>>Current Job and Volunteer opportunities
Board of Directors
Amy Arcand, Secretary
Jim Bizal
Megan Bond
Rose Carr
David Chaffin
Megan Dobratz
Jack Fistler
David C. Hansen, Treasurer
Jeff Hardwig
Karina Hill, Vice Chair
Matt Mueller, Chair
Carl Numrich
Sharon Oswald
Caroline Pflueger
Sam Zimmerman
Directors EmeritUS
Lee Barthel (1923-2023)
Douglas Franchot
Michael Frome (1920-2016)
Martin N. Kellogg (1930-2019)
John Roth
Harry Sweatt (1931-2020)
Founders
The founders and early directors of Voyageurs National Park Association included former Minnesota Governor Elmer L. Andersen, Judge Edwin Chapman, Wayne Judy, Lawrence Vaubel, Martin Kellogg, Sigurd F. Olson, Wallace Dayton, and Wheelock Whitney.
Staff
Christina Hausman Rhode, Executive Director
Christina has been the executive director of the Voyageurs Conservancy since 2014. She feels privileged to connect partners, donors, visitors, and volunteers to Minnesota’s Voyageurs National Park. Christina has over 12 years experience working in development and communications in the nonprofit industry and has previously worked for The Nature Conservancy and the Hennepin Health Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and political science, and a minor in journalism from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD.
Christina is a graduate of the Institute of Executive Leadership Development at the University of St. Thomas and the National Park Foundation’s National Park’s Friends Leadership Institute. In 2016, she was recognized with a Midwest Region Champion Award from the National Park Service. On her days off, you can find her taking photos, attempting new recipes, enjoying live music, traveling and taking her son Harris on new adventures.
Email: chausman@voyageurs.org
Breanna Trygg, Education and Outreach Director
Breanna grew up in Minnesota, spending time in the woods and waters as much as possible, especially at her family’s cabin in Voyageurs National Park. Breanna attended University of Puget Sound for her undergraduate degree, and has a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Pinchot University. She began her career at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, then served as Program Director at Pacific Education Institute, an environmental education organization that focused on school-community partnerships. In 2015 she started Trygg Consulting, LLC, and worked with nonprofits, government, education organizations, and multi-stakeholder initiatives to build their capacity to do great work.
Breanna has volunteered with grieving children for over 18 years, and considers grief support her “heart work”. After years of volunteering at Sound Care Kids and Camp Erin, Breanna became a founding board member of Wild Grief, and is the previous board president, where she combines her passions of supporting grieving kids and connecting to nature.
Email: btrygg@voyageurs.org
Matt Nielsen, Development Director
As a relationship driven development professional with a passion for wild places, environmental education, and the relationships needed to ensure their success, Matt joined the Conservancy team in 2024.
Years at the family cabin, countless trips camping on the rocky ledges of the border lakes, coupled with years spent honing his skills in fundraising align both personal and professional passion for the mission of Voyageurs Conservancy. Professionally, Matt has been able to make a tangible impact on some of the region's leading arts, education and environmental organizations including Hennepin Theater Trust, The University of Minnesota’s Weisman Art Museum, the Bell Museum of Natural History, the Minnesota Zoo, and St. Olaf College’s School Nature Area Project. In his downtime, you'll usually find Matt on a trail or on the water somewhere and occasionally getting his hands dirty in the garden. Matt has traveled to 34 countries and loves experiencing wild places here at home and around the world.
Email: mnielsen@voyageurs.org
Jesse Gates, Education Specialist
Jesse was born and raised in New York City, where he has spent the majority of his life. His interest in the outdoors began to flourish through his journey in completing his Bachelor's degree in Geosciences from Humboldt State University. Jesse has worked as a seasonal education technician and interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service for the past four years. He has designed and presented several educational programs, ranging in subjects from cultural history, ecology, geology, music, and wildlife. His favorite type of program involves teaching about and observing the starry night sky. He has participated in several night sky related events and has played an integral role in designing two astronomy festivals. Additionally, he loves hosting nightly telescope sessions, leading hikes during the Full Moon, and guiding constellation tours across the night sky.
At his most recent assignment at Voyageurs National Park, he discovered the Voyageurs Conservancy. As an advocate for science and stewardship of the land, he quickly realized that this organization's mission closely aligned with his own values. In December 2021, Jesse was invited on board as a proud member of the team. He is beyond excited to utilize his skills with the goal of improving accessibility and sharing the beauty of science with everyone.
Email: jgates@voyageurs.org
Nicole Anderson Davis, Operations & Development Coordinator
Growing up, Nicole experienced the wonders of Rainy Lake at her family cabin on Little Bear Island, NW Ontario. From jumping off houseboats, listening to the cry of the loon, to catching minnows, and avoiding poison ivy (unsuccessfully), these experiences no doubt lit a spark for her love of the outdoors.
Nicole has seven years of non-profit experience and two years with Dakota County Parks, ensuring quality and memorable volunteer and visitor experiences. She is a graduate of The College of St. Catherine, holding a bachelor’s degree in history and political science.
In her free time, you’ll find Nicole with family, hitting the trail and camping at her favorite Minnesota State Parks.
Email: ndavis@voyageurs.org
