Cook Inletkeeper Staff
Meet The Team
Cook Inletkeeper is a community-based nonprofit organization that combines advocacy, outreach and science toward its mission to protect Alaska’s Cook Inlet watershed and the life it sustains. Inletkeeper’s monitoring and science work builds credibility with scientists and resource managers, its outreach and advocacy efforts enhance stewardship and citizen participation, and together, these efforts translate into Inletkeeper’s ability to effectively ensure a vibrant and healthy Cook Inlet watershed.
Loren Barrett
Loren was born in the Florida Keys and split her childhood amongst the Florida flats, the New Mexican river beds, Colorado mountain streams and Montana rivers. She served two years in Guyana with the United States Peace Corps before returning to the US to pursue an MA...
Quentin Simeon
Quentin was born and raised in rural Alaska on the Kuskokwim River. He is passionate about empowering youth and strengthening our communities. After receiving a BA in English from the University of Alaska Anchorage, he has primarily worked for Alaska Native...
Sue Mauger
After growing up outside of Boston, doing her undergraduate work at Duke University and earning a Master’s in Fisheries Science at Oregon State University, Sue finally made it to Alaska and its wild salmon streams. Sue is inspired by working in healthy watersheds and...
Kaitlin Vadla
Born and raised on Dena’ina Land in Qałnigi D’nazludt (Clam Gulch), Kaitlin enjoys exploring in and around the Cook Inlet watershed. She hikes her skis up to the last snow patches in July and hunts (both moose and blueberries) on her grandma’s homestead in the fall....
David Knight
David was raised in Soldotna and has a deep love for the rivers, lakes and streams of Yaghanen (“the good land” in the Kenai Peninsula) and their fishes. David graduated from Vanguard University and spent the majority of his career coordinating, managing and building...
Satchel Pondolfino
Born and raised on Dena’ina lands in Anchorage, and currently enjoying the small-town life of Homer and Kachemak Bay, Satchel is grateful to call Alaska home. From mobilizing collective action that pushes back against extractive economies, to visioning and organizing...
Kyra Harty
Kyra grew up in the Northwoods of the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” She lived near Gichi-Gami, one of the largest lakes, known for containing 10% of the world’s freshest water - also known as Lake Superior. Here, she developed her passion for the outdoors and started...
Bridget Maryott
Bridget hails from the unceded lands of the Tohono O’odham peoples (Tucson, AZ) where she learned at a young age that water is life. After spending four decades in the Sonoran Desert, it became apparent that the local lands and waters could not withstand their current...
Ben Boettger
Born and raised in Indiana, on traditional lands of the Shawnee and Miami, Ben Boettger came to Alaska in 2014. Prior to joining Cook Inletkeeper, he was a Peace Corps volunteer in Mongolia, a National Park Service ranger, and a reporter for local and regional...
Mel Kim
Mel, a California native, developed a deep connection with nature growing up in Tongva land. His passion for the environment led to a diverse career in research, conservation, and education. After a series of fortunate and unfortunate events, he now resides and works...
Josie Oliva
Josie was born and raised on Dena’ina lands in Nikiski. She loves going on peaceful walks to admire moss, forage plants, and attempt skipping rocks with her dog Bleu at her side. Josie received her B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Since...
Our Board Members
We can’t thank our board enough for all the wisdom they share.
Would you like to join the Cook Inletkeeper team?
Inletkeeper relies on the hard work of staff and volunteers. Take a look at our open positions and volunteer opportunities to support a thriving Cook Inlet.