LGNC Staff
The day-to-day operations of Lehigh Gap Nature Center are managed by Co-Executive Directors, Chad Schwartz and Brian Birchak, and Office Administrator, Lauren Foltz:

Chad Schwartz
Director of Science and Education
Education: B.S. Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies, Muhlenberg College.

Brian Birchak
Director of Communications
Education: AA Graphic Design; Kutztown University, Anthropology; Moravian College, Biology; Muhlenberg College, Biology
Brian Birchak is a life long outdoors enthusiast with a background in biology, education and graphic design. He also has a background in web design and IT and it shows in his hobby of building computers. Brian has enjoyed being a part of LGNC for years and is thrilled to be a part of the education team. When he’s not out playing on the mountain with insects and plants you can find him relaxing with his banjo or playing with his computers. You can contact Brian at brian.birchak@lgnc.org

Lauren Foltz
Office Administrator
Education: B.S. Environmental Studies, Temple University
Lauren Foltz is fascinated by plants, animals, and everything that sustains them. She has a background in data collection, GIS, and native plant ecology. She enjoys taking difficult hikes and leisurely bike rides. If she can’t be outside, she is likely reading or drawing. You can contact Lauren at lauren.foltz@lgnc.org.
LGNC Board of Directors and Board of Advisors

Anita Collins, Ph.D.
President
Profession: Honey Bee geneticist, USDA (retired);
Prof. of Entomology, Penn State University

Diane Husic, Ph.D.
Vice President
Profession: Prof. of Biology; Dean, School of Natural and Health Sciences
Moravian College

Ron Kline, Ph.D.
Secretary
Profession: Psychologist
Director of Counseling Services
Moravian College

Robert E. Hoopes, P.E.
Treasurer
Profession: Management Corporate Services
PPL Corporation, Allentown, PA

George Beam, P.E.
Board Member
Profession: Electrical Engineer
PPL Corporation, Allentown, PA

Frederic “Fritz” H. Brock
Board Member
Profession: Director (retired)
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission

Barb Egerton
Board Member
Profession: Elementary Teacher (retired)
Northampton Area School District

Towlene Jackson
Board Member
Profession: Owner and Founder, Kula Children’s Center

Marilyn Jordan, Ph.D.
Board Member
Profession: Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy
of New York, (retired)

Jennifer Lansing, Ph.D.
Board Member
Profession: Ecologist and Owner, Cardinal Directions, LLC

Janet Maurer
Board Member
Profession: Biology Teacher, Cumberland Valley School District (retired)

Cheryl Novak
Board Member
Profession: Guidance Counsellor (retired)
Dan Kunkle, Hon. Ph.D.
Board Member, Director Emeritus
Education and honors: B.S. Secondary Ed, Biology, Kutztown University; M.S. Biology, Kutztown University; Together Green Fellow (2010); Rider Pool Fellow (2015-16); honorary Doctorate awarded by Muhlenberg College (2016).
Dan Kunkle was a high school science teacher for nearly 30 years until leaving his position to dedicate his time to the creation of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. Since 2002, Dan has worked tirelessly to restore the land at Lehigh Gap, educate children and adults about nature, and build a diverse community of support for conservation. Dan retired from his position as Executive Director at the end of 2019 and is currently serving as Director Emeritus on the LGNC Board of Directors.
Board of Advisors
Keith L. Bildstein, Ph.D.
Profession: Director of Conservation
Science, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary,
Kempton, PA
John Dickerson
Profession: Plant scientist
Holly A. Heintzelman, Esq.
Profession: Private attorney
Roland Kushner, Ph.D.
Profession: Professor of Business
Muhlenberg College,
Allentown, PA
Christian F. Martin IV
Profession: Chairman and CEO
Martin Guitar
Donald A. Molde, M.D.
Profession: Physician, Retired
Carl Oplinger, Ph.D.
Profession: Professor Emeritus of Biology
Muhlenberg College,
Allentown, PA
Dan Poresky
Profession: Founder/Owner (retired)
Dan’s Camera City
David Shaffer
Profession: co-CEO
Just Born Candy
Sue Tantsits
Profession: Co-owner Edge of the Woods
Native Plant Nursery
Maria Tranguch
Profession: Professional Planner, Arborist
Committees
Committees provide guidance and recommendations to the Board of Directors and are comprised of Board members and other LGNC members. The Executive Director and Board President are ex officio members of all committees.
Finance Committee
- Dan Kunkle, Chair
- George Beam
- Bob Hoopes
- Ron Kline
- Janet Maurer
Personnel Committee
- Anita Collins, Chair
- Fritz Brock
- Bob Hoopes
- Dan Kunkle
Conservation/Research Team
- Jen Lansing, Chair
- Diane Husic
- Marilyn Jordan
- Dan Kunkle
Membership Team
- Janet Maurer, Chair
- Barb Egerton
- Donna Gasser
Any member with skills in one of the above areas who wishes to serve on a committee should contact
the Co-Directors (mail@lgnc.org) or President (frozenbeedoc@ptd.net).