JACK WIDNESS is a former academic pediatrician and researcher who lives in Wilmington, Vermont. Since retirement, Jack has become active in conservation work, including service on the following boards: Trout Unlimited (Connecticut River Chapter); Hogback Mountain Conservation Association (Vice President); and the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds. During summers, Jack supervises the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation Greeter Programs at Harriman and Somerset Reservoirs. He is an also active member of his local Lake Raponda Association in Wilmington.
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Jenica McEvoy is currently an accomplished cake artist and small business owner but her professional background is in environmental education. She holds a Masters of Education in Environmental Education with a certificate in Nonprofit Administration from Western Washington University, and has taught, designed, and supervised programs in several parks, nature centers, and a science museum on the West Coast. She currently lives in Bennington, where she is a dedicated member of the Catamount Rotary Club and is involved with a youth mentoring program.
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Edward Metcalfe is the owner of Vermont Distillers, Inc. in Marlboro,
VT. Ed has extensive business experience and is a longtime advocate of environmental education. He served for five years on the Whitingham Planning Commission, three as its chairman and served nine years on the Whitingham School Board and six years as School Board Chair of the Twin Valley School District. He is a licensed pilot in Sailplanes, Hot-Air Balloons, and Airplanes; is a certified scuba diver and is a past EMT and fire department member. He has been a member of the Whitingham-Halifax Lions Club for 33 years. He now serves on the board of the Hogback Preservation Commission, the Trust for Wildlife and is the founder of the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum.
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John Greenhas worked in his family's automotive business for over 55 years, the past 30 years running the business. He has been a part of the Wilmington planning commission, Valley Vision 2000 committee, and a long-time member of the Wilmington trails committee, developing and connecting regional hiking trails. As a member of the local Masons, he is the caretaker for the 200-acre Pool Farm property which adjoins the Museum's Mountainside facility. John is looking forward to developing trails at Mountainside.
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Wanda Walkowiakhas been employed as a Physical Therapist for 30 years and is an active volunteer in her community. She took much pride and involvement with VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science) Environmental Learning for the Future program, managing the local program for 7 years, and she has been an active community service volunteer and organizer with the Deerfield Valley Lions Club.
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BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
museum staff
executive director, katherine d. wheeler Katherine has worked in museum and non-profit administration for nearly two decades. In addition to her career as an interim and executive director, she has consulted for arts, history, and culture-focused organizations for 15 years. Katherine prioritizes working with organizations where the culture aligns with her values—improving our communities through positive social change, equity, and inclusivity; advocating for environmental sustainability; and promoting access to education and the natural world. Physically active and perpetually curious, she spends as much time as she can outdoors: hiking and trail running, creating art from found natural objects, identifying and mapping native plants, collecting rocks and minerals, as well as observing birds, insects, and other wildlife.
director of operations and programs, michael clough With a career in environmental and non-traditional education spanning 25 years, Michael has been at the Museum since 2009 when he started as a volunteer raptor trainer. As Director of Operations and Programs he oversees volunteers, social media and facilities needs and is the primary educator for the Museum's off-site and Mountainside programs.
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office manager, kristine sweeterAmong many unofficial roles, Kristine serves as the hub for most Museum activities. She helps with grant writing and administration, program development, promotions and most importantly scheduling and billing for our over 250 presentations a year! As Director of the local Whitingham Free Library Kristine is also in a great position to provide a different viewpoint to our education activities and facilitate the Museum's relationship with libraries around the State.
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Wildlife Associate, Mackenzie roofMackenzie was hired for two days a week of animal care and has since expanded her role at the Museum to include communications and program presentations! With a background in Museums and live animals she has been a perfect fit at the Museum and we look forward to growing her role!
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