Feben Abebe, Chesapeake Conservation Corps Member

Feben (she/her) joined Potomac Conservancy in the summer of 2024 as a Community Conservation team member. Her journey with the organization began through the Chesapeake Conservation & Climate Corps Program, which aligned with her passion for protecting the Potomac River and its surrounding environment. Feben holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a minor in Public Health from Goucher College, where she focused on the intersection of environmental and societal issues, fueling her dedication to conservation.

Before her role at Potomac Conservancy, Feben gained valuable experience as an intern at Holy Cross Hospital, where she supported the nursing staff in maintaining efficient operations. She also volunteered at Shepherd’s Table Homeless Shelter, deepening her commitment to community health and service. Outside of work, Feben enjoys traveling, reading, watching movies with friends, and spending time with her family.

Katie Blackman, Vice President of Strategic Programs and Partnerships

Katie (she/her) serves in a senior leadership role overseeing programming directly related to achieving clean water goals in the Potomac and leads high-level strategic partnerships all to increase our clean water impact. In this role she ensures the programmatic alignment of our Land Conservation, Policy, and Community Conservation departments with our Clean Potomac Plan. Katie also directs the organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice efforts. Katie currently serves on the Choose Clean Water Coalition’s steering committee.

Katie came to the Conservancy in 2015 and previously led the organization’s community engagement efforts. She has a strong background in volunteer engagement formally managing programs for other local animal welfare and environmental nonprofits. She is also the founder of the Capital MOVE (Managers Of Volunteers for the Environment), a group of professionals who work with outdoor volunteers in the DC metro region. Katie has a BA from UMBC in history and elementary education and a master’s degree from King’s College of London in Tourism, Environment, and Development with a concentration on volunteer ecotourism. She lives with her family in Boyds, Maryland and is an avid sourdough baker (made with Potomac River tap water!) and enjoys hiking and canoeing on Little Seneca Lake.

Alexis Dickerson, Senior Director of Community Conservation

Alexis (she/her) leads the Conservancy’s Tree and Seed Programs. With a background in environmental outreach and program management, she has facilitated immersive outdoor learning experiences across the Chesapeake Bay watershed since 2016. Alexis is passionate about expanding the voices reflected in the space of environmental conservation, and creating positive pressure towards a more culturally responsive and action-oriented environmental community.

Alexis has served as Co-President of the DC Environmental Education Consortium, a member of the Virginia Master Naturalist Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, as well as a member of Fairfax County's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Exception Review Committee. Alexis holds a bachelor's degree in American Studies from the University of Southern California. She is trained as a Master Gardener and Master Naturalist through the Virginia Cooperative Extension and holds certificates in Urban Sustainability (UDC) and Permaculture Design.

Alexis resides in Fairfax County, Virginia. You are likely to find her any place where land, water and people intersect. She can often be found kayaking or fishing in local waters, or birding at Huntley Meadows.

Cathy Dirksen, Development Manager

Cathy (she/her) stepped out of retirement in December of 2023 to join our team as a part-time member of our Development staff.  She is responsible for acknowledging the generous donations of our supporters and documenting their gifts on our robust database base. She works in partnership with other members of our staff to ensure that all of our members and volunteers are properly recognized for their contributions to our work. 

Most recently, Cathy was Director of Communications and Development for SEEC, a position she held for 18 years. SEEC provides support to people with developmental disabilities in Montgomery County, a mission she can personally align with as the parent of a child with autism.  Early on in her career, she worked for Defenders of Wildlife as Executive Assistant to the President, making her return to conservation work a full circle in her 40 years of work in the nonprofit sector. 

Haley Epping, Director of Digital Communications

Haley (she/her) joined Potomac Conservancy in the fall of 2022 as the Digital Grassroots Manager. Previously, she worked for an anti-trafficking organization where she focused on digital communications. She also organized on her college campus for the divestment of fossil fuels from the university’s endowment. Haley holds a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and Law and Society from American University. She earned a master’s degree from American University in Strategic Communication with a concentration in Digital Communication Strategies and Analytics.  

Haley grew up in Rochester, New York, where she visited the Adirondacks every summer, which strengthened her love of the outdoors. Now, in her free time, you can find Haley crocheting, hiking, or baking.  

Jeff Feaga, Director of Land Management and Stewardship

In his role as Director of Land Management and Stewardship, Jeff (he/him) works closely with local landowners to protect lands throughout the Potomac River region and steward them in the best way possible. He joined the Conservancy as Stewardship Manager in February 2023, bringing experience with completing natural resources assessments and implementing conservations plans on agricultural lands, forests, and wetlands.  

Formerly a natural resources planner in Maine and Virginia, a wetland delineator in Maryland, and a bog turtle habitat researcher throughout the Southern Blue Ridge, Jeff thrives when working in new landscapes and sharing his passion for hands-on conservation. He earned a PhD in Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech and an MS in Bioresource Engineering from Oregon State University. He has taught Hydrology and Environmental Science courses at Hood College and Shepherd University. Jeff currently lives with his family of four in Shepherdstown, WV. 

Olivia Guerra, Senior Director of Finance and Operations

Olivia (she/her) joined the Conservancy in March 2019. As the Senior Director of Finance and Operations she works closely with the Conservancy’s foundation and government funders and builds long-lasting business partnerships that benefit clean water and support the community’s well-being. Previously, Olivia served as the Director of Institutional Giving and Development Operations Manager. She comes to the Conservancy with experience in executive administration, business management, project management, and business development. 

Olivia grew up in Northern Nevada, where she fostered a love of all things outdoors. She is thrilled to be helping protect and preserve the Potomac watershed and the communities who depend on it. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking in Great Falls, exploring trails, and meeting critters with her son.

Jake Hess, Director of Media and Community Relations

As Director of Media and Community Relations, Jake (he/him) handles press queries and works with local partners to build our movement for clean water. Prior to joining the Conservancy, he was a research analyst at an international development agency, editor, reporter, translator, and teacher. He developed his passion for environmental justice by surfing the icy waters of the Atlantic. In his spare time, he can be found searching for wild pawpaws and persimmons across our watershed.

Mindy Kania, Tomorrow’s Trees Manager

Mindy (she/her) joined the development team to assist Potomac Conservancy as it grows its network of members. She previously worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center managing a program in Preventive Medicine that provided care for Service Members.

A Maryland native, former rower for Loyola University Maryland, with a childhood exploring creeks and trails, she is happy to be promoting river health on a local level. Together with her husband, she also looks forward to passing on a love for nature and conservation to her two children.

Weyessa “Ace” McAlister, Director of Community Conservation: DC Metro

Weyessa (“Ace”) (he/him) joined Potomac Conservancy in fall 2021 with a passion to make difference in his community and advocate for clean water. 
He has experience in managing environmental, community engagement, leadership, and humanitarian related projects. He previously worked for Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) as a program Associate and Assistant Stewardship Manager.  

Born and raised in southern Ethiopia, former Track and Cross-Country athlete for Trinity College (Hartford, CT), and founder of water charity organization, H2OPE TC, Weyessa is excited to empower DC Metro residents to make a difference and to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water. He enjoys hiking and spending time with his family and friends in his free time.  

Anna Mudd, Senior Director of Policy

Anna (she/her) joined Potomac Conservancy as the Senior Director of Policy in 2022. In this role, she advocates for public policies that prioritize the nexus of clean water and environmental justice in Maryland and Virginia. An experienced strategist, Anna interacts with elected officials, relevant government agencies and other decision-makers, and also serves as the primary liaison with partner organizations and coalitions in the environmental policy space.

Before joining Team Potomac, Anna spent several years working in local and state government, and non-profit advocacy. She is a Maryland native and currently resides in Annapolis. In addition to spending quality time with her large extended family, Anna also enjoys exploring Maryland’s many trails and public parks with her husband, son, and goldendoodle.

Alyssa Murray, Manager of Land Conservation Outreach

Alyssa (she/her) joined the Conservancy in Spring 2023 as the Eastern Panhandle Conservation Manager and is thrilled to work toward a clean Potomac River.

She grew up in Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry, WV, taking full advantage of all the outdoor adventures the area has to offer. This included serving as a raft guide on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, guiding visitors along zip lines throughout the mountains, hiking every trail she could find, and kayaking many summer days. She channeled her love of the outdoors into her education, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Shepherd University. While there, Alyssa became Vice President of Shepherd’s Environmental Organization, which helped her gain experience organizing groups and creating partnerships for others to come together with the common goal of protecting and restoring our environment. She also interned with the Land Management team of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the National Conservation Training Center where she learned more about land conservation. In her free time, Alyssa loves camping, baking, rock climbing, and making jewelry.

Colleen Napolitano, Digital Content Manager

Colleen (she/they) joined Team Potomac in February 2024 to help advance the Conservancy’s digital engagement with its vibrant community of river advocates and nature enthusiasts. She has led audience cultivation and content creation efforts for a wide range of nonprofits and mission-driven companies, generating support for free cycling education in New York City, professional development opportunities for BIPOC entrepreneurs in Pittsburgh, ethical jewelry production in Rwanda, and public engagement with the arts worldwide. They are delighted to apply their love of data-informed storytelling to the celebration and championing of our “Nation’s River.”

Growing up along the shores of New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay estuary, Colleen developed a fascination for watershed ecology early in her childhood. When outdoors, they can often be found hiking, cycling, kayaking, and birdwatching, usually with a camera in tow. Other passions include making and supporting music, visual art, dance, and theater.

Melissa Rodriguez, Operations and Finance Manager

Melissa (she/her) has lived in Northern Virginia for most of her life, getting her Associates degree from Northern Virginia Community College and B.S. in Biology from George Mason University. This is where she cultivated a strong interest in the local environment and wildlife rehabilitation. Before joining to Potomac Conservancy, she worked with Diva Crows, a local songbird rehabilitation organization, and she is currently a volunteer with the Wildlife Rescue League. She joined Potomac Conservancy in 2021 as the Administration & Data Associate. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, especially in Shenandoah, reading, spending time with her family, friends, and cats.

Avery Siler, Senior Director of Land Conservation

Avery (she/her) leads the Conservancy’s Land Conservation programs. She will work closely with landowners and partner organizations to increase conservation and improve land management throughout the Potomac headwaters. Previously, she worked for The Nature Conservancy and for a regional land trust in Northeast Pennsylvania where she gained experience with real estate transactions, conservation easements, and connecting landowners to funding to help them better steward their properties. She has a Master’s in Environmental Management from the Yale School of the Environment, with a focus on increasing equity and justice in private land conservation.

A native of DC, Avery is thrilled to be protecting clean water, healthy landscapes, and thriving communities in her home region. She loves walking and hiking, bluegrass concerts, and spending time with her family and friends. She has a B.A. in Art History from William & Mary and takes full advantage of the many Smithsonian museums our area offers.

Zach Slavin, Director of Institutional Giving

Zach (he/him) serves as Potomac Conservancy's Director of Institutional Giving. In this role he collaborates with program staff and funders to find ways in which foundations, corporations, and governments can support the Conservancy’s programmatic work. He previously worked for the National Audubon Society for nearly a decade on their education and science teams and has also worked in the restaurant industry in DC.

Zach grew up in Connecticut, attended Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, and has lived in Washington, DC since 2009. He is an avid birdwatcher and hiker and has served on the board of DC Audubon Society.

Mary Vasse, Vice President of Development

Mary (she/her) leads Potomac Conservancy’s fundraising initiatives. She guides the staff and board team to engage dedicated donors, connecting them with the work of protecting the Potomac River. She has been working closely with our impassioned individual, corporate, and foundation donors since 2016 and building an energized, philanthropic community of supporters.  

Mary has twenty three years of experience in environmental conservation, fundraising, partnership management, and grant making on the East and West coasts. Previous positions include Director of Development at Anacostia Watershed Society, growing the base of DC-area individual and corporate donors in this prominent tributary of the Potomac River. In the Pacific Northwest she was the director of the National Forest Foundation’s NW office and community partnerships at Sustainable Northwest. She earned her Master’s degree from University of Pennsylvania in regional & environmental planning, and her Bachelor’s from Hobart & Williams Smith Colleges. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland and frequently hikes and kayaks in the Potomac watershed.

Crystal Handfield Wade, Special Development Initiatives Director

Crystal (she/her) joined Potomac Conservancy in the winter of 2023. She has over a decade of development experience previously working at KID Museum, End Citizens United, and Every Voice. Before Crystal began her career in development, she worked on Capitol Hill serving as a Congressional Advisor and interned at the White House in 2012. Crystal holds a Master of Science (graduating magna cum laude) in Global Communication from Florida International University, and a Bachelor of Arts (graduating summa cum laude) in Mass Communications from Bethune-Cookman University.  

A native of Miami, Florida, Crystal grew up exploring the Florida coast and enjoying her home state’s sunny weather.  Having grown up in a coastal community, Crystal recognizes the importance of preserving the Potomac Watershed for future generations and is thrilled to be a part of the important work of Potomac Conservancy.    

In her spare time, you can find Crystal spending time with her husband and young child traveling, reading, learning French, and exploring nature.  

Ken Wright, Virginia Policy Director

Ken (he/him) joined Potomac Conservancy as the Virginia Policy Director in Spring 2024. In this role, Ken advocates for policies that promote clean water and environmental justice in Virginia. Before joining the Conservancy, Ken worked in state and local government, and non-profit advocacy. He utilizes this experience to navigate the legislative process and serves as the organization’s main contact with Virginia-based environmental coalitions and partner organizations.

Ken was born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina, and he grew up backpacking and kayaking in the area. He lives in Richmond, VA, and in his free time, he enjoys making music, spending time on the James River with friends, and watching Carolina Hurricanes games.