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Our Staff
Meet the Team
KRISTINA RIBELLIA
Executive Director
Kristina Ribellia has served as the Executive Director of the Columbia Basin Conservation District since January 2022. In this role, she oversees the district’s mission to provide technical and financial assistance to help achieve voluntary, on-the-ground conservation in one of the nation’s most vital agricultural regions.
CBCD has experienced exponential growth over the last several years and Kristina has enjoyed the challenge and opportunity to help build and lead our growing team and programs.
Kristina brings 20 years of experience working with and for diverse stakeholders across the Columbia Basin to address complex natural resource challenges. Her passion and expertise lies largely in creating win-win solutions to help ensure sustainable water supplies for fish, farms, and communities.
Kristina’s leadership has been instrumental in helping advance the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP) alongside partners, landowners, and legislators since returning to the district in 2020. Since this time, together with our partners, CBCD has secured $49.4 million from NRCS for the OGWRP.
Kristina serves on the Columbia Basin Sustainable Water Coalition board, is an active member of the Moses Lake Watershed Council, and is the founder and president of Western Water Market. She has a heart for organizational development, collaboration, and personal health and wellness.
EMAIL
kristina-ribellia@columbiabasincd.org
Kristina Ribellia has served as the Executive Director of the Columbia Basin Conservation District since January 2022. In this role, she oversees the district’s mission to provide technical and financial assistance to help achieve voluntary, on-the-ground conservation in one of the nation’s most vital agricultural regions.
CBCD has experienced exponential growth over the last several years and Kristina has enjoyed the challenge and opportunity to help build and lead our growing team and programs.
Kristina brings 20 years of experience working with and for diverse stakeholders across the Columbia Basin to address complex natural resource challenges. Her passion and expertise lies largely in creating win-win solutions to help ensure sustainable water supplies for fish, farms, and communities.
Kristina’s leadership has been instrumental in helping advance the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program (OGWRP) alongside partners, landowners, and legislators since returning to the district in 2020. Since this time, together with our partners, CBCD has secured $49.4 million from NRCS for the OGWRP.
Kristina serves on the Columbia Basin Sustainable Water Coalition board, is an active member of the Moses Lake Watershed Council, and is the founder and president of Western Water Market. She has a heart for organizational development, collaboration, and personal health and wellness.
kristina-ribellia@columbiabasincd.org
CHAUNA CARLSON
Finance & Operations Director
Chauna Carlson serves as the Finance & Operations Director at the Columbia Basin Conservation District, bringing over 17 years of professional experience to the role. Her background includes 14 years with the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and three years with the Adams County Assessor's Office, showcasing her commitment to agriculture, finance, and public service.
Outside of work, Chauna enjoys spending time with her family. She is married, has three children—two daughters and one son—and is a proud Nana of two. Her favorite pastimes include relaxing at the Oregon Coast and reading a good book.
EMAIL
chauna-carlson@columbiabasincd.org
Chauna Carlson serves as the Finance & Operations Director at the Columbia Basin Conservation District, bringing over 17 years of professional experience to the role. Her background includes 14 years with the Washington Association of Wheat Growers and three years with the Adams County Assessor's Office, showcasing her commitment to agriculture, finance, and public service.
Outside of work, Chauna enjoys spending time with her family. She is married, has three children—two daughters and one son—and is a proud Nana of two. Her favorite pastimes include relaxing at the Oregon Coast and reading a good book.
chauna-carlson@columbiabasincd.org
HAROLD CROSE
Resource Conservationist
As a retired Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) employee of 41 years, Harold is an invaluable asset to the GCCD and the greater Columbia Basin. Today, Harold mainly assists the CBCD as an adviser and technical specialist. He has recently taken on the role as OGWRP Coordinator.
He is most interested in helping expand the technical capacity of the CBCD and has a passion for soil health and all aspects of agricultural energy conservation. In his four decades of service with NRCS, he worked in water quality and quantity in irrigated agriculture, dry-land farming, forestry, and served on numerous committees including the national team that developed the technical guidance on wind erosion.
Harold continues to be on the cutting edge, identifying and implementing progressive conservation practices that benefit our natural resources and stakeholders alike.
PROGRAMS
- Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program
- Moses Lake Watershed Council
- Voluntary Stewardship Program
EMAIL
harold-crose@columbiabasincd.org
As a retired Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) employee of 41 years, Harold is an invaluable asset to the GCCD and the greater Columbia Basin. Today, Harold mainly assists the CBCD as an adviser and technical specialist. He has recently taken on the role as OGWRP Coordinator.
He is most interested in helping expand the technical capacity of the CBCD and has a passion for soil health and all aspects of agricultural energy conservation. In his four decades of service with NRCS, he worked in water quality and quantity in irrigated agriculture, dry-land farming, forestry, and served on numerous committees including the national team that developed the technical guidance on wind erosion.
Harold continues to be on the cutting edge, identifying and implementing progressive conservation practices that benefit our natural resources and stakeholders alike.
PROGRAMS
- Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program
- Moses Lake Watershed Council
- Voluntary Stewardship Program
harold-crose@columbiabasincd.org
DEANNA ELLIOTT
GIS Coordinator
A native to California’s San Joaquin Valley, Deanna joined the CBCD team in July of 2019.
Deanna is a Conservationist for the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP). It is her mission to assist farmers in achieving their long-term goals toward efficiency and sustainability. She has a background in small scale family farming and native plant cultivation/restoration.
She was an outdoor/environmental educator for Montessori Children’s House in Redmond Washington and a farm educator for Cloudview Farm in Ephrata Washington.
In her down time Deanna can be found fishing the sun lakes with her four boys.
PROGRAMS
- Voluntary Stewardship Program
- GIS & Data Management
EMAIL
deanna-elliott@columbiabasincd.org
A native to California’s San Joaquin Valley, Deanna joined the CBCD team in July of 2019.
Deanna is a Conservationist for the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP). It is her mission to assist farmers in achieving their long-term goals toward efficiency and sustainability. She has a background in small scale family farming and native plant cultivation/restoration.
She was an outdoor/environmental educator for Montessori Children’s House in Redmond Washington and a farm educator for Cloudview Farm in Ephrata Washington.
In her down time Deanna can be found fishing the sun lakes with her four boys.
PROGRAMS
- Voluntary Stewardship Program
- GIS & Data Management
deanna-elliott@columbiabasincd.org
DINAH ROULEAU
Conservation Director
Dinah spent most of her life in both Grant and Adams County, this is home. She went to Highschool at Lind-Ritzville High School and graduated with a plant-based Biology bachelors and an Environmental minor from Whitworth University.
Through college she managed the University Greenhouse, was an Agronomy Intern at Simplot, did research on our local sage grouse populations and on Ferns in Costa Rica.
She currently resides outside of Ritzville with her Husband and Daughter with their dogs, horses, ducks, and her childhood turtle. She considers her hobbies to be anything with plants and horses.
Growing up in our agriculture area, one of her main goals is to educate growers/ranchers on new ways to be more sustainable while also helping their bottom line. She has been working for CBCD since 2020.
PROGRAMS
- Cost Share Program
- Livestock & Range Management
- Heritage Garden Program
EMAIL
dinah-rouleau@columbiabasincd.org
Dinah spent most of her life in both Grant and Adams County, this is home. She went to Highschool at Lind-Ritzville High School and graduated with a plant-based Biology bachelors and an Environmental minor from Whitworth University.
Through college she managed the University Greenhouse, was an Agronomy Intern at Simplot, did research on our local sage grouse populations and on Ferns in Costa Rica.
She currently resides outside of Ritzville with her Husband and Daughter with their dogs, horses, ducks, and her childhood turtle. She considers her hobbies to be anything with plants and horses.
Growing up in our agriculture area, one of her main goals is to educate growers/ranchers on new ways to be more sustainable while also helping their bottom line. She has been working for CBCD since 2020.
PROGRAMS
- Cost Share Program
- Livestock & Range Management
- Heritage Garden Program
dinah-rouleau@columbiabasincd.org
BRITTON BAKER
Program Manager
Britton was born in western Washington, where he developed a love for the outdoors at a young age. He moved to Almira when he was 10, and began to learn about the diverse terrain and wildlife Grant County had to offer.
Britton received his Bachelor's of Science in Geography as well as his GIS certificate from Central Washington University, and also holds a FAA Commercial Drone License.
Britton joined CBCD in 2022 as a Conservation Planner for the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) and will be working with farmers in Grant and Adams counties. As a Conservation Planner, Britton will help educate farmers on the benefits and methods of protecting critical areas on their lands while maintaining agricultural viability.
He has a professional background in resource management and sales. He enjoys sharing the outdoors with his family through hiking, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities.
PROGRAMS
- Voluntary Stewardship Program
- Drone Imagery
- Sustainable Farms & Fields
EMAIL
britton-baker@columbiabasincd.org
Britton was born in western Washington, where he developed a love for the outdoors at a young age. He moved to Almira when he was 10, and began to learn about the diverse terrain and wildlife Grant County had to offer.
Britton received his Bachelor's of Science in Geography as well as his GIS certificate from Central Washington University, and also holds a FAA Commercial Drone License.
Britton joined CBCD in 2022 as a Conservation Planner for the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) and will be working with farmers in Grant and Adams counties. As a Conservation Planner, Britton will help educate farmers on the benefits and methods of protecting critical areas on their lands while maintaining agricultural viability.
He has a professional background in resource management and sales. He enjoys sharing the outdoors with his family through hiking, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities.
PROGRAMS
- Voluntary Stewardship Program
- Drone Imagery
- Sustainable Farms & Fields
britton-baker@columbiabasincd.org
YAZMIN MEJIA
Heritage Garden Program Coordinator
Yazmin grew up in a small town in Mexico. Since she was little, she noticed the importance of conserving water. She is very passionate about taking care of the planet and believes that childhood is the best stage to help develop awareness of our natural resources. As CBCD’s education and outreach specialist, Yazmin is helping reach and engage all members of our community.
Yazmin has been living in Moses Lake since 2018. She has a B.A. in Business Administration, a strong background in early childhood education, and is bilingual (Spanish-English). Exploring nature with her husband is what she enjoys the most.
PROGRAMS
- District Operations
- Bilingual Services
- Moses Lake Water Quality
EMAIL
yazmin-mejia@columbiabasincd.org
Yazmin grew up in a small town in Mexico. Since she was little, she noticed the importance of conserving water. She is very passionate about taking care of the planet and believes that childhood is the best stage to help develop awareness of our natural resources. As CBCD’s education and outreach specialist, Yazmin is helping reach and engage all members of our community.
Yazmin has been living in Moses Lake since 2018. She has a B.A. in Business Administration, a strong background in early childhood education, and is bilingual (Spanish-English). Exploring nature with her husband is what she enjoys the most.
PROGRAMS
- District Operations
- Bilingual Services
- Moses Lake Water Quality
yazmin-mejia@columbiabasincd.org
DOUG ALLEN
Resource Planner Specialist
Doug is a native of the Columbia Basin area, being raised on an irrigated Farm near Winchester Washington and graduating from both Ephrata High School and Big Bend community College locally. He continued his education through Oregon State University in Agricultural Mechanization.
Doug has worked at many locations around Central Washington area including Waterville, Wenatchee, Ephrata, Othello, and Spokane. He recently retired from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) after 35 years of service. Doug has extensive knowledge and experience with irrigated cropland use, irrigation systems and water management. Other experience includes dry cropland land use addressing water quality through permanent grass and shrub establishment, terracing and sediment basins.
Doug completed his last 7 years with NRCS in the Eastern portion of Washington State assisting staff and partners with watershed scale planning and implementation through multiple NRCS programs.
In retirement, Doug plans to continue working part time for the CBCD assisting private landowners with planning, alternatives and solutions to address landowner objectives and improving natural resources.
PROGRAMS
- NRCS Task Orders
- Crab Creek National Water Quality Inventory
EMAIL
doug-allen@columbiabasincd.org
Doug is a native of the Columbia Basin area, being raised on an irrigated Farm near Winchester Washington and graduating from both Ephrata High School and Big Bend community College locally. He continued his education through Oregon State University in Agricultural Mechanization.
Doug has worked at many locations around Central Washington area including Waterville, Wenatchee, Ephrata, Othello, and Spokane. He recently retired from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) after 35 years of service. Doug has extensive knowledge and experience with irrigated cropland use, irrigation systems and water management. Other experience includes dry cropland land use addressing water quality through permanent grass and shrub establishment, terracing and sediment basins.
Doug completed his last 7 years with NRCS in the Eastern portion of Washington State assisting staff and partners with watershed scale planning and implementation through multiple NRCS programs.
In retirement, Doug plans to continue working part time for the CBCD assisting private landowners with planning, alternatives and solutions to address landowner objectives and improving natural resources.
PROGRAMS
- NRCS Task Orders
- Crab Creek National Water Quality Inventory
doug-allen@columbiabasincd.org
RON SAWYER
Conservation Director
Ron Sawyer has lived in Moses Lake since 1980. He moved to the area after meeting his wife Rebecca (daughter of longtime residents James and Harriett Clark) at Eastern Washington University. Ron received a B.A. in secondary education in 1979. Together, the Sawyers started Cascade Marina, which they still operate. They have three girls who grew up on the lake, and four grandsons following in their footsteps.
Best known as the “Boat Guy” at Cascade Marina for 43 years, Ron is now uses the skills he gained as the co-chair of the Central Washington Fish Advisory Committee (CWFAC) to help search for solutions for the blue green algae problem in Moses Lake.
His previous projects on Moses Lake while with CWFAC include building net pens to raise trout, constructing carp barriers, underwater habitat boxes, directing the Moses Lake Walleye tournament for 23 years, obtaining funding for the Meseberg warmwater fish Hatchery at Ringold, and many hours volunteering with WDFW in electrofishing boats during studies of the fisheries resources of Moses Lake.
Ron has served on the Grant County Tourism Commission, Moses Lake Tourism Commission, Board of Directors for Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, and was selected to be on the WDFW Fisheries Management Division Policy Task Force starting in 1993. Ron and Rebecca are also likely to be found playing in an orchestra, performing with theater groups in Wenatchee, Quincy and Moses Lake.
PROGRAMS
- Moses Lake Water Quality
EMAIL
ronnie-sawyer@columbiabasincd.org
Ron Sawyer has lived in Moses Lake since 1980. He moved to the area after meeting his wife Rebecca (daughter of longtime residents James and Harriett Clark) at Eastern Washington University. Ron received a B.A. in secondary education in 1979. Together, the Sawyers started Cascade Marina, which they still operate. They have three girls who grew up on the lake, and four grandsons following in their footsteps.
Best known as the “Boat Guy” at Cascade Marina for 43 years, Ron is now uses the skills he gained as the co-chair of the Central Washington Fish Advisory Committee (CWFAC) to help search for solutions for the blue green algae problem in Moses Lake.
His previous projects on Moses Lake while with CWFAC include building net pens to raise trout, constructing carp barriers, underwater habitat boxes, directing the Moses Lake Walleye tournament for 23 years, obtaining funding for the Meseberg warmwater fish Hatchery at Ringold, and many hours volunteering with WDFW in electrofishing boats during studies of the fisheries resources of Moses Lake.
Ron has served on the Grant County Tourism Commission, Moses Lake Tourism Commission, Board of Directors for Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, and was selected to be on the WDFW Fisheries Management Division Policy Task Force starting in 1993. Ron and Rebecca are also likely to be found playing in an orchestra, performing with theater groups in Wenatchee, Quincy and Moses Lake.
PROGRAMS
- Moses Lake Water Quality
ronnie-sawyer@columbiabasincd.org
LYLE STOLTMAN
Senior Technical Advisor
Lyle has been working hand-in-hand with the agricultural community and others over the last 30 plus years as a conservation district employee.
Since joining the Othello Conservation District (now CBCD) in 1999, Lyle has served as the livestock program coordinator, working closely with more than 30 dairies, several feedlots, and other agricultural operators to develop livestock and nutrient management plans. Lyle also assists farm operators and others in implementing best management conservation practices.
When he's not out in the field protecting our natural resources and way of life, Lyle can be found camping, boating, traveling, and gardening in his yard. Lyle is married and has three grown children. He is now enjoying his 'semi-retirement', but is by no means slowing down.
Lyle has been working hand-in-hand with the agricultural community and others over the last 30 plus years as a conservation district employee.
Since joining the Othello Conservation District (now CBCD) in 1999, Lyle has served as the livestock program coordinator, working closely with more than 30 dairies, several feedlots, and other agricultural operators to develop livestock and nutrient management plans. Lyle also assists farm operators and others in implementing best management conservation practices.
When he's not out in the field protecting our natural resources and way of life, Lyle can be found camping, boating, traveling, and gardening in his yard. Lyle is married and has three grown children. He is now enjoying his 'semi-retirement', but is by no means slowing down.
KALEY WISHER
Education & Outreach Program Manager
Born in southwest Florida, Kaley has spent her life working in the field of wildlife conservation. That
journey has taken her all over the country working to conserve wildlife populations and their habitats. She moved to central Washington in 2022 and is now working for the CBCD as a conservation biologist.
Kaley went to school at Western Carolina University located just outside of Asheville, NC where her passion for wildlife biology grew into a career path. She completed an undergraduate thesis studying song sparrow aggression behavior in rural and urban environments, which allowed her to see many of North Carolina’s beautiful and unique places in her search for song sparrows.
Before moving out here, Kaley lived and worked in Montana where she studied deer, elk, and antelope diets and migration patterns. She also assisted in a large-scale mapping project to map all of the fence lines within central Montana as part of an effort to identify migration corridors for wildlife that involved crossing fence lines. As those crossing points were identified, efforts were made to make those sections of fence wildlife friendly so the animals could safely get across.
During her time in Montana, Kaley got a side job starting colts for a cutting horse breeder. Horses are near and dear to her heart and her time in Montana allowed her to meet a young horse named Dude. When not at work, you can find Kaley and Dude exploring central Washington together.
RESOURCE CONCERNS
- Wildlife Biology
- Habitat Restoration
- Aquatic
- Riparian
- Upland
- Shrub-steppe
EMAIL
kaley-wisher@columbiabasincd.org
Born in southwest Florida, Kaley has spent her life working in the field of wildlife conservation. That
journey has taken her all over the country working to conserve wildlife populations and their habitats. She moved to central Washington in 2022 and is now working for the CBCD as a conservation biologist.
Kaley went to school at Western Carolina University located just outside of Asheville, NC where her passion for wildlife biology grew into a career path. She completed an undergraduate thesis studying song sparrow aggression behavior in rural and urban environments, which allowed her to see many of North Carolina’s beautiful and unique places in her search for song sparrows.
Before moving out here, Kaley lived and worked in Montana where she studied deer, elk, and antelope diets and migration patterns. She also assisted in a large-scale mapping project to map all of the fence lines within central Montana as part of an effort to identify migration corridors for wildlife that involved crossing fence lines. As those crossing points were identified, efforts were made to make those sections of fence wildlife friendly so the animals could safely get across.
During her time in Montana, Kaley got a side job starting colts for a cutting horse breeder. Horses are near and dear to her heart and her time in Montana allowed her to meet a young horse named Dude. When not at work, you can find Kaley and Dude exploring central Washington together.
RESOURCE CONCERNS
- Wildlife Biology
- Habitat Restoration
- Aquatic
- Riparian
- Upland
- Shrub-steppe
kaley-wisher@columbiabasincd.org
GRIFFIN HANSEN
Program Manager
Growing up in Moses Lake, Griffin has always been interested in agriculture and conservation. This interest led him to Utah State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Soils and Sustainable Land Systems. Returning to Washington state, he is now working towards earning a Master of Science in Cultural and Environmental Resource Management from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. After completing his education, he hopes to continue to work for CBCD helping conserve natural resources in the Columbia Basin.
In his free time, Griffin likes to canoe, cook, and camp with his spouse. Exploring Eastern Washington and understanding the way this unique landscape is worked is a passion of his. He hopes that his interests paired with education will allow him to better serve the people of the Columbia Basin.
EMAIL
griffin-hansen@columbiabasincd.org
Growing up in Moses Lake, Griffin has always been interested in agriculture and conservation. This interest led him to Utah State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Soils and Sustainable Land Systems. Returning to Washington state, he is now working towards earning a Master of Science in Cultural and Environmental Resource Management from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. After completing his education, he hopes to continue to work for CBCD helping conserve natural resources in the Columbia Basin.
In his free time, Griffin likes to canoe, cook, and camp with his spouse. Exploring Eastern Washington and understanding the way this unique landscape is worked is a passion of his. He hopes that his interests paired with education will allow him to better serve the people of the Columbia Basin.
griffin-hansen@columbiabasincd.org
JASON G. BUCK
Cultural Specialist
Before joining the conservation field, Jason spent over 20 years honing his skills as an archaeologist, working extensively in cultural resources. His hands-on training and extensive experience have provided him with a unique perspective and a valuable skill set which he now brings to his role as the Columbia Basin Conservation District Resources Technician.
Jason manages the upkeep and operation of our district vehicles and assists with the day to day operations at the conservation district. Outside of work, Jason enjoys hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. He also loves exploring the Pacific Northwest and participating in traditional games with his family.
EMAIL
jason-buck@columbiabasincd.org
Before joining the conservation field, Jason spent over 20 years honing his skills as an archaeologist, working extensively in cultural resources. His hands-on training and extensive experience have provided him with a unique perspective and a valuable skill set which he now brings to his role as the Columbia Basin Conservation District Resources Technician.
Jason manages the upkeep and operation of our district vehicles and assists with the day to day operations at the conservation district. Outside of work, Jason enjoys hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. He also loves exploring the Pacific Northwest and participating in traditional games with his family.
jason-buck@columbiabasincd.org
WADE HAUGHTON
Project Manager
Wade has deep roots in Grant County, having lived here his entire life. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management from the University of Idaho and an Associate’s degree in Agriculture from Big Bend Community College.
During college, Wade gained hands-on experience working on a corn and potato farm near Quincy, building strong connections with local farmers and developing a deep understanding of the agricultural community.
Since joining the Columbia Basin Conservation District in May 2024, Wade has been passionate about supporting rangelands and working lands for agricultural production. As part of the cost-share team, he provides technical assistance and helps secure funding for conservation projects that benefit both the environment and the local farming community.
PROGRAMS
- Cost Share Program
EMAIL
wade-haughton@columbiabasincd.org
Wade has deep roots in Grant County, having lived here his entire life. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management from the University of Idaho and an Associate’s degree in Agriculture from Big Bend Community College.
During college, Wade gained hands-on experience working on a corn and potato farm near Quincy, building strong connections with local farmers and developing a deep understanding of the agricultural community.
Since joining the Columbia Basin Conservation District in May 2024, Wade has been passionate about supporting rangelands and working lands for agricultural production. As part of the cost-share team, he provides technical assistance and helps secure funding for conservation projects that benefit both the environment and the local farming community.
PROGRAMS
- Cost Share Program
wade-haughton@columbiabasincd.org
ANNA MALETZKE
Communications Specialist
Anna grew up in a farming and ranching community in the small town of Ellensburg where she quickly developed a love for the outdoors.
Anna went to Washington State University (WSU) where she graduated in the fall of 2023 with her bachelor’s in Strategic Communications. While in college, she volunteered as the secretary for the WSU Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) chapter. In this role, she helped organize river cleanups, hikes, and trivia nights to educate students about preserving North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing through advocacy for public lands, waters, and wildlife conservation.
As the Communications Specialist at the Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD), Anna collaborates with the CBCD team to develop and implement targeted marketing campaigns that inspire community members to take conservation actions. Anna focuses on creating, editing, and scheduling engaging content for CBCD's social media platforms, websites, newsletters, outreach materials, and public presentations. Through creative outreach and clear messaging, she is dedicated to maintaining a high standard for all external communications.
Currently, she is living in the Walla Walla area with her husband, their two golden retrievers, and their rescue cat. Anna enjoys spending her free time in the outdoors fishing for steelhead and walleye, hiking the Blue Mountains, and hunting.
EMAIL
anna-maletzke@columbiabasincd.org
Anna grew up in a farming and ranching community in the small town of Ellensburg where she quickly developed a love for the outdoors.
Anna went to Washington State University (WSU) where she graduated in the fall of 2023 with her bachelor’s in Strategic Communications. While in college, she volunteered as the secretary for the WSU Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) chapter. In this role, she helped organize river cleanups, hikes, and trivia nights to educate students about preserving North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing through advocacy for public lands, waters, and wildlife conservation.
As the Communications Specialist at the Columbia Basin Conservation District (CBCD), Anna collaborates with the CBCD team to develop and implement targeted marketing campaigns that inspire community members to take conservation actions. Anna focuses on creating, editing, and scheduling engaging content for CBCD's social media platforms, websites, newsletters, outreach materials, and public presentations. Through creative outreach and clear messaging, she is dedicated to maintaining a high standard for all external communications.
Currently, she is living in the Walla Walla area with her husband, their two golden retrievers, and their rescue cat. Anna enjoys spending her free time in the outdoors fishing for steelhead and walleye, hiking the Blue Mountains, and hunting.
anna-maletzke@columbiabasincd.org
INDIRA KULKARNI
Conservation Planner
Indira was born on the East Coast and has always had a deep appreciation for nature. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont in 2021, she decided to turn that passion into a career. She moved to Oregon, where she served with the Northwest Youth Conservation Corps and later worked for the environmental nonprofit Friends of Trees in Eugene. In 2023, Indira began pursuing a Master’s degree in Crop Science at Oregon State University, focusing on the impacts of pest management strategies on native species. During her studies, she witnessed firsthand the positive community impact of agricultural extension agents and local conservationists—an experience that inspired her to follow a similar path.
Now, Indira is excited to call central Washington her new home. She looks forward to connecting with local growers and helping plan irrigation projects through the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program. In her free time, you can find her hiking or skiing!
EMAIL
indira-kulkarni@columbiabasincd.org
Indira was born on the East Coast and has always had a deep appreciation for nature. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont in 2021, she decided to turn that passion into a career. She moved to Oregon, where she served with the Northwest Youth Conservation Corps and later worked for the environmental nonprofit Friends of Trees in Eugene. In 2023, Indira began pursuing a Master’s degree in Crop Science at Oregon State University, focusing on the impacts of pest management strategies on native species. During her studies, she witnessed firsthand the positive community impact of agricultural extension agents and local conservationists—an experience that inspired her to follow a similar path.
Now, Indira is excited to call central Washington her new home. She looks forward to connecting with local growers and helping plan irrigation projects through the Odessa Groundwater Replacement Program. In her free time, you can find her hiking or skiing!
indira-kulkarni@columbiabasincd.org
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