WISE is governed by a 9-member Board of Directors, volunteers from our communities who are deeply committed to WISE's mission, and the daily work of maintaining fiscal responsibility and providing meaningful programming.

Meet the WISE Board of Directors!
​  Hover over their pictures to learn more about these amazing volunteers.

Current Board Members ​
Gay Wellman, Chairperson
Dave Wellman, Vice Chair
Felicia Riedel, Secretary
Paul Boos, Treasurer
Janelle Eklund
Margie Steigerwald
Sarah Gallt Linnell
​Cheryl Bowers
​Cassidy Austin-Merlino

Dave Wellman is a retired High School Science Teacher, and mastermind of the Willow Creek Research Project, a citizen science study.

Paul Boos and his Granddaughter Audrey head out for a day of fishing on Silver Lake. Paul is an accomplished Photographer and woodworker.

Board Chair Gay Wellman is an education specialist for Alzheimers Resource of Alaska. She and Tikka are recording data on the banks of Willow Creek in her beloved backyard, Wellwood Nature Preserve.

Janelle Eklund brought along an old friend to Geology Camp, this frame backpack she first carried in the 1970s. Since retiring from the BLM, Janelle has filled her life with volunteering, arts, exploring, and gardening.

Felicia Riedel is a retired School Teacher, and an active volunteer at Kenny Lake Public Library and other community organizations. Here she is hiking with daughters and granddaughters.

Margie Steigerwald first came to the Copper Basin in 1989 with her spouse Russell Galipeau to work for Wrangell-St.Elias NP/P. They lived and worked in Copper Center through 1997. Margie returned as the Park's Chief of Interpretation & Education from 2017-2020. She retired to California and visits Alaska at every opportunity.

Sarah Gallt Linnell is a self-employed Managment Consultant. Sarah also serves as a board member for The Kuskokwim Corporation.

Cheri Bowers is transitioning from her 40-year career as a CPA in Anchorage to follow her passions. And, as WISE's newest board member, October found her touring the lands of Nic'anilen'na as part of her orientation.

Cassidy Austin-Merlino is a WISE program alumna who is currently attending Western Washington Uninversity. Cassidy is studying Wilderness Therapy.

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