WHO WE ARE: BOARD & STAFF
BOARD
Kevin Smith
Patty Goodwin
Grace Murphy
Duncan Schmitt
Steve Coltrara
Jim Bogner
Michael DeWan
Tom Howard
Lou Klepner
Nels Leader
Hank Starr
Gay Leonhardt
Jeffery P. Siegel
STAFF
Andy Mossey
Melissa Peterson
Ellie Reese
Andy Mossey, Executive Director
andy@woodstocklandconservancy.org
Skiing, cycling, backpacking, climbing, and wandering in the woods are the activities that brought Andy outside. Once there, he unlocked a deep passion for speaking up for public lands without a voice. Since the beginning of his career, Andy has worked with non-profit organizations and land management agencies to ensure that public access to lands across the United States is protected, and sensitive ecosystems are preserved. Andy comes to Woodstock Land Conservancy after working for the Catskill Center and before that, the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Andy holds a B.S. in Expeditionary Studies from SUNY Plattsburgh. When Andy is not in Woodstock, he can be found exploring a new section of trail or remote corner of the world.
Melissa Peterson, Land Acquisition & Stewardship Manager
melissa@woodstocklandconservancy.org
Melissa is passionate about environmental conservation and protecting open space and has experience working on ecologically and sustainably focused projects which strive to support people and nature. Melissa was raised in Oregon, taught science as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Namibia, worked in community reforestation for the Hospital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti, and later settled in New York to raise her family. She most recently worked for the Orange County Audubon Society and has also assisted the Orange County Land Trust. Melissa is an avid plant enthusiast, bird watcher, and naturalist. Melissa holds a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Linfield College and a Master’s degree in Environmental Conservation Education from New York University. She is also a Master Gardener and holds a Permaculture Design Certificate.
Ellie Reese, Program & Outreach Coordinator
ellie@woodstocklandconservancy.org
Ellie was born and raised in New Paltz in the shadow of the Shawangunk Ridge where she developed a love of the outdoors, exploring all that the mountains in her backyard had to offer. Now a Shokan resident she enjoys walking on the Ashokan Rail Trail and regularly spends time in Woodstock to enjoy the atmosphere and its beautiful outdoor spaces. Ellie is an alumna of SUNY New Paltz and has worked in the non-profit field for over a decade, previously as Communications Director for Economists for Peace & Security (EPS). During her tenure at EPS Ellie organized events across the country that gave economists and other social scientists a public platform to offer solutions to the world’s most pressing issues including the economic impact of climate change. Ellie is committed to serving the community both professionally and personally, volunteering regularly. Ellie is the mother of three active boys who also love the outdoors and she has worked diligently to educate them about the importance of environmental and community-mindedness.