Staff

Gene Merriam- President of FWS
Most recently, Merriam served as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources from 2003 to 2007. Prior to that, he had served 22 years in the Minnesota Senate, representing the Coon Rapids/Anoka area, where he authored many environmental protection and conservation laws. He was chair of the successful coalition that helped dedicate state lottery funds to the Environmental Trust Fund. Merriam also served as chair of the Senate Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. In August 2009, Gov. Tim Pawlenty appointed Merriam to the Clean Water Council, which advises the Legislature and governor.

Joan Nephew – Executive Director
Prior to joining the Society, Nephew was President of the Institute for Environmental Assessment (IEA), executive director of the Environmental Resource Council, and executive vice president of the Minnesota Institute of Public Health. In these roles, Nephew managed Environmental Health Programs, worked with industry and government, and oversaw environmental health and safety policy for schools and other institutions.

Scott Branch – Operations Assistant

Deirdre Coleman – Program Coordinator

Alex Gehrig — Program Manager

Peggy Knapp – Director of Programs

Diane Lynch – Development Director and Senior Manager

Christopher Prok – Operations Manager

Jeanne Prok – Program Coordinator

Patrick Sweeney – Research and Communications Director

Laura West – Administrative Assistant