North Carolina Faces of Conservation | The Nature Conservancy

The People Who Make it Happen

Get to know Nature Conservancy staff from across the state

Kimberly Meitzen enjoys kayaking in her spare time - her love of water led her to her current position studying river flows.

Kimberly Meitzen is working with both TNC and Duke on a statewide river flow analysis study. © Courtesy of Kimberly Meitzen

Here's your chance to learn a little more about some of our staff members!

Features
The Author

Fundraising Staff

Genevieve Joseph at the Hudson River. © Courtesy of Genevieve Joseph

Genevieve Joseph, Associate Director of Philanthropy

It’s a good day for me when I make that right connection, matching a donor to the TNC initiative or opportunity that provides a transformative experience for the donor and furthers TNC’s mission to protect the land and water on which all life depends. Read more about Genevieve.

Neal Cheek has long had his own work space at the Conservancy because of the larger number of volunteer hours he spends with us. © Courtesy of Neal Cheek

Neal Cheek, Philanthropy and Conservation Volunteer

I began volunteering with the NC Chapter upon my retirement in the summer of 1996. But my wife and I have been members since 1978. Read more about Neal.

Sandhills

Gretchen Coll on a visit to Nova Scotia, Canada. © Ryan Bollinger

Gretchen Coll, Sandhills Conservation Coordinator

Lately I have been dreaming of a Southeast Asian adventure. I would love to spend time exploring Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and all throughout the region. This area has all you could ask for. Read more about Gretchen.

Ryan Elting on a Wiregrass Seed Collection Day in the Sandhills © Ryan Elting/TNC

Ryan Elting, Sandhills Program Director

My hobbies are gardening, permaculture, beekeeping, mushroom growing, African life and conservation, ecological restoration, cooking, fishing, photography and hiking. Read more about Ryan.

TNC's Mike Norris at an Art Show © Courtesy of Mike Norris

Mike Norris, Sandhills Prescribed Fire Specialist & Land Steward

At the end of the day, I know that what I did may not seem like I accomplished a lot; but in the marathon of the work we do, I ran another mile. Read more about Mike.

Southeast Coastal Plain (SECP) Staff

Dan Ryan Close-up, Southeast Coastal Plain Program Director © Debbie Crane/TNC

Dan Ryan, SECP Program Director

I am extremely fortunate to work for one the benefit of one of my greatest passions: nature. Read more about Dan.

TNC's Sara Babin with Drip Torch - helping with controlled burning is just one of the things she does for her job. © Courtesy of Sara Babin/TNC

Sara Babin, Conservation Coordinator

My hobbies include cooking, surfing, running, gardening, sewing, etc...I could spend all day listing the things I love to do. Read more about Sara.

TNC's Angie Carl © Courtesy of Angie Carl/TNC

Angie Carl, Fire Specialist and Land Steward

The Black River has the oldest cypress tree stand in the world. It is always changing, yet stays the same. It is a wonderful place to work. Read more about Angie.