JACK CREEK PRESERVE FOUNDATION
BIG SKY – The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation in October hired a new executive director, Katie Coleman, as well as a new director of operations, Drew Henrich. On Jan. 1, Peggy Taylor and Mike Baugh became co-chairs of the board of directors.
Coleman has a bachelor’s degree in general biology from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala., and a bachelor’s in secondary education with a focus in science from Montana State University. She has lived and worked in Big Sky since 1999 and for the last 10 years was camp director for Camp Big Sky as well as the Ophir after school program coordinator for the last four years.
“I am excited for the opportunity to learn more about the preserve and all that it has to offer the surrounding communities, as well as share the preserve with the public through programming and recreation opportunities,” Coleman said.
Henrich’s responsibilities include overseeing the preserve’s activities and the proper functioning and maintenance of all buildings and improvements. Henrich graduated from Ohio’s Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s in environmental policy and analysis with emphasis on ecological restoration. He moved to Big Sky in 1999, has been living in the Madison Valley with his family since 2011, and has significant experience in construction, land management and environmental education.
After founding JCPF 10 years ago and co-chairing the board during that period of time, Jon Fossel and Dottie Fossel are reducing their roles. Although both will remain on the board, Taylor will become president and co-chair of the board of directors.
Taylor is the director of the Master of Science in Science Education program at MSU in Bozeman, working with distance-based students. With a nationwide reach, it has become the largest graduate program at MSU.
“I look forward to be working with the JCPF board of directors to further develop relationships with our neighboring communities,” Taylor said.
Baugh brings a background in business, conservation and bow hunter education. He’s been a member the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for 30 years and currently serves on the board of directors. Baugh is also a Bow Hunter Education Instructor for Yellowstone Country and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.
“I am extremely pleased to have Peggy and Mike step into the position of co-chairs,” Jon Fossel said. “Their passion for the conservation and education mission of the Jack Creek Preserve will enable the preserve to achieve even greater successes in the future.”
Jack Creek Preserve Foundation’s mission is “dedicated to giving people a deep appreciation for the importance of conserving wildlife and their habitat by providing a wide array of educational opportunities focused on the positive values of wildlife management, land stewardship, and hunter conservationists.”
Visit jackcreekpreserve.org or email Katie Coleman at katiec@jackcreekpreserve.org for more information.
