Staff
Executive Director
Dave is experienced in river conservation, solid waste management, brownfield remediation, and the gamut of environmental laws and regulations.
Dave earned a B.S. in Biology from Marietta College, an M.S. in Forestry from the University of Maine, and a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Dave practiced environmental law for 25 years with Cors & Bassett, LLC. and has served on the boards of several environmental organizations.
Bennett Kottler
Restoration Director
Bennett has a long history of work in environmental protection, air quality planning, engineering, and remediation. He has worked as an environmental site assessor, consultant, instructor/trainer, urban forestry commission member, and professor of science education and environmental studies. He loves all things food and music and plays guitar and banjo.
Bennett earned B.A. in Biology from Boston University and both a Master’s and Ph.D. from Cornell University in Environmental Toxicology.
Linda Keller
Finance Director
Linda has a strong background in community and nonprofit work, which began when she served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Ecuador focusing on soil conservation, erosion control, gardening, and small animal husbandry. Since then she has worked in family literacy, technology education, and program management. In her free time, you’ll find her in her garden or behind a potters wheel.
Linda earned a B.F.A. in Ceramic Sculpture and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Cincinnati.
Johnny Dwyer
Education & Digital Media Director
Johnny is a previous park ranger and life sciences/Montessori teacher. He has a passion for photography. He is adept in local and native species of the Midwest and south of the border. He has a love for migratory creatures and local flora especially when it comes to backyard homesteading, invasive species management, and permaculture gardening. Johnny is excited and motivated to get students outside learning!
Beth Himburg
Water Quality & Outreach Director
Beth has B.S. in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Cincinnati and a Graduate Certificate in Natural Resource Management from Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education. She has spent time working in community organizing, invasive species research, outdoor recreation, leading teams and managing projects. She is passionate about native plants, diverse ecosystems, and building resilient & connected communities. In addition, she loves traveling, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, baking, playing music, and spending time outside with friends.
Katrina Weiss
Development Director
Katrina graduated from Mount St. Joseph University with a B.A. in English and History. She’ll likely have on a different pair of eyeglasses every time you run into her, the result of working in the optical industry for nearly the last 20 years. Katrina enjoys engaging with her community and serves on Walnut Hills Area Council where she leads the sustainability committee efforts. She loves antiquing with her husband Tony, taking road trips, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Pip McCullars
Program Assistant
Pip has a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Cincinnati. He is looking forward to collaborating on current and future habitat and stream restoration projects as well as leading volunteer events.
While in school, Pip served at Stone Lick State Park, sustainably building the new Blue Heron trail. Pip also worked at Caesars Creek restoring the grounds of The Pioneer Village. He has a passion for the outdoors, conservation, preservation, environmental justice, and invasive species mitigation.
Rufaro Bulathsinghalage
Program Assistant
Rufaro recently earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Cincinnati. She has spent time removing invasive species, educating the community about the importance of the outdoors, and empowering the youth to appreciate the environment and find their footing within it.
She plans to integrate her love for the environment with legislation to further educate, protect, and conserve the Earth and its natural resources. In her free time, she loves travelling, cooking, and being active outdoors--you can find her hiking, running, hammocking, or spending time with her family and friends.
Interns
Izzy Leisgang
Blue Team Lab Leader, 2025-26
Izzy finished her B.S. degree in Biology at the University of Cincinnati and is currently finishing her master's thesis at UC. Her thesis uses environmental DNA and land cover usage to understand fish biodiversity in southwest Ohio. She has worked as a graduate assistant at the UC Field Center, assisting in various projects such as invasive species removal, plant distribution surveys in the field center prairies, and freshwater macroinvertebrate assessments. She is passionate about ecology and evolution, conservation and restoration, and environmental education. Izzy loves food, travel, her dog, aquascaping, and participating in all outdoor activities.
Kylie Lawson
Blue Team Lab Leader, 2024-25
Kylie is currently wrapping up her B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Biology at Xavier University. Her experience working in a multitude of labs doing research and her history of volunteering for the MCA emphasize her love for conserving and protecting aquatic ecosystems and ensuring good water quality.
In her free time, she loves reading, hiking, and camping. .
Sam Elliott
Summer Programs and Education Intern, 2025
Sam is currently working on getting his BS in Environmental Engineering. He loves spending time with nature. He looks forward to educating kids about the Earth, and our part within it. He loves fishing, hiking, and swimming whenever possible. He is passionate about restoring native biodiversity and wants to be involved in rewilding efforts in the future.
To reach a staff member, click HERE to send us a message. We will be in touch shortly.
Board of Directors
Michele Gottschlich, Chair
Retired, American Red Cross
Joe Bunke, Treasurer
Retired, Cincinnati Federal
Savings & Loan
Greg Bechtel, Secretary
Retired, GE Aviation
Robert Ashbrock, Director at Large
City of Reading Resident
Larry Falkin, Director at Large
Retired, MSD of Greater Cincinnati
Peter “Zeb” Acuff
Metroparks of Butler County
Chris Caldemeyer
Retired, The Seven Hills Schools
Chris Carr
University of Cincinnati
John Creech
City of Sharonville
Darryl Franklin
North Fairmount Resident
Elizabeth Horton
Advanced Testing Laboratory
Honorable Mayor Ruby Kinsey-Mumphrey, Village of Lincoln Heights
Oliver Kroner
City of Cincinnati Office of Environment & Sustainability
Brendon Leeker
General Electric
John Mangan
Hamilton Co Soil & Water Conservation District
Bradford Mank
University of Cincinnati College of Law
Travis Miller
OKI Regional Council of Governments
Jerry Noble
Pepper Construction
Patricia O’Connor
Retired
Brewster Rhoads
Brewster Rhoads and Associates
Charles G. Skidmore
Law Offices of Charles G. Skidmore
Emeritus Directors
Dave Buesking
Dan Crago
Mike Fremont
Stanley Hedeen
John Hunter
Steve Johns
Bruce Koehler
Michael Miller
Kevin Reynolds
Jerald Robertson
Stiney Vonderhaar