Meet Our Team

Meet LGNC’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.

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

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

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

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.

Diane Husic, Ph.D.

President

Profession: Prof. of Biology; Dean, School of Natural and Health Sciences
Moravian College
Anita Collins, Ph.D.

Anita Collins, Ph.D.

Interim Vice President

Profession: Honey Bee geneticist, USDA (retired);
Prof. of Entomology, Penn State University
Dan Kunkle, Hon. Ph.D.

Dan Kunkle, Hon. Ph.D.

Treasurer, Director Emeritus

Profession: Biology Teacher (retired); Executive Director, Lehigh Gap Nature Center (retired)
Jennifer Lansing, Ph.D.

Jennifer Lansing, Ph.D.

Secretary

Profession: Ecologist and Owner, Cardinal Directions, LLC
George Beam, P.E.

George Beam, P.E.

Board Member

Profession: Electrical Engineer
PPL Corporation, Allentown, PA
Alec Bodzin, Ph.D.

Alec Bodzin, Ph.D.

Board Member

Profession: Professor
Lehigh University
Brandon Everett

Brandon Everett

Board Member

Profession: Horticulturist
Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery

Brandon Fogal

Brandon Fogal

Board Member

Profession: Co-owner and Board Member, Pocono Whitewater, Skirmish USA, and Pocono Biking

Marilyn Jordan, Ph.D.

Marilyn Jordan, Ph.D.

Board Member

Profession: Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy
of New York, (retired)
Terry Master, Ph.D.

Terry Master, Ph.D.

Board Member

Profession: Distinguished Professor of Biology, East Stroudsburg University (retired)

Jerry McAward

Jerry McAward

Board Member

Profession: President, Jim Thorpe River Adventures and Lehighton Outdoor Center

Melissa Starkey, Ph.D.

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