Staff

Heather is a registered landscape architect and the executive director of WACF. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Ball State University’s College of Architecture and Planning. In 1986, she established her own landscape architecture business in San Diego. In 1998, Heather joined WACF as its director after participating in one of the organization’s Friday morning canoe trips through the ten lakes in the upper watershed. She was drawn to the opportunity to help preserve the lakes and protect water quality, believing that this conservancy work would complement her landscape architecture practice. This dual focus enhances her understanding of integrating nature with practical water control issues.

As Executive Director, Heather leads WACF in its mission and goals for the upper watershed. She values the collaboration with the Board, staff, volunteers, and visitors, all of whom share a common interest in protecting and preserving the lakes. Heather grew up in Goshen and at Tippecanoe Lake. After graduating from BSU, she moved to San Diego, where she worked alongside landscape architects and architects.

In her free time, Heather enjoys hiking the WACF trails and waterskiing, which helps her stay connected to the lakes.

Emily oversees the Development, Marketing, and Community Engagement efforts at WACF. Growing up on Lake Wawasee, she graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Communications. With over ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Emily is dedicated to WACF’s mission and committed to educating the community about the importance of conserving the Wawasee Watershed. She enjoys listening to stories about the lake and how WACF’s work is helping to restore the natural beauty of the watershed.

When she’s not working, Emily loves spending time on the water and traveling.

Jeff is the Land Manager for WACF, where he oversees the stewardship of the organization’s protected lands and ecosystems. With a strong commitment to conservation and sustainable land management, Jeff has been with WACF for 12 years. He brings extensive experience in environmental stewardship, habitat restoration, and resource management to his role. Jeff focuses on maintaining the health and biodiversity of the watershed through various initiatives, including invasive species control, soil and water quality monitoring, and native vegetation restoration. Additionally, he leads the hunting program at WACF, which ensures proper wildlife management on the conservation land.

When he isn’t working in the field, Jeff enjoys sailing during both summer and winter, as well as spending time on the water with his wife, kids, and grandkids.

Pam is the Educational Officer at WACF. After retiring, she continued to pursue her passion for teaching by leading the Education team in developing and presenting creative programs for both youth and adults. Pam has always had a love for nature and has been around lakes since she was born. She earned a degree in Biological Sciences and taught biology, genetics, and forensics for 41 years at Wawasee High School.

When she’s not working at WACF, she enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren and her husband, Kip, as well as engaging in activities like gardening and enjoying time on the lake.