Summer 2004

 Rob Ernst, President (Nikiski):  A true “Alaskan entrepreneur” who fishes commercially, runs a growing coffee retail business, and teaches Anthropology at the Kenai Peninsula College of the University of Alaska, Rob serves as President of Cook Inletkeeper’s Board.  Rob received a B.S. from Amherst College and  M.A. in Linguistics from the University of Washington.

 Benjamin Jackinsky, Vice President (Ninilchik):  Ben is a commercial fishermen and small business owner who was born and raised in Alaska.  He runs a used book store in Kenai, is an active member of various Ninilchik Native organizations, and he holds Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees.  Ben is also active in local fishing, public radio, church and performing arts issues.

 Michael O’Meara, Treasurer (Homer):  Mike is a long-time Homer resident and activist.  As Special Project Coordinator for the Homer Society of Natural History, Mike is well-known for curating the profound Exxon Valdez Oil Spill exhibit which toured the nation.  Mike received a B.A. and M.A. in Art and Education from California State University.  Michael is a founding member of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, and past Boardmember of the Kachemak Bay Conservation Society.

Nancy Wainwright Secretary (Anchorage):  Nancy is an attorney in private practice who focuses on environmental and oil transportation issues.  Nancy has been active on many environmental fronts in Alaska.  She received a BA in political science from Scripts College in Claremont, CA, and a JD from Hastings College of Law, San Francisco.

 Tom Evans (Nanwalek):  Tom is an influential leader among his Sugpiaq people, a southern Alaska Indigenous tribe which occupies the southern Kenai Peninsula.  Tom works as his village’s liaison to the Environmental Protection Agency on a variety of human health and environmental issues.  Tom is also active with the Port Graham/Nanwalek Watershed Council.  

Mako Haggerty (Homer):  Owner and operator of a successful local water taxi service, Mako moved to Alaska over 22 years ago to pursue a career in commercial fishing.  Mako is a true progressive activist – he has worked tirelessly on a variety of commercial fishing, environmental and global trade issues, and he serves on the Board of Directors for KBBI (local public radio station) and the Kachemak Bay Parks Citizen Advisory Board.

Susan Mumma (Seldovia):  Susan is a retired teacher who has lived in Alaska for over 30 years.  She’s the owner of Seldovia Rowing Club Bed and Breakfast and holds a Master’s Degree in Arts Education from the University of Oregon.  Susan served as the Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commissioner for Seldovia for fifteen years and has also served as Chairmen of Board/Executive Director of Seldovia Arts Council, President of Alaska Arts Education Association, and citizen volunteer water quality monitor for Cook Inletkeeper.

Robin McLean (Sutton):  Robin has been a potter for 13 years, and since moving to the Matanuska Valley she has been involved in various grassroots environmental efforts.  Most recently, Robin has been active in the state -wide fight against coal bed methane development and the recall of a sitting state senator.  She received a BA from Mount Holyoke College and J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law.  Robin serves on the Sutton Community Council and the Board of Alaska Family Services, the local women’s shelter and substance abuse recovery center.