LGNC Staff
The day-to-day operations of Lehigh Gap Nature Center are managed by Executive Director Chad Schwartz, Office Administrator Lauren Foltz, and Education and Outreach Coordinator Riley Davenport.
Chad Schwartz
Executive Director
Education: B.S. Environmental Science and Sustainability Studies, Muhlenberg College
Chad Schwartz has spent his life studying and exploring the natural world, and enjoys sharing his passion with others through his work at LGNC. In his free time, Chad can often be found outdoors birding, hiking, and fishing, or at home painting PA Dutch hex signs and researching genealogy. He is also the Youth Coordinator and 2nd Vice President of the Lehigh Valley Audubon Society. You can contact Chad at chad.schwartz@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.
Riley Davenport
Education & Outreach Coordinator
Education: B.S. Art Education, Kutztown University
While Riley got her start in education teaching art, her lifelong passion for animals and the environment led her to the world of conservation and environmental education and she has never looked back. Riley has a background in animal husbandry with non-releasable raptors and curriculum development. In her spare time, she loves to hike, bake for friends and family, and travel. You can contact Riley at riley.davenport@lgnc.org
LGNC Board of Directors and Board of Advisors
Diane Husic, Ph.D.
President
Moravian College
Anita Collins, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President
Prof. of Entomology, Penn State University
Dan Kunkle, Hon. Ph.D.
Treasurer, Director Emeritus
Jennifer Lansing, Ph.D.
Secretary
George Beam, P.E.
Board Member
PPL Corporation, Allentown, PA
Alec Bodzin, Ph.D.
Board Member
Lehigh University
Brandon Everett
Board Member
Profession: Horticulturist
Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery
Brandon Fogal
Board Member
Profession: Co-owner and Board Member, Pocono Whitewater, Skirmish USA, and Pocono Biking
Marilyn Jordan, Ph.D.
Board Member
of New York, (retired)
Terry Master, Ph.D.
Board Member
Profession: Distinguished Professor of Biology, East Stroudsburg University (retired)
Jerry McAward
Board Member
Profession: President, Jim Thorpe River Adventures and Lehighton Outdoor Center
Melissa Starkey, Ph.D.
Board Member
Profession: Marketing and Communications Manager, Mt. Cuba Center
Board of Advisors
Keith L. Bildstein, Ph.D.
Profession: Ornithologist
John Dickerson
Profession: Plant scientist
Holly A. Heintzelman, Esq.
Profession: Private attorney
Towlene Jackson
Profession: Owner, KULA Children’s Center
Roland Kushner, Ph.D.
Profession: Professor of Business, Muhlenberg College
Christian F. Martin IV
Profession: Chairman and CEO, Martin Guitar (retired)
Donald A. Molde, M.D.
Profession: Physician (retired)
Carl Oplinger, Ph.D.
Profession: Professor Emeritus of Biology, Muhlenberg College (retired)
Dan Poresky
Profession: Founder/Owner, Dan’s Camera City (retired)
David Shaffer
Profession: co-CEO, Just Born Quality Confections
Sue Tantsits
Profession: Co-owner Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery
Maria Tranguch
Profession: Professional Planner, Arborist