Our Staff and Board of Directors
Dave Irvine
Executive Director
Dave Irvine became the Executive Director of the Highlands Center for Natural History in January of 2008. Mr. Irvine brings in over 25 years of experience working with non–profit, science education organizations as a naturalist, program director and executive director. Most recently he was the Director at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center in Northeast Ohio, which was operated in partnership with the National Park Service. He was also a past President of Environmental Education Council of Ohio and has worked for other organizations in Colorado, North Dakota and Ohio. Originally from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Mr. Irvine holds a BS degree from Penn State University in Parks & Recreation with an emphasis in Environmental Interpretation and has done graduate work at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Felipe Guerrero
Education Director
Felipe grew up exploring the wooded creeks and rivers of Northern Virginia, fostering a love of wildlife and the outdoors from his earliest years. He came to Arizona in 2006 to attend Prescott College, where he majored in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Natural History and Ecology. In 2010 he began his professional life as a field biologist, living and working in places as diverse as Arizona, Louisiana, Florida, Maine, Washington, and New Mexico. He returned to Arizona in 2013 where he received his M.A. in Science Teaching at Northern Arizona University. Felipe brings a wealth of experience in formal and informal science-based environmental education.
Andrew Sweeney
Operations Director
In 2010, Andrew moved to Arizona into a Program Director position for a residential and day camp located in the Prescott National Forest. Growing up in the beautiful State of Maine, Andrew had access to the Appalachian Mountains where he spent much of his time backpacking, running and skiing. His affinity for the outdoors still remains, and can still be found hiking and camping in the pines, and riding his bike around town. Prior to his move to Arizona, Andrew received his Bachelor of the Arts from the University of Maine in History, Sociology, and Anthropology. He continued his post-graduate work at University of Bridgeport and receive his teaching certificate while working in secondary education in Connecticut.
Jessica Manley-Ewald
Education Coordinator
Jessica is a native of California, but has lived in Arizona since 1994 when she came here to attend college and received her Bachelor of Science in Soils from Northern Arizona University. Jessie spent some years working for Sharlot Hall Museum, and then at the local government level, but never lost her passion for the natural sciences. She started as a volunteer for the Highland Center helping with the Knee High Naturalist program, working in the store, and special events. Jessie later transitioned to the Americorps program assisting the Education Department, and now she is a permanent member of our staff.
Misha Klassen
Education Coordinator
Misha grew up in the Washington D.C. metro area. Although the city was central to her upbringing, Misha’s love for tree-climbing and puddle-stomping started her on a path toward environmental advocacy and education at an early age. She earned a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Western Washington University in 2016 with a desire to apply her skills to ecological research. Quickly realizing that she was not ready to leave behind the outdoor education world she had stumbled into during college, Misha has since worked as a bilingual educator and naturalist for a range of organizations in the US and internationally. These include the North Cascades Institute, the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Appalachian Mountain Club, and the World Trails Network. Misha joined the Highlands Center in September 2019.
Jess Talosi
Facilities Manager
Jess joined the Highland Center in 2019. He has held previous roles as a business owner in the tree service industry, Arizona licensed contractor, patrol deputy and maritime captain. His varied background provides a broad knowledge of skill sets to assist in maintaining the Center. Jess was introduced to the Highland Center as one of his customers, where he developed a relationship with the staff and an appreciation for all the Center provides.
Jess grew up in San Pedro, California and then spent many years in Washington State. He and his wife and son moved to Prescott in 2015 to be closer to family and enjoy all the Prescott has to offer. He enjoys hiking, mountain biking, gardening and the sunshine!!
Tom Agostino
Marketing Coordinator
Tom has an unusual, and colorful, history in the Marketing and Communication field. During his seventeen years living in Los Angeles and working in the entertainment industry he co-produced the “The Imperial Bells of China”, the largest group of Chinese artists that ever toured the US, twice. He also worked closely with Tai, the amazing Indian elephant that starred in the movie, “Water for Elephants,” when he founded The LA Circus, an award-winning one-ring community circus sponsored by the City of Los Angeles. Tom also worked on several of the largest Music Festivals of the 90s, including the Amnesty Int’l World Tour w/ Peter Gabriel, Sting and Bruce Springsteen, Fiesta Broadway, and the US Festival. As Tom says, “After running a circus for two years, there’s not much that can surprise me. If you can deal with a dozen clowns on a daily basis, everything else is a piece of cake.” Thirteen years ago, when Tom moved to Prescott, he started the Folk Sessions Radio Show, still broadcasting on the KJAZZ Radio Network. He received a Bucky Award for Media in 2013, performs at church halls and folk fests with his wife, Christa, and is proud to be a “Man Who Cooks”.
Bob Stutey
Facilities Manager
Bob Stutey joined the Highlands Center as a facilities maintenance volunteer in October of 2014 and was hired for the Facilities Manager position in August of 2015. Bob comes to us with nearly 50 years of experience in repair and maintenance of electronic and mechanical equipment for the US Navy on submarines and at the Trident Refit Facility in Bangor, Washington. He has already proven his valuable abilities on many Highlands Center projects.
Bob also volunteered in schools for over 20 years, spending time with disabled children and those whose fathers were overseas while in Washington. He was a Cub Scout Troop Master while stationed in Hawaii. He and his wife Sandy and Blue Heeler Coorah enjoy the outdoors, working on their home and often travel to California, Washington and Nebraska to visit friends and family.
Gail Haugland
Accountant
Gail Haugland is a native Arizonan, born in Tucson, raised in Scottsdale when it was still “The West’s Most Western Town”. Gail has worked in accounting in many industries including fashion, real estate, construction, and now non-profit. Prior to moving to Prescott in 2014, Gail was a veterinary practice manager for 12 years. She and her husband, Bob have been married for over 30 years. Gail joined the Highland Center in October of 2018. She is the proud mother of two and grandmother of four.
Ken Bigolin
Maintenance Assistant
Originally from Connecticut, Ken obtained a BA in Anthropology/History from the University of Northern Colorado. His previous career was as a manager with the Union Pacific Railroad in Wyoming for 30 years. Prior to joining our staff, he was a valuable Highlands Center volunteer working in the Discovery Gardens since July, 2016. He currently volunteers with the Verde Valley Archeology Center in Camp Verde.
Melissa Church
Schoolyard Habitat Coordinator
Melissa grew up in New England and spent much of her time exploring the mountains, lakes, and rugged coastline of the northeast. Her love for nature and spending time outside led her to pursue a major in environmental science at Lyndon State College in Vermont, where she received her Bachelors of Science in 2014. While in college, she began working for the Massachusetts Audubon Society and was able to work with campers and teach them about many unique and diverse ecosystems, including Martha’s Vineyard. Melissa also loves traveling and has explored much of the west coast – working for a number of non-profits, including Seattle Audubon Society. When not working Melissa enjoys spending time outside whether it Is hiking, skiing, or rock climbing.
Our Board of Directors
Peter Genereaux
President
Norm Meier
Vice President
Eric Zimmer
Treasurer
Nancy Maurer
Secretary
Lesley Alward
Past President
Ann Baugh
Board Member
Michael Bacci
Board Member
Janet Humphrey
Board Member
Mary Krzysik
Board Member
Jodi Padgett
Board Member
Donna Putschoegl
Board Member
Greg Stewart
Board Member
Ron Williams
Board Member