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STAFF BIOS
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Lisa Upson
Executive Director
Lisa joined Keystone Conservation in January, 2011, bringing experience in law, organizational development, and conservation to the organization. Prior to joining Keystone, Lisa worked as a wildlife conservation consultant to Natural Resources Defense Council, Predator Defense, and Keystone, focusing on large carnivore conservation policy and coexistence. Lisa also has an educational design and communications business that consults to authors, corporate leadership consultants, and conservation organizations. She is faculty at Montana State University-Bozeman in the Bracken Business Communication Center. Lisa is a trained mediator and volunteers with Bozeman’s Community Mediation Center in its Project Settle and Family Mediation programs. Lisa has a J.D. from New England School of Law in Boston, MA.
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Matt Barnes
Field Director, Rangeland Stewardship
Matt joined Keystone in January 2013. He is a rangeland management specialist and wildlife biologist. Prior to joining Keystone, Matt worked as ranch manager of the Howell Ranch in Cimarron, Colorado, utilizing holistically planned and managed grazing. Before that, Matt was a Rangeland Specialist with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and prior to NRCS conducted wildlife research and management in Idaho and California. Matt is a Certified Professional in Rangeland Management, President-Elect of the Colorado Section of the Society for Range Management, and serves on the editorial board of Rangelands. Matt has a Master’s in Range Science and a B.S. in Renewable Natural Resources, Wildlife & Fisheries Science. As Director of Keystone’s Rangeland Stewardship program, Matt will develop and manage Keystone’s field demonstration projects, and conduct research and education/outreach to various stakeholders interested in practices that can improve biodiversity and wildlife habitat on rangelands while sustaining rural livelihoods.
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Tim Bennett
Wildlife Biologist and Program Director, Bear Coexistence
Tim has worked on bear conservation issues on private and public lands since 2001. He worked in the Glacier National Park ecosystem with the Wind River Bear Institute as a consultant to Montana Fish, Wildlife &Parks and Alberta’s Department of Sustainable Resource Development. Tim has also worked for the Forest Service as a bear biologist in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. His other experiences as a wildlife biologist have taken him all over the west and the world, working with a range of species from seabirds and marine mammals in Antarctica to mountain beaver in the coastal mountains of Washington State to kit fox and coyote in the Great Basin Desert. His work as a wildlife consultant to industry and government has refined his understanding of how humans and wildlife can coexist while still undertaking actions such as residential development, industrial development, or large public works projects. He lives in Ennis, Montana, where he runs a backcountry ski hut and alpine guiding service in the Centennial Mountains while the bears are hibernating.
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Kate Hallowell
Program Director, Keystone Classroom
Kate has worked with Keystone Conservation in administrative, public relations, and educational capacities since 2004. Now focused on Keystone Classroom, Kate uses interactive, educational presentations "The Bear Essentials and What About Wolves?" to teach children and adults about the ecology and behavior of bears and wolves, along with best practices for safe coexistence. The programs encourage stewardship for predators and wilderness and have been enjoyed by hundreds of K-8th grade students, teachers and parents in Montana. Kate holds an M.F.A. from the University of Florida.
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Elisa Prescott
Program Coordinator, Communications & Membership Coordinator
Elisa joined Keystone in November 2011, shortly after graduating from Vermont Law School with a Masters in Environmental Law and Policy. Elisa has interned with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, where she worked on bear awareness policies and regulations for area National Parks. She has also worked with the Northeast Organic Farming Association and VT Food Education Everyday (FEED), helping to spread awareness about the environmental impacts of the food systems and the importance of localizing food. With a B.A. in Environmental Sociology from St. Lawrence University, Elisa brings a diverse and interdisciplinary background to Keystone. As an environmentalist, avid outdoor recreationist, and year-round back-country user, co-existing with wildlife is crucial to Elisa.
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BOARD OF DIRECTOR BIOS
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Lucy Costello - Bozeman, MT
An independent businesswoman with experience in start up development, Lucy is a life-long conservationist who learned to appreciate the natural world through adventures with her zoologist father. Lucy uses her experience in enterprise development and history of service on community boards to help Keystone enhance its profile and public engagement. Term 2010-2012.
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Catherine Pruett - Portland, OR
An attorney and life-long conservationist, Catherine has an extensive background in science, law, and policy. She has worked on wide range of conservation projects, most recently focusing on wildlife policy and management issues in the Greater Yellowstone area. She assists Keystone Conservation to support predators and habitats via her professional abilities and commitment to outreach. Term 2010-2012.
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Brett Sommermeyer - Portland, OR
An experienced attorney in environmental law and policy applications, Brett believes in achieving wildlife conservation through a combination of community outreach, public management, and the application of best available science. He supports the organization through his keen attention to policy details and hands-on work in educating the public. Term 2010-2012.
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Mike Wood - Boston, MA
A retired Captain with Delta Air Lines whose passion is conservation finance, Mike helps nonprofit groups achieve financial goals. Mike assists Keystone Conservation with budgeting and planning to ensure the best cost-benefit possible to achieve our goals. A Board member since 2007, Mike is serving his second term, from 2010-2012.
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Charlotte Heldstab - Elmo, MT
A longtime Keystone supporter, Charlotte has spent her past two falls on the east side of Glacier National Park helping spread the word about Keystone’s work and the importance of wildlife conservation. Charlotte supports Keystone through her passion and knowledge for grizzlies and predator species, and helps to promote conservation through her artwork. Term 2012-2013.
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Zack Strong - Bozeman, MT
An attorney in Bozeman, Zack believes predator and human coexistence is crucial and there is a middle ground where all stakeholders can compromise and work together for a common goal. Zack brings his legal and writing experiences to Keystone, and supports the organization by reaching out to and educating community members on predator issues. Term 2012-2013
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