging serving our state. With a background based in construction as well as hospitality, he has extensive experience aligned with communication, sales, & fulfillment. He has a history of customer service-focused roles, descriptives in production for entertainment providers to marketing at an amusement park. Plus, an interest in all things concerning sustainability & service to the community. The DMV native seamlessly transitioned into assisting in the battle for a clean and healthy Potomac River.

His free time is spent traveling & trying new things.