New faces at Conservation Northwest
Conservation Northwest / Jan 24, 2020 / Our Staff, Work Updates
Let’s give a warm welcome to our Conservation Program Manager, Kathleen Gobush, and our Auction Coordinator, Natalie Hauser!
We’d also like to note our deep gratitude to our previous Conservation Program Manager, Jen Watkins, for her nearly two decades of work for wildlife crossings, habitat connectivity and forest collaboration in the Central Cascades. Now the Planning, Science and Monitoring Assistant Division Manager at the Forest Health and Resiliency Division at the Washington Department of Natural Resources, we’d like to congratulate Jen and wish her well on her new journey!
New team members at Conservation Northwest
Kathleen Gobush, Ph.D., Conservation Program Manager
Where are you from and how long have you lived in the northwest?
I have lived on and off in the Northwest for the last 20 years and call it home. I began life in the Midwest but promptly moved to more exotic places to pursue a career in wildlife biology after earning my B.A. in Biology from Barnard College-Columbia University and Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Washington. This has included a number of states on both U.S. coasts, the Pacific Islands and two countries in East Africa.
Why conservation northwest? what about this organization appeals to you?
After working on international wildlife conservation issues for many years, I made a conscious choice to focus on issues close to home and close to my heart. Conservation Northwest has a solid reputation as a pragmatic, science-led, mission-driven organization with a competent and well-respected staff. I am grateful to now be a part of this team, focused on forest and watershed restoration, habitat connectivity and wildlife conservation in our beautiful state.
what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Family and friends are important to me, as well as getting outdoors and enjoying nature. I enjoy running, hiking, skiing, camping and boating here in Washington, as well as dreaming up travels to see wildlife in parks and reserves in far-off places.
Who is your environmental hero?
I was fortunate to work with Wayne Lotter, a courageous and tireless leader in Tanzania dedicated to improving the plight of some of the most poached wildlife on that continent. His work and life touched many before his unfortunate early death in the line of duty.
Natalie Hauser, Auction Coordinator
Where are you from and how long have you lived in the northwest?
Growing up just south of Seattle, I’ve been fortunate enough to live in the Pacific Northwest my entire life. I briefly left Seattle in 2016 to attend Washington State University where I was greeted with sagelands, rolling hills, and some of the best sunsets that Washington state has to offer.
Why conservation northwest? what about this organization appeals to you?
Growing up in a family who cherishes the outdoors, I’ve always held wildlands and wildlife close to my heart. My previous work has been with non-profits that actively engage and amplify communities often left out of the conversation on climate impact, so it’s rewarding to work with an organization like Conservation Northwest that is active both at a community and policy level.
what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Right now my work and passions are intermixed. I work at a wellness spot called Northwest Cryotherapy in Bellevue, and Sustainable Seattle, another non-profit focused on community resilience. When I am completely away from work I take full advantage to disconnect.
I love escaping the city and heading to a destination where cell service runs out. In true Northwest fashion, you’ll find me either at the coast or in the mountains, hiking, climbing or cycling.
Who is your environmental hero?
Change starts at the ground level and works up—every individual who has become an ally to create a more sustainable, equitable and resilient region and world is my environmental hero. Although, I do have a soft spot for classic environmental philosophers like John Muir…