Staff

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Brandon Hoffner

Brandon Hoffner

Brandon has been Executive Director since September 2011 and is a life-long conservationist who has focused his education and career on building resiliency into some of the West’s most idyllic landscapes. Born in an eastern Colorado farming community, he earned a B.S. at Colorado State University in wildlife biology and rangeland ecology, with additional training in agricultural business management and GIS. He has worked at Colorado State University (tromping around the Colorado high country to assist with a brook trout/cutthroat trout competition study), Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Pheasants Forever, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Brandon and his wife, Rochelle, both commit quite a bit of time to coaching local youth sports. When not working, attending the girls’ games, or recreating outdoors, Brandon is probably tinkering in the garage or yard while pondering the meaning of things.   “I feel fortunate to work with the passionate and accomplished staff at HFF each day while also enjoying the relationships that my position allows me to build with HFF members, project collaborators, and all who enjoy Idaho’s natural resources.”

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Brady Taylor

Brady Taylor

Brady has been with the Foundation since June 2007, managing HFF’s development, membership, and planned giving programs. Originally from Burley, Idaho, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology and his Master’s in Public Administration. Prior to working with the Foundation, Brady worked for the Boy Scouts of America in Seattle. During his time away from the HFF office, Brady enjoys fishing, hiking, and camping. “When thinking about the future of the Henry’s Fork and its watershed, I hope that the amazing experiences I’ve shared with family and friends on the river will be repeatable for my grandchildren and their children. HFF’s work is important because the river needs a voice. A healthy river is good for everyone!”

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Dr. Rob Van Kirk
Eric Isaacson

Dr. Rob Van Kirk

Rob first fished the Henry’s Fork in 1977, worked for Henry’s Fork Anglers from 1981-1987, and was HFF’s first research director, from 1994-1998. After 14 years as a mathematics and statistics professor, he returned to HFF in 2013. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed scientific papers and book chapters covering topics ranging from theoretical population biology to groundwater-surface water interactions. Rob is known for his expertise in the latter subject among hydrologists and water managers in the Intermountain West. Although he lives and breathes hydrology 24/7, he finds time to catch wild trout in the waters near his home in Ashton every month of the year and compete in bicycle road races. He and his wife Sheryl also enjoy gardening, canning, and backyard bird-watching. “Aside from our direct mission of conserving a unique and world-class fishery, HFF provides a model for the role of non-governmental organizations in conservation and develops science-based solutions that are broadly applicable to water-resource problems around the West. By far, what I enjoy most about working at HFF is the people I work with, and especially the young professionals (well, I guess they are all young to me at this point) who bring fresh, new, and

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Jamie Powell

Jamie Powell

Jamie Powell joined the Foundation in July 2015 as the Conservation and Outreach Coordinator, a new position combining conservation technician, outreach, and education, and now serves as the Communications and Outreach Director. Jamie helped formalize and further develop HFF’s Communications Program, and now manages HFF’s communication and outreach efforts across the broad range of HFF’s work. Jamie has a B.S. degree from the University of Illinois in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and an M.S. degree from Utah State University in Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management. In her free time, Jamie enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, traveling and fly fishing with her husband, TJ. “I am grateful to be a part of an HFF Community that believes these beautiful rivers and fisheries deserve to be conserved, and who put in the work each and every day to ensure the vision of a healthy Henry’s Fork and South Fork is a reality for generations to come.”

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Kamberlee Allison

Kamberlee Allison

Kamberlee joined the Foundation as an intern in June 2018. After the internship, Kamberlee worked in the field as a conservation technician for a year. She then took on a new role and ran the Foundation’s youth education, volunteer, and internship programs as the Education and Outreach Coordinator. She now plans and manages the fundraising events and the River Ambassador program, working with members and local Guides and Outfitters as the Foundation’s Outreach and Events Manager.  Kamberlee grew up just South of Rexburg and spent much of her time recreating on the nearby rivers and reservoirs, including the Henry’s Fork. She graduated from BYU-Idaho with a B.S. in Biology and an emphasis in Zoology. In her free time, Kamberlee enjoys rock climbing, huckleberry picking, and enjoying the myriad of other outdoor recreational activities Idaho has to offer. “The people I work and associate with not just within our organization, but our partners, collaborators, and the local youth, make working towards HFF’s mission a true joy. I absolutely love seeing the curiosity and enthusiasm both our local youth and interns have for environmental conservation.”

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Kathy Anderson

Kathy Anderson started working at HFF in 2022 as the Front Office Coordinator. This position includes a variety of tasks to help keep things running smoothly at the Foundation campus and at HFF events. She received a BA in English from BYU, and has many years of experience working as a paraprofessional in ELL and Special Ed in local schools. Kathy returned to the Ashton area in 2001 with her husband, Steve, so they could raise their eight children right here in paradise. Kathy’s best memories are of times spent with her family – whether in the garden, in the kitchen, traveling, or picnicking on the banks of Fall River. “I feel very blessed to join this organization.  There is an energy, an excitement, that can be felt here. Respect for the river is the common thread shared by all the HFF staff, and the desire to preserve it for future generations is the motivation for everything we hope to achieve.”​

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Paige Cahoon

Paige Cahoon

Paige joined the Foundation’s team in May 2013 to coordinate HFF’s events but now works part-time as the Graphic Design and Marketing Coordinator so she can stay home with her daughters. Her work includes designing everything from pamphlets and newsletters to managing the Foundation’s website. Paige has always had a passion for art and design as well as the outdoors, and loves that she gets to enjoy the best of both worlds. Fun fact: Paige is also a licensed cosmetologist. In her free time, Paige can be found outdoors, camping, rafting, hunting, reading, teaching fitness classes, and spending time with her husband Matt, daughters, Penelope and Hazel, their dog Chevy, as well as their horses, mules, and little flock of chickens.  “It is so wonderful to work for an organization that truly believes in and carries out its mission. To be part of such an incredibly talented staff, that genuinely cares about preserving the Henry’s Fork and its watershed, is an honor.” ​

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Paige

Russell Clark

Russell joined the Henry’s Fork Foundation in September 2025 as the Outreach and Events Manager. Originally from Minnesota, he earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. A self-described “jack of all trades,” Russell brings a wide-ranging skill set shaped by years of work and life experience across the country and abroad. His past roles include wilderness therapy facilitator, backcountry guide, outdoor educator, experiential high school teacher, corporate team builder, firefighter and EMT, trip and event planner, entrepreneur, farmer, and rancher. Russell’s connection to the Upper Snake River region runs deep, his parents were raised in St. Anthony and Teton, and he spent many summers visiting his grandparents’ farm. Today, he and his wife Gaby live on a portion of that family farm in St. Anthony, where they focus on regenerative agriculture and growing and raising much of their own food for themselves, neighbors, and friends. Outside of work, Russell enjoys life on the farm with his wife and their many animals, as well as hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, and working on his fly-fishing skills. He and Gaby also love traveling, camping, and exploring the nearby national parks. “I feel privileged to be part of such an impactful team

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Jasper Davis

Jasper Davis

Jasper joined the Foundation in June 2022 as the Outreach and Communications Coordinator, where she will be running the youth education, volunteer, and internship programs and assisting with any Communication needs. Jasper has a B.S.E. degree from Arizona State University in Engineering, emphasis in Electrical, and a Minor in Applied Psychology. She has an M.S.T. degree from Arizona State University in Environmental Technology Management. She spent several years as a high school Math teacher, as well as spent 4 years working as a Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery consultant. In her free time, Jasper enjoys foraging, horseback riding, gardening, traveling, birdwatching, and spending time with her husband and animals. “It is invigorating to be able to work for an organization that aligns with my values. The enthusiasm and passion each employee exudes is palpable. I am excited to work at an organization that is so driven and that is making a positive impact on the Henry’s Fork.”

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Devan Ence

Devan Ence

Devan started with the Foundation in April 2019 as the Conservation Fund Coordinator and has since become the South Fork Initiative Coordinator. Originally from Longmont, Colorado he has been involved with the Fly Fishing industry since 2004. Prior to working with the Foundation, Devan worked as Director of Sales for Kast Gear and managed a number of fly shops. During his time away from the HFF office, Devan runs his photo and video business and restores American classics. Devan and his wife Jasmine have one son and live in the lower watershed.

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Joe Hively
Paige

Joe Hively

Joe joined the Henry’s Fork Foundation in 2025 as the Field and Lab Coordinator. He oversees much of the field and laboratory work, including maintaining in-situ equipment, conducting water quality sampling, and supporting fish ladder operations—contributing to HFF’s science-based conservation efforts. Joe is passionate about long-term watershed stewardship that promotes healthy fisheries and resilient habitats across the Upper Snake River basin. Currently pursuing a biology degree at Idaho State University, Joe lives with his family in Idaho Falls. He grew up in southeast Idaho and deeply values the wild landscapes that shaped him. Outside of work, he enjoys bowhunting, fly-fishing, and exploring Idaho’s public lands—often accompanied by his two sons. “The most fulfilling part of working at HFF is contributing to the conservation of places that have given me so much. I’m grateful to be part of a team that applies rigorous science to safeguard these resources so that future generations can experience the same sense of connection, purpose, and wonder.”

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Matt Hively

Matt Hively

Matt joined the Henry’s Fork Foundation in 2019 as a Conservation Technician, supporting staff and graduate researchers with fieldwork and data collection. In his current role, he leads the Voice of the River program, focusing on ecosystem health and function, public access, and community stewardship. He also works closely with the Science & Technology team in addressing challenges tied to planning, development, and resource management processes across the upper Snake River basin at local, state, and federal levels. Matt holds a bachelor’s from Idaho State University and master’s from Utah State University. He and his family live in Ashton and enjoy fly-fishing, camping, and driving country roads. “For me, the best part of working at HFF is the sense of purpose that comes with conserving such a unique and cherished watershed. I also value the variety of projects—from research to community engagement—that keep the work dynamic, and being part of such a talented and driven team adds even more to the experience.”

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Shawn Holwegner

Shawn Holwegner

Shawn began working with the Foundation in 2021, having been drawn to the Ashton area years prior from Billings, Montana.  Having been involved in such tasks as designing potato sizing/grading equipment, software enabling those without hearing to utilize PC support software on Macs, and managing large virtualized system administration, he’s since become our “Systems and Vehicle Guy.”  When not working on our fleet, he maintains his own vehicles and spends time outdoors with his white German Shepherd. “It is an immeasurable joy to work with such driven, talented people at Henry’s Fork Foundation.  Everyone works towards goals together, bringing their experience and insight to the table for the success of all.”

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Darcy Janssen

Darcy Janssen

Darcy joined the HFF team in the spring of 2017. As Finance and Office Administrator, she has the responsibilities of managing the company’s financial tasks such as payroll and budgeting, as well as maintaining administrative duties by implementing structure and organization. She brings to the table 30 years of financial and accounting experience as well as a happy personality, charm, and humor that invite a positive work environment.  Darcy was born in Rexburg, Idaho and has lived in several cities statewide. She currently resides in St. Anthony with her husband, Mike, and two youngest children. She has four children and four grandchildren who keep her busy with school, sports, and crafts. In her free time she enjoys camping, fishing, and hiking.

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Dr. Jack McLaren

Dr. Jack McLaren

Jack began working with the Foundation while an employee with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in June 2015. A year later, he formally joined the Foundation’s team as a graduate student intern while a Master’s student at Indiana University, and later as a doctoral researcher at Utah State University. After six years of Masters and Ph.D. research on the Henry’s Fork River, Jack received his degrees and transitioned into his current role as the Aquatic Ecology Program Manager. Jack grew up in Denver, Colorado, and there developed his love of trout and fly-fishing. Jack holds B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Notre Dame, a Masters of Environmental Science and a Masters of Public Affairs from Indiana University-Bloomington, and a Ph.D. in Ecology  from Utah State University. The Aquatic Ecology program at the Henry’s Fork Foundation uses data and scientific inquiry to identify strategies to conserve the unique aquatic and fisheries resources of the Henry’s Fork watershed. Jack also maintains partnerships with government agencies and non-governmental organizations to achieve conservation action. “What I enjoy most about working at HFF is how driven my coworkers and our members are for not just conserving or preserving the resource, but improving

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Julie Maurer

Julie Maurer

Julie joined the Foundation in the fall of 2012. As Membership and Systems Manager, she manages all membership transactions and database inputs for individual donor records as well as the database creation/management for all fundraising events throughout the year.  Julie brings to the Foundation 26 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force managing munitions movement worldwide and also program management for major weapon systems. Julie is an Ashton native and recently returned to town with her husband Tim after living as far away as Iceland! She has three children, three stepchildren, and three grandchildren.

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Dr. Christina Morrisett

Dr. Christina Morrisett

Christina first joined the Foundation as an intern in 2015, stayed on as a Research Assistant until August 2016, and returned in 2018 as a Doctoral Research Associate. In January 2024, Christina transitioned into her current role as the Climate Adaptation Program Manager. The Climate Adaptation Program houses all HFF research, communications, outreach, and conservation-implementation related to climate and water, broadly defined. The program encompasses both the Henry’s Fork watershed and riverscapes throughout the Snake River Basin. Christina has a B.S. in Earth Systems from Stanford University, an M.S. in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in Watershed Sciences from Utah State University with a specialization in Climate Adaptation. She is a first-generation Panamanian American and grew up in rural, coastal Alaskan commercial fishing communities. She is also the first person in her family to receive a college degree. In her free time, Christina enjoys hiking, fly fishing, foraging, and kitchen adventures with her partner, Mitch. “Watershed conditions are constantly changing, but HFF is nimble. This allows us to be proactive, reactive, and innovative. We work in the watershed for the watershed.”

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Melissa Muradian

Melissa Muradian

Melissa Muradian began working for HFF in 2015 on a one-year appointment as Postgraduate Research Associate, then was promoted to Research Associate in Statistical Modeling and Water Quality Program Lead for 2 years, during which she spearheaded development of HFF’s Real-Time Water Quality Data website. Currently Melissa is an environmental science consultant working (from Denver, CO) with HFF on all data, tech, and programming needs related to the Water Quality Monitoring Program. Melissa obtained her B.S. in applied mathematics from Texas State University and her M.S. in quantitative ecology and resource management from the University of Washington. In her thesis work, she reformulated the stock assessment model used by Alaska DF&G to manage Prince William Sound herring and conducted a simulation study to explore the trade-offs between the cost of each data-collection survey and the relative return on investment. Her professional interests include data analysis, statistical methods, and informative visualization contributing to the management of natural systems and resources. She enjoys being outside and active with her partner and two young sons, gardening, reading, and thinking about astronomy. “I believe the greatest future for the Henry’s Fork watershed includes further strengthening the relationship among HFF and those who rely on the

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Paige

Gordon Nelson

Gordon is HFF’s Gift Planning Specialist. He holds a master’s degree in accounting from Utah State University and brings more than 30 years of experience as a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), investment advisor, and CPA (Certified Public Accountant), with extensive work serving nonprofit organizations and their donors. Gordon is passionate about helping individuals use gift planning to make a meaningful difference for the Henry’s Fork and other causes they love—often in ways they never imagined possible—while also benefiting themselves and their families. An avid outdoorsman and fisherman since childhood, Gordon continues to enjoy outdoor adventures whenever he can. “The Henry’s Fork and its watershed have touched my life—and many others’—in so many positive ways. It’s my honor and pleasure to help others experience the joy of protecting and preserving such a special place.”

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Dave Weskamp

Dave Weskamp

Dave started with the Henry’s Fork Foundation in February of 2021 as the South Fork Initiative Program Manager. Dave uses his fisheries experience and strong belief in partnerships and HFF’s science-based approach to keep projects moving forward in the South Fork Snake Watershed. From early memories biking to his local creek to catch catfish and bass, Dave’s passion for fishing and love of the outdoors led him to a B.S. degree in freshwater fisheries from Humboldt State University. Dave has worked for the Yurok Tribe Fisheries Program on the Klamath River, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Trout Unlimited, and The Nature Conservancy. Dave enjoys time on the water, especially in Idaho, but also saltwater fishing for bonefish and roosterfish, gardening, beekeeping, and hunting for elk, waterfowl and mushrooms.  “I sincerely look forward to keeping the momentum going on the South Fork Snake and connecting with more community members, guides, and outfitters to learn and share how we can support each other. Whether you are an angler, farmer, or any other type of water user, understanding and respecting everyone’s values for river enjoyment and livelihood has become one of my key principles in river and fisheries management.”

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Daniel Wilcox

Daniel Wilcox

Daniel join the Foundation as the the Farms and Fish Program Manager for the Upper Snake River Collaborative in 2020. He was born on a farm and ranch just southwest of Rexburg ID, near the confluence of the Henry’s Fork and the South Fork of the Snake River. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Systems Technology from Utah State University in 2014. He then worked as a sales representative at the local John Deere dealership for 5 years with a focus in precision agriculture. He brings an established professional network of farmers, ranchers, and landowners forward to the collaborative. He is a firm believer in sustainable agriculture and seeing family farms passed down to the next generation. Daniel enjoys snowmobiling in the winter, many sports, helping work cattle on the family farm, and spending time with his wife Kaisee and their two dogs.

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