Meet the Board
OLT is governed by a Board of Directors, which sets the organization’s mission, vision, and goals. Board members also contribute their time and energy to our events and projects
Margaret Hartzell
President
Margaret has a lifelong interest in natural resource management, having worked for two federal land management agencies for 31 years before retiring in 2014.
Show MoreMargaret has a lifelong interest in natural resource management, having worked for two federal land management agencies for 31 years before retiring in 2014.
She has a graduate degree in natural resources planning from the University of Washington. Her career included managing teams of wildlife biologists, fish biologists, soil scientists, social scientists, botanists, foresters, and recreation specialists on projects large and small.
Margaret plans to stay in Okanogan County now that she is retired. There is a lot of outdoors to enjoy and explore. OLT’s work is a great match for Margaret’s interest in the outdoors.
She brings lots of knowledge about the natural world and much experience in managing natural resource conservation projects.
Kayla McIntyre
Treasurer
Kayla is interested in all things sustainable land management. She co-manages a dryland crop and cattle ranch on the Columbia Plateau just east of the…
Show MoreKayla is interested in all things sustainable land management. She co-manages a dryland crop and cattle ranch on the Columbia Plateau just east of the Okanogan Valley.
Here she can spend much time outdoors working on the land to grow food, improve native pasture, soils, and water sources. During the winter months, she plans the upcoming season for the ranch and supports local farms through grant writing and project management.
Growing up in Seattle, Kayla has always been drawn to more open spaces. With a degree in natural resource systems from the University of British Columbia and years spent on a variety of farming operations, she returned home to Washington State in 2013 to pursue her passions in agriculture and outdoor adventure.
Kayla admires the strong and open spirit that exists in the Okanogan community and believes the amazing local ecology cultivates this vitality.
Chris BranCH
director
Chris Branch brings decades of experience in public service, community development, and natural resource planning to the Okanogan Land Trust…
Show MoreChris Branch brings decades of experience in public service, community development, and natural resource planning to the Okanogan Land Trust Board of Directors.
A former Okanogan County Commissioner and Oroville Community Development Director, Chris has worked extensively on land-use planning, rural development, and natural resource issues. His background also includes experience in the timber industry and leadership with the Planning Association of Washington.
Chris brings that understanding of the region’s working landscapes, rural communities, and local economies to his role on the Okanogan Land Trust Board of Directors. His perspective reflects an appreciation for both the land and the people who make this place unique.
As Chris likes to say, “I live in this region because of its rural character and enjoy working with the diverse bunch of rural characters who make it so.”
Cynthia Nelson
Director
Cynthia is a nurse and accomplished horsewoman who co-owns and operates a 720 cow-calf operation (on conserved land) near Chesaw, in the Okanogan…
Show MoreCynthia is a nurse and accomplished horsewoman who co-owns and operates a 720 cow-calf operation (on conserved land) near Chesaw, in the Okanogan Highlands east of Tonasket.
Cynthia grew up in Oswego, Illinois. She earned a BS in Animal Science from Southern Illinois University, and more than a decade later, a BS in Nursing from Washington State University. Since 1998, Cynthia has been working part-time as a rural RN and floor nurse in Republic and has been a nursing instructor since 2012.
In addition to nursing, Cynthia works as a horse trainer and breeder. She and her husband, Brian, operate the Nelson Ranch, which they placed under permanent protection in 2010 through a conservation easement held by OLT
Lloyd Odell
Director
Lloyd joined the OLT board in the fall of 2020. He lives near Curlew, in Ferry County, at the foot of the Kettle River Range, near the eastern border of OLT’s service area.
Show MoreLloyd joined the OLT board in the fall of 2020. He lives near Curlew, in Ferry County, at the foot of the Kettle River Range, near the eastern border of OLT’s service area.
For most of his adult life, Lloyd has been involved in natural resources management and conservation. Early on, he worked in the timber business. Later, he went to work for the Ferry Conservation District.
He started as a field technician, doing water quality tests and wildlife habitat surveys. He retired as District Manager. Lloyd is committed to helping farmers and ranchers stay on the land.
He believes that good stewardship comes from responsible land ownership. He hopes to help OLT work with more landowners in Ferry County and the eastern Okanogan Highlands.
Paul Nash
Director
Paul Nash has been a resident of Okanogan County for over 30 years, along with his wife, Nancy Nash-Mendez. He has recently retired from the US Forest…
Show MorePaul Nash has been a resident of Okanogan County for over 30 years, along with his wife, Nancy Nash-Mendez. He has recently retired from the US Forest Service, where he worked in timber planning and silviculture on the Okanogan National Forest.
He enjoys hiking, traveling, foraging, and kayaking.
Matt Danielson
Vice President
Matt grew up and lives in the Okanogan Valley with his wife, Mady. He has a comprehensive knowledge of Okanogan and western Ferry Counties’ open spaces, wildlife, waters, and forests.
Show MoreMatt grew up and lives in the Okanogan Valley with his wife, Mady. He has a comprehensive knowledge of Okanogan and western Ferry Counties’ open spaces, wildlife, waters, and forests.
After finishing high school at Omak, Matt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science at Western Washington University. During WWU’s summer breaks, Matt worked all four years as a wildlife technician for the USFS. After graduating, Matt worked on seasonal carnivore jobs with the University of Washington, Idaho Fish and Game, and the University of British Columbia. In this capacity, he worked mostly with wolves, cougars, and pine martens.
Matt then worked for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife biologist for the timber department of that agency. His work with DNR centered on lynx and the Loomis State Forest plan. Matt is currently the Okanogan Forest Senior Coordinator for Conservation Northwest, focusing on public forest issues that affect wildlife in Okanogan and Chelan Counties.
He is an avid and accomplished bird lover who helps organize the Omak-Okanogan Christmas bird count, volunteers on hawk surveys, and compiles the Okanogan County bird records for each year.
John McReynolds
Treasurer
John moved to the valley in 2017 with his wife, Alisa Weddle, and their children, Jamie and Joy. Alisa grew up in Tonasket, and after years of visiting the valley here, John and Alisa took the plunge and moved back.
Show MoreJohn moved to the valley in 2017 with his wife, Alisa Weddle, and their children, Jamie and Joy. Alisa grew up in Tonasket, and after years of visiting the valley here, John and Alisa took the plunge and moved back.
He is also the CEO and Nursing Home Administrator of North Valley Hospital in Tonasket. In addition to his new role as a Board member for OLT, John also serves on the Boards of the Okanogan Highlands Alliance and the North Valley Community Health Association.