Our Staff

Brad Jensen
Executive Director

e: brad@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 18

  • Brad, who grew up in the Thumb area of Michigan, joined Huron Pines in 2001 as the Watershed Coordinator and in 2003 became the Executive Director. After spending several years on the east coast and in Hawaii working in environmental education, Brad found his niche in northern Michigan. He oversees the Huron Pines staff, works closely with our Board of Directors and is responsible for overseeing projects, administration and fundraising. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation from Northern Michigan University and holds a master’s in Education from Minnesota State University.  Brad lives in Alden with his wife where he enjoys kayaking and being outdoors.

Lisha Ramsdell
Associate Director

e: lisha@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 29

  • Lisha, a native of Otsego County, joined Huron Pines in 2004. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation from Northern Michigan University and went on to the University of Illinois in Springfield to focus on Environmental Policy. Lisha is responsible for building new program initiatives, developing projects and providing guidance and direction to the project managers. Lisha resides in Gaylord, is an avid bird hunter and also enjoys camping and kayaking.

Shelby Bauer
Stewardship Program Coordinator

e: shelby@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 13

  • Shelby grew up in a small farming town outside of Grand Ledge, Mich. She spent her summers at her grandparents' forested property in Mio where she developed her desire to work in the field of conservation in order to create opportunities for future generations to connect with the land. After obtaining her bachelor's degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Michigan State University, Shelby joined Huron Pines in 2017 as a seasonal Restoration Technician and began coordinating the invasive species program in the fall of 2018. She now lives in Johannesburg with her husband and daughter who enjoy camping, crafting, writing and tending their native plant garden.

Julia Butch
Land Protection Coordinator

e: julia@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 10

  • Julia grew up on Long Lake north of Alpena and formed an interest and passion in the outdoors with the guidance of her dad. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution and organismal diversity from Eastern Michigan University. She served as the Lake Huron Forever Engagement Specialist as a member of Huron Pines AmeriCorps in 2022, coordinating with coastal communities and engaging volunteers in the protection of Lake Huron. She now works in land protection and education, helping to preserve special places and get people excited about the outdoors. After hours, she enjoys bird watching, camping, crafting, kayaking and hiking with her dogs (and sometimes cat).

Bryant Eddy
Habitat Project Manager

e: bryant@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 28

  • Bryant is a Michigan native and graduate of Lake Superior State University where he studied Conservation Biology with a focus on Human Dimensions. He studied outdoor leadership and traditional ecological knowledge at Alderleaf Wilderness College, Wash., and is working on a Master's Certificate in Wildlife Management through Oregon State University. Through his previous work as a wildlife technician for the U.S. Forest Service, Bryant gained experience in Kirtland's warbler conservation and stewardship of Northern Michigan's pine barren landscapes. He lives in Roscommon with his wife and enjoys hiking and canoeing and is usually birding whenever he's outdoors.

Chris Engle
Communications Associate

e: chris@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 12

  • Chris grew up in Alpena where he developed a love of the outdoors through fishing, often leaving home on excursions by bike to nearby waters. He moved to Gaylord in 2005 where he worked as a staff writer for the Gaylord Herald Times covering city government, environment and conservation. His column, One More Cast, took him across Northern Michigan to report what was being done to benefit the region’s natural resources and how people could get involved. He later worked under a forestry consultant managing private forest lands for timber and wildlife. Chris’ favorite activities include fly fishing for bluegill, mushroom hunting and camping with his wife and young daughter.

Abigail Ertel
Community Program Director

e: abby@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 14

  • Born and raised in New Brunswick, Canada, Abby joined Huron Pines in 2010 and currently leads all aspects of our community programming. Prior to coming to Michigan in 2006, she lived in North Carolina working for the North Carolina Coastal Federation. She served as a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member through HeadWaters Land Conservancy. She joined the Huron Pines staff as Watershed Project Manager and eventually led the Kirtland’s Warbler Initiative. Abby graduated from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick then earned her Master of Arts in Geography and Certificate in Conservation Biology from Ohio University. Abby resides in Grayling with her husband and two daughters where she enjoys participating in community theater, bird watching, reading and spending time outside.

Logan Hawley
Coastal Restoration Team Lead

e: logan@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 26

  • A native of Byron Center, Logan grew to love the outdoors through long days of cutting wood on the family property and adventures to Michigan’s west coast. He found his passion for restoring natural resources during a family trip to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park where he was awestruck by the fantastically diverse landscapes to be found within our state. He graduated from Michigan Tech with a Master of Science degree in Forestry with a focus on Water Resource Management. His past work and independent projects earned him experience in wetland protection and restoration for water quality, eventually leading him to join Huron Pines for the 2020 field season. Logan spends his free time hiking, kayaking, fishing, playing soccer and exploring the coast of Lake Huron.

Amber Hubbard
Coastal Stewardship Coordinator

e: amber@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 23

  • Amber grew up in Macomb and earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from Ferris State University in 2019 and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Conservation Biology from Central Michigan University. She’s worked as a naturalist intern at Seven Ponds Nature Center in Dryden, a sea lamprey research technician at Hammond Bay Biological Station in Millersburg, a forestry technician in Northern Michigan’s hardwood forests for Michigan State University, and a technician & crew lead for the Michigan Inland Wetland Monitoring Program. She enjoys board games, baking, hiking and canoeing, particularly in Huron National Forest and along the Au Sable River.

Daniel Judd
Heartland Restoration Team Lead

e: daniel@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 25

  • A native of Fowlerville, Daniel graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2021 with a degree in wildlife management. His past occupations have included building and installing custom cabinetry with his dad, and doing ecosystem restoration and streambank stabilization projects in Kansas. He joined Huron Pines in spring 2023 and is looking forward to seeing more of Northern Michigan, particularly along the Great Lakes coast. He enjoys hunting and playing sports.

Maddie Khuri
Community Education Project Manager

e: maddie@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 17

  • Maddie grew up in Marietta, Ga. and developed her love for nature as a kid visiting her grandparents’ farm in North Georgia and through her many travels. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management from the University of Alabama and is currently working on her Master of Arts in Teaching Biology from Miami University. After college, she spent two years in Zambia as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching aquaculture, beekeeping and leading after-school programs. She joined the staff of Huron Pines in January 2022 after completing a one-year service term with Huron Pines AmeriCorps as Outreach Coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service in Mio. In her free time, Maddie enjoys camping, foraging for mushrooms, hiking and practicing yoga.

Paige Lackey
Communications Manager

e: paige@huronpines.org
p: (616) 295-8494

  • Paige grew up in Southwest Michigan and spent summers at her grandparents’ house near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore which fostered her love for Northern Michigan. She attended Michigan State University and earned degrees in environmental studies and sustainability, and sustainable natural resource recreation and tourism. Paige is joining the Huron Pines staff after serving two Huron Pines AmeriCorps terms with the Department of Natural Resources. In 2021 she implemented Project Rustic, a statewide RV tour of Michigan’s state forest campgrounds designed to improve the depth and accuracy of information for travelers. She resides in Traverse City with her dog, Willow, and spends her free time mountain biking, paddle boarding, camping and skiing.

Josh Leisen
Senior Project Manager

e: josh@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 16

  • Josh grew up exploring the Driftless Area near his hometown of Red Wing, Minn. Climbing limestone bluffs and fishing its rivers—from the Mississippi River and its tributaries to coldwater trout streams—instilled in him an appreciation for and desire to protect our natural resources. Josh achieved his bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Minnesota-Duluth before earning his master’s in geography from the University of South Carolina. Josh joined the staff in 2013 after serving as a Watershed Technician through Huron Pines AmeriCorps. Josh coordinates our river restoration projects and is involved with a variety of other restoration and community engagement efforts. An avid traveler and angler, Josh has caught 573 species of fish from six continents and three oceans. He also enjoys long-distance running and triathlons.

Abby Macek
Restoration Specialist

e: abigailm@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 24

  • Abby grew up in Plymouth and spent her summers at her grandparents’ home on Otsego Lake in Gaylord. There she gained her enthusiasm for the outdoors and learned to appreciate everything Northern Michigan has to offer. Abby earned a bachelor’s degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Northern Michigan University. Before joining the Huron Pines staff in July 2023, she worked at Otsego Lake State Park, served as a Huron Pines seasonal restoration technician in 2021 and worked as a manager at Jay’s Sporting Goods. She resides in Gaylord where she enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking, traveling, tending to her greenhouse and spending time with her two dogs.

Samantha Nellis
Water Program Director

e: samantha@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 31

  • Samantha joined the staff of Huron Pines in 2019. As Water Program Director, she oversees the implementation of projects which curb stormwater runoff, reconnect & restore aquatic habitat and enhance the natural shorelines of Lake Huron. Samantha takes the lead on programs and partnerships which bring together community leaders, conservation professionals, tribal sovereigns and agency representatives to increase coordination & impact across watersheds. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northland College in Ashland, Wis. and a master’s degree in Environmental Science & Policy from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Samantha is passionate about conserving wild places, protecting overlooked species and enjoying clean water.

Amy Nowakowski
Coastal Project Manager

e: amy@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 15

  • Amy, who grew up in Alpena, joined Huron Pines in January 2020 as the Coastal Project Manager. Amy holds an associate in science from Alpena Community College, a bachelor’s double-major in Geology and Environmental Science from Western Michigan University, and a Master’s in Hydrology with a focus on Fisheries Biology from Colorado State University. Amy lived in Wyoming and worked for the Forest Service as a Hydrologist and Fisheries Biologist for over a decade. Amy also lived in Colorado, Hawaii, and Alaska. She is happy to be back in Northern Michigan, and is excited to conserve and restore Michigan’s natural resources through habitat restoration and community engagement. Amy enjoys being outside with her family, and loves camping, biking, skiing, kayaking, and playing hockey.

Tonya Ouillette
Office & Data Manager

e: tonya@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 21

  • Tonya’s love for Northern Michigan began during summer visits to her grandparent’s property in Gladwin where she would fish, hike and explore the outdoors. Originally from a small town outside of Ann Arbor, Tonya moved north and earned her Administrative Assistant Associate in Applied Science at Kirtland Community College. Over the next 15 years, she made her way from a work study in the Student Services department at Kirtland to working for the President and Board of Trustees at Mid Michigan College. She lives in Gaylord and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and snowshoeing.

Nick Theisen
Watershed Technician

e: nick@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 20

  • Nick grew up in Southeast Michigan and came to love the state’s aquatic resources during childhood trips to Higgins Lake to visit family and enjoy time on the water. Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Management with a minor in Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy (STEPPs) from Michigan State University’s Lyman Briggs residential college. Nick served two terms with Huron Pines AmeriCorps: at Missaukee Conservation District in 2020 and Huron Pines’ Alpena office in 2021. During his 2021 service, Nick conducted extensive road/stream crossing inventories in Northeast Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula. Outside of work, he enjoys backpacking, fly fishing and any other outdoor activity that Northern Michigan has to offer.

Amanda Vanaman
AmeriCorps Program Manager

e: amanda@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 30

  • A native of Southwest Michigan, Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University. She has done volunteer work with Binder Park Zoo and the Kalamazoo Nature Center. While spending time on Drummond Island for the Great Lakes Traditional Arts Gathering, Amanda started to pursue a career in conservation education. When she is not working, you can find her out rock hounding with some of her many nieces and nephews or enjoying a swim with her trusty dog, Lincoln.

Steve Woods
Conservation Stewardship Director

e: steve@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 19

  • Born and raised in Saginaw, Steve spent his summers vacationing on Black Lake. He later became a camp counselor at Camp Timbers in West Branch where his love of land led to an interest in environmental education. He attended Lake Superior State University to earn a degree in Environmental Science and to fish. He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Forest Biology from the State University of New York. He spent 17 years with The Nature Conservancy restoring natural landscapes through grassroots partnerships, invasive species management and prescribed burns. The opportunity to join Huron Pines to conserve the woods and waters that define his sense of place are the fulfillment of a life-long dream. Steve spends time outside with his family swimming, skiing, fishing, hunting, backcountry camping and traveling.

Jennie Zoll
Director of Finance & Administration

e: jennie@huronpines.org
p: (989) 448-2293, ext. 22

  • Jennie, who grew up in Fowlerville, joined Huron Pines in 2013 as the AmeriCorps Coordinator. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Science minor. She then returned to Fowlerville to teach elementary school for 11 years. She earned her Master’s in Education from Marygrove College. After recently relocating to Mancelona, she was ready for a new career using her love of nature. Being an outdoor enthusiast, she is often found on a lake, river or trail. She enjoys all outdoor activities especially snowmobiling in the winter. She enjoys the Northern Michigan life with her husband Mike and their dog.

Our Huron Pines AmeriCorps Members

Emily Kemp
Conservation Technician

e: emilyk@huronpines.org

  • Emily is a recent graduate of Wake Forest University in North Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Environment & Sustainability Studies along with minors in Global Trade & Commerce and Middle East & South Asia Studies. Emily completed a VISTA AmeriCorps service term while in N.C. working with local urban community gardens, and also led campus gardens and worked for the university's Office of Sustainability. Emily served an AmeriCorps term in Montana in 2023, completing a river restoration project at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Through that experience, Emily found a passion for conservation and is looking forward to applying it in Michigan. Emily is from Marshall, Mich. and enjoys hiking and reading.

Need help? Email info@huronpines.org and we’ll direct you to the appropriate member of our team who can answer your questions.

Taylor Shay
Conservation Technician

e: taylor@huronpines.org

  • A native of Rogers City, Taylor lived in Marquette for the last six years where she earned undergraduate degrees in biology, ecology, and wildlife conservation law and policing from Northern Michigan University. Taylor is currently pursuing a graduate program in Wildlife Conservation Actions through Colorado State University. Taylor has worked for the Presque Isle Conservation District, Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy, and at a wildlife rehab facility in Ecuador. Taylor helped restore trails on the Huron Islands with the Great Lakes Climate Corps. Taylor enjoys hiking and bird watching.