Staff
Executive Director
Dave is experienced in river conservation, solid waste management, brownfield remediation, and the gamut of environmental laws and regulations.
Dave earned a B.S. in Biology from Marietta College, an M.S. in Forestry from the University of Maine, and a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Dave practiced environmental law for 25 years with Cors & Bassett, LLC. and has served on the boards of several environmental organizations.
Bennett Kottler
Restoration Director
Bennett has a long history of work in environmental protection, air quality planning, engineering, and remediation. He has worked as an environmental site assessor, consultant, instructor/trainer, urban forestry commission member, and professor of science education and environmental studies. He loves all things food and music and plays guitar and banjo.
Bennett earned B.A. in Biology from Boston University and both a Master’s and Ph.D. from Cornell University in Environmental Toxicology.
Linda Keller
Finance Director
Linda has a strong background in community and nonprofit work. Linda has worn many hats throughout her career. Her work in comunities began when she served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Ecuador focusing on soil conservation, erosion control, gardening, and small animal husbandry. Since then she has worked in family literacy, technology education, and program management. In her free time, you’ll find her in her garden or behind a potters wheel.
Linda earned a B.F.A. in Fine Arts and an M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Cincinnati.
Johnny Dwyer
Education & Digital Media Director
Johnny is a previous park ranger and life sciences/Montessori teacher. He has a passion for photography. He is adept in local and native species of the Midwest and south of the border. He has a love for migratory creatures and local flora especially when it comes to backyard homesteading, invasive species management, and permaculture gardening. Johnny is excited and motivated to get students outside learning!
Beth Himburg
Water Quality & Outreach Director
Beth has B.S. in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Cincinnati. She has spent time working in community organizing, invasive species research, outdoor recreation, leading teams and managing projects.
She is passionate about native plants, diverse ecosystems, and building resilient & connected communities. In addition, she loves to traveling, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, baking, playing music, and spending time outside with friends.
She is currently a graduate student studying natural resource management through Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education.
Rufaro Bulathsinghalage
Program Assistant
Rufaro recently earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Cincinnati. She has spent time removing invasive species, educating the community about the importance of the outdoors, and empowering the youth to appreciate the environment and find their footing within it.
She plans to integrate her love for the environment with legislation to further educate, protect, and conserve the Earth and its natural resources. In her free time, she loves travelling, cooking, and being active outdoors--you can find her hiking, running, hammocking, or spending time with her family and friends.
Pip McCullars
Program Assistant
Pip has a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Cincinnati. He is looking forward to collaborating on current and future habitat and stream restoration projects as well as leading volunteer events.
While in school, Pip served at Stone Lick State Park, sustainably building the new Blue Heron trail. Pip also worked at Caesars Creek restoring the grounds of The Pioneer Village.
He has a passion for the outdoors, conservation, preservation, environmental justice, and invasive species mitigation.
Interns
Kylie Lawson
Blue Team Lab Leader, 2025
Kylie is currently wrapping up her B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Biology at Xavier University. Her experience working in a multitude of labs doing research and her history of volunteering for the MCA emphasize her love for conserving and protecting aquatic ecosystems and ensuring good water quality.
In her free time, she loves reading, hiking, and camping. .
To reach a staff member, click HERE to send us a message. We will be in touch shortly.
Board of Directors
Michele Gottschlich, Chair
Retired, American Red Cross
Patricia O’Connor, Treasurer
Retired
Greg Bechtel, Secretary
Retired, GE Aviation
Robert Ashbrock, Director at Large
City of Reading Resident
Larry Falkin, Director at Large
Retired, MSD of Greater Cincinnati
Peter “Zeb” Acuff
Metroparks of Butler County
Joe Bunke
Retired, Cincinnati Federal
Savings & Loan
Chris Caldemeyer
Retired, The Seven Hills Schools
Chris Carr
University of Cincinnati
John Creech
City of Sharonville
Darryl Franklin
North Fairmount Resident
Elizabeth Horton
Advanced Testing Laboratory
Honorable Mayor Ruby Kinsey-Mumphrey, Village of Lincoln Heights
Oliver Kroner
City of Cincinnati Office of Environment & Sustainability
Brendon Leeker
General Electric
John Mangan
Hamilton Co Soil & Water Conservation District
Bradford Mank
University of Cincinnati College of Law
Travis Miller
OKI Regional Council of Governments
Jerry Noble
Pepper Construction
Brewster Rhoads
Brewster Rhoads and Associates
Charles G. Skidmore
Law Offices of Charles G. Skidmore
Emeritus Directors
Dave Buesking
Dan Crago
Mike Fremont
Stanley Hedeen
John Hunter
Steve Johns
Bruce Koehler
Michael Miller
Kevin Reynolds
Jerald Robertson
Stiney Vonderhaar