Our People: Experts in Action

Bob Allen, Deputy Executive Director

Bob began his TNC career in 2004, working in New Jersey for more than 18 years as Director of Science, Director of Conservation and Assistant State Director, before joining our Maryland/DC program in 2022. He oversees much of our conservation work across MD/DC including our work in the Appalachians, along our coasts, in Baltimore, public preserves, and climate and policy efforts.

“I love that TNC aims to do big work—work that is challenging, complex, important and has real conservation impacts for people and nature”

Austin Bamford, PLA, ASLA, Landscape Architect

Austin joined MD/DC's Baltimore Program in December 2022, working to advance TNC's commitment to equitable conservation and community resiliency. He leads planning, design and implementation of cultural landscape and landscape infrastructure projects that prioritize co-benefits for people and nature. Austin is a licensed landscape architect and member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

"Everyone deserves and needs nature in their everyday lives. It is a privilege to be working locally and systemically to help enable thriving cultural landscapes in Baltimore and beyond."

Deborah Barber, Director of Land Conservation

Deborah is responsible for the management of the chapter's land holdings, including easements and public preserves, for their conservation, research, and recreational value. 

“When someone says thank you for bringing them to a place they’d never visited before, it just makes my day.”

Kristin Bramell, Director of Development

Kristin began her career at TNC in 2004 and leads the chapter's team of development professionals. She works every day to meet with TNC's generous supporters and share the impact of their philanthropy on our conservation programs. She enjoys sharing our mission and the amazing work of our staff and programs with everyone she meets.

"It is a pleasure to connect thoughtful donors to the conservation programs that inspire them and can change our world. Everyone deserves to feel and understand the impact they can have because of their generosity."

Gabe Cahalan, Fire Manager

As the chapter's burn boss, Gabe is involved in fire management on both TNC and partner lands, working to return this critical natural process to the landscape. In his role as preserve manager he oversees TNC owned properties, balancing the needs of both people and nature.

"I enjoy working outdoors in beautiful, unique places and helping to keep these habitats healthy."

Michelle Canick, Director of Conservation Systems

Michelle leads the application of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and other information management technologies to help plan, implement, and communicate the progress of our conservation strategies. 

“It’s rewarding to work for an organization with a mission I believe in and in collaboration with many wonderful colleagues.”

Elizabeth Carter, Land Protection Director

Elizabeth is responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing land protection projects in support of TNC’s climate resilience and clean water objectives. She works directly with landowners, building relationships to achieve mutual land protection goals and protect properties with vital ecosystems.

“I appreciate working together in local places and across borders to achieve TNC’s global mission. I am inspired by, and grateful to collaborate with, my talented colleagues, partners, and landowners to address the threats of biodiversity loss and climate change through conservation.”

Caitlin Embly, Stewardship Field Assistant

Caitlin started working with The Nature Conservancy in Virginia as the AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator. After several stints with other TNC chapters, she came to the Maryland chapter in the fall of 2023, where she now helps maintain TNC-owned preserves, including assisting in prescribed fire operations.

"I love getting to work outside at our amazing preserves!"

Pabodha Galgamuwa G.A., Ph.D., Forest Restoration Scientist

Pabodha joined our Resilient Forests Program in September 2018, contributing to TNC’s work in the Appalachians. He designs, collaborates on, and implements science-based ecological restoration projects, focusing on late-successional habitat management and the restoration of fire-adapted ecosystems. He also works on integrating technological innovations, such as drone-based remote sensing, to enhance the effectiveness of monitoring restoration projects.

“It’s inspiring to collaborate with diverse groups of people, including TNC staff and partners, who share a deep passion for nature and a commitment to human well-being.” 

Isaac Hametz, Baltimore Program Director

Isaac Hametz joined TNC in 2021, heading up the chapter’s Build Green Cities program expansion into Baltimore, guiding projects that aim to address critical and connected Chesapeake Bay conservation issues and the challenges of climate adaptation, social justice and equitable access to nature.

“I’m excited to bring TNC’s expertise, relationships and resources to Baltimore to join the rich ecosystem of partners committed to deepening engagement and positive impact in the region.”

Samantha Heyn, Wetland Conservation Coordinator

Samantha joined TNC in January 2024. As Wetland Conservation Coordinator, her work focuses on the coordination of the Delmarva Wetland Partnership, a collaboration between TNC, US FWS, USDA NRCS, Ducks Unlimited and MD DNR dedicated to the acceleration of wetland restoration in the Delmarva Peninsula. Samantha is creating a new system to manage and streamline restoration projects across the partnership. She loves being part of such an incredible team dedicated to the restoration of these beautiful ecosystems.

"I enjoy the unending opportunities to learn from those around me, within TNC, our partner organizations and the communities we work within. I am grateful for the knowledge and passion that has been shared with me, and the opportunity to continue to use what I learn to become a better communicator, problem solver, colleague, and community member."

Craig Holland, Senior Director of Investments/Brightstorm Program Lead

Craig serves as both Senior Director of Investments for TNC and Program Lead for Brightstorm, a TNC initiative that deploys technology-driven solutions to address water quality and flood resilience for governments and corporations. In this capacity, he spearheads the development and execution of comprehensive global strategies aimed at enhancing water quality and availability. His multifaceted approach incorporates developing new environmental markets and cultivating investment opportunities in existing ones, scaling the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and leading a dedicated team to ensure the successful implementation of these strategies. 

"I wake up every day excited and optimistic about the change I can make in the world. TNC supports innovation and new ideas, which motivates me to continuously learn and push the boundaries of what's possible."

Matthew Houser, Ph.D., Senior Social Scientist

Matt's work supports the Chesapeake Bay Agriculture Program's science-based approach to conservation. Through his social-science research efforts, he aims to understand the barriers to farmers’ and agricultural landowners’ voluntary adoption of new nutrient management practices, and through this work, develop interventions that more effectively accelerate sustainability efforts across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

"I truly believe I have the best job in the world. I am extremely passionate about sharing farmers’ stories to create better understanding and foster more meaningful and effective efforts to promote an agricultural system that works for both people and nature."

Amy Jacobs, Interim Chesapeake Bay Director/Chesapeake Bay Agriculture Program Director

Amy Jacobs is the Chesapeake Agriculture Program Director for The Nature Conservancy’s Chesapeake Bay Program and currently serving as TNC’s Chesapeake Bay Director.  Amy grew up in York County, Pennsylvania and spent weekends on her grandparent’s farm in Dauphin County. Amy has been working with landowners and farmers for over 25 years to implement conservation in agricultural landscape.

She is committed to finding solutions that will support agriculture and the growing demands for food and have a positive effect on the environment through solution-oriented, science-based approaches and working collaboratively with a diverse range of partners.  Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Wildlife from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in Environmental Forest Biology from the State University of New York and Syracuse University.

“I enjoy finding solutions that benefit both water quality and wildlife and help support local agriculture.”

Morgan Johnson, Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist

Morgan joined TNC's Maryland/DC Chapter in April 2024. As a Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist, her work focuses on promoting the program's work on its website and social media channels. Morgan brings more than four years of experience helping non-profits and government conservation agencies with their digital communications needs and marketing research and analytics. She is passionate about making science and conservation accessible to all people so they can feel empowered to make a difference.

"My mission at TNC is to communicate the great work we are doing in Maryland and D.C. to inspire others to help protect nature locally and globally for a healthier planet."

Donnelle Keech, Resilient Forests Program Director

Donnelle Keech leads the chapter’s efforts in western Maryland, applying the scientific knowledge and tools needed to improve forest health on public and private lands, as well as working with local stakeholders to promote Maryland’s forests as part of a bright and prosperous future for the region.

"I am so inspired by our vision of a future where nature and people in the Appalachians thrive, even in the face of environmental changes."

Cait Kerr, State Policy Manager

Cait leads the Maryland/DC Chapter's state policy strategies. She has been involved in Maryland's legislative sessions as either a staffer or a lobbyist since 2016. Her work promotes mitigation, resilience, and conservation through forward-thinking policy solutions.

"I strongly believe that engaging in policy should be accessible to everyone; policies touch each of our lives every day. Through my work, I aim to engage more people in this process and to advance solutions that work for people and our planet."

Deborah Landau, Ph.D., Director of Ecological Management

Deborah Landau joined the chapter in 2001. As Director of Ecological Management, she focuses on ecological restoration across Maryland and the Central Appalachians. She works with staff and partners to restore natural communities across our diverse landscapes, ensuring they are healthy and resilient in light of an uncertain climate future.

"Sometimes I get satisfaction very quickly from my work, such as from a prescribed burn, but other projects, like tree plantings, will take years to see results. It’s very gratifying to know that I can do these long-term projects and they’ll continue into the future."

Rebecca Luib, Associate Director of Development

Rebecca works with donors to understand their conservation and geographic priorities, with a goal of ensuring our donors are well informed about the chapter's work and knowledgeable about the impact they are making.

"Our donors are passionate and interesting. It’s rewarding to thank them and to share how their support fuels our work."

Amanda Obosnenko, Stormwater Project Manager

Amanda joined TNC in April 2025. Her focus is improving water quality through collaborating with stakeholders and working with landowners to implement Green Infrastructure projects. With experience in watershed management and conservation at a local and international level, she’s passionate about connecting communities to clean water through education and using data-driven solutions to protect it. 

“Water is Earth’s most precious resource. What happens on land doesn’t stay there. Pollution flows into our rivers, lakes, and streams, affecting wildlife and people alike. It’s all connected. Protect the land. Protect the water.”

Devin Reaves, Loyal Donor Officer

Devin joined TNC in March of 2023 after pivoting from speech-language pathology to philanthropy. Currently, Devin is a Loyal Donor Officer for the MD/DC Chapter, stewarding longtime TNC donors in the Maryland/DC area and informing them of ways they can help protect the lands and waters they love for years to come. She spends her free time traveling, reading, and trying new recipes with herbs and veggies from her garden.

“It’s such a joy to thank our longtime donors for protecting nature for generations to come! Every day I get to experience the power of nature through our donors and their journeys with us.”

Mariana Rosales, Director of Climate 

Mariana joined TNC's MD/DC program in November 2023 as the new Director of Climate. In this role, she leads our climate mitigation work, which is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Maryland’s greatest emitting sectors. Mariana sits on our government relations team, which works with elected officials in the state and federal government to create policies that reduce emissions, promote nature-based solutions for resilience and biodiversity, and advance equity.

"I love collaborating to solve the challenging real-life puzzle of Climate Change Mitigation. I enjoy connecting ideas, perspectives, experiences, and scientific knowledge to find sustainable, equitable solutions so that people and nature can thrive."

Humna Sharif, Climate Adaptation Manager

Humna joined TNC in March 2023, her role is at the intersection of climate policy, nature-based solutions, and equitable access to adaptation resources for coastal communities in Maryland. She has a bridge position and sits on TNC’s Government Relations team to advance our Resilient Coasts strategy. Adaptation to climate change touches on many interconnected societal issues; climate impacts exacerbate existing inequities and solutions for adaptation need to be intersectional in nature.

Humna’s work is focused on building consensus for policy priorities, finding common ground, and identifying the areas where TNC can champion policy priorities in Maryland to advance nature-based climate adaptation solutions. Humna grew up in Islamabad, Pakistan with a view of the Himalayan foothills, and found her way to working on the coast and the ocean by way of mountain streams and rivers. She moved to the U.S. in 2013, and has lived in the Midwest, New England, and now, Washington, D.C.

“Coastal communities experiencing the first impacts of climate change deserve to define their own futures. If we want to see lasting con­servation and climate adaptation results, then communities must be centered alongside nature.” says Humna about how she approaches this work.

Sev Smith, Director of Communications and Marketing, MD/DC, PA/DE, WV

Sev joined The Nature Conservancy in 2016 after spending the first decade of his career working in the private sector, managing communication and marketing programs as a contractor to the federal government. At TNC, Sev supports conservation, government relations, fundraising and science goals through strategic communications and marketing initiatives that help expand our impact.

"I love when I can walk on my work—when I can get out into the field and spend time on the preserves, project sites and communities where our work touches down."

Daniel Sweeney, Agriculture Program Director

Daniel Sweeney joined the Maryland/DC chapter in June 2022. In his role leading the chapter's Agriculture Program, Daniel will work with partners to incorporate today’s conservation practices into tomorrow’s standard operating procedures. He hopes to build and expand partnerships to increase adoption of 4R conservation practices and grow support for wetland restoration efforts aimed at achieving water quality and biodiversity goals.

"Having worked with agricultural and resource-based industry for some time, I am excited to be involved in efforts to expand the use of nature-based solutions, improve the availability of clean water and encourage practices that enable commercial agricultural operations to succeed alongside a thriving natural environment."

Darleen Underwood, Director of People and Culture

Darleen Underwood (she/her) began her TNC career in October 2021, working to deepen our diversity, equity and inclusion work, ensuring equitable and inclusive hiring practices, provide human resource and employee wellness support and nurture a workplace culture of connectedness, belonging and innovation. Darleen has dedicated her career to the pursuit of facilitating working environments that center humanity and challenging the structures that do not embody diversity, equity and inclusion as a human right.

"I am so proud to be deeply engaged in the challenging yet meaningful work of ensuring that we live into our commitment of centering people and the importance of embedding diversity, equity and inclusion in all our work."

Andrea van Wyk, Baltimore Community Project Manager

Andrea Van Wyk joined the chapter in 2022, bringing a passion for urban conservation to our Baltimore Program, and depth of experience educating, engaging and empowering diverse urban communities.

“I have much gratitude for the opportunity to collaboratively work with local community leaders and partners. Everyone has this deep-rooted passion and dedication to the greater good, and to witness it firsthand has been an invaluable experience, especially during these challenging times.”

Andrew Wells, Wetland Restoration Specialist

As a member of the Chesapeake Agriculture Team, Andrew's job is to perform targeted outreach to engage landowners in wetland restoration programs across the Delmarva Peninsula. He works in a collaborative partnership with other NGO's, federal, state, and local agencies where we aim to accelerate the pace of wetland restoration to help meet water quality goals.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with conservation minded landowners and help them achieve desired outcomes for their property, all while improving water quality and wildlife habitat in the watershed that I call home."

Catherine Workman, Ph.D., Director of Conservation

Catherine joined the Maryland/DC chapter in September 2024. As the Director of Conservation, Catherine oversees our Appalachians, Baltimore, coastal, and land management teams as well as our cross-cutting conservation systems and strategies and science teams. 

Prior to joining TNC, she was the Head of Programs for Adventure Scientists, oversaw the National Geographic Society’s research, conservation, and technology funding as the Vice President of Science, and served as a AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellow at USAID. Catherine holds a Ph.D. in evolutionary anthropology from Duke University.

“Initially motivated in my career by a love of animals, I’m energized to work across scales with an organization that thinks big about lasting conservation impact for people and nature by advancing solutions that tackle the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. It’s a privilege (and a joy!) to work with TNC at this critical time for our planet.”