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”

Brianna Auray, Donor Communications and Stewardship Specialist

Brianna joined TNC in May of 2024. She brings a professional background in content marketing and communications to the Maryland/DC chapter. Brianna supports the philanthropy team by creating donor communications materials that highlight TNC's powerful conservation stories.

"TNC brings hope and real solutions to the challenges of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. I find immense satisfaction sharing TNC's work supporting people and nature here in Maryland and DC."

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.”

Aileen Craig, Chesapeake Stormwater Program Director

Aileen leads our efforts to manage stormwater runoff across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This includes managing the chapter’s green infrastructure planning and implementation projects throughout Washington, DC as part of the DC Department of Energy and Environments Stormwater Retention Credit Program. She engages property owners and stakeholders to improve water quality locally in the Potomac and Anacostia watersheds, and ultimately, downstream in the Chesapeake Bay.

“My role at TNC allows me to bring nature to city landscapes. I love the intersection of people and nature and believe the two must go together for both to thrive.”

Terry Davis, Operations Program Coordinator

Before joining TNC, Terry worked as a sustainability coordinator for Georgia State University. Tying together his previous experience and love for the environment, he says he was fortunate enough to land his current role with the Maryland/DC chapter  of TNC, where he provides staff with the support needed to accomplish their goals. 

"I enjoy being able to work with the different departments within my chapter. While my main set of responsibilities remains the same,  my work day never looks the same."

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.” 

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 Bey Director/Chesapeake Bay Agriculture Program Director

Amy 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 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 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."

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 Marsh 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."

Darleen Underwood, Director of People and Culture

Darleen Underwood (she/her) began her TNC career in October 2021, working to deepen our DEIJ 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, belonging, 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, inclusion, and justice in all our work."

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."

Jen Zaudtke, MBA, Director of Finance and Operations

Jen came to TNC in 2019 as the MDDC Finance Manager and was promoted to Director of Finance a year later. In her current role, her work focuses on chapter financial oversight through budget management and working with TNC staff to ensure funds are available for the great conservation work in Maryland and DC. Additionally, she manages operations within the chapter by creating processes to ensure the most efficient use of our time and resources. 

"Having worked in the nonprofit space for years, I am inspired by the work that TNC does integrating people and nature. I love that I am encouraged to see our work first hand and go into the field to get my hands dirty."