Our Team

A collaborative effort of everyday people, educators, scientists, community leaders, and partners — working together to connect everyone with the Olympic Coast and support its future.

From education and operations to science and conservation, this work brings together a range of expertise — all rooted in a shared commitment to this place and the people it serves.

Leadership Team

Betsy Matthews
Campaign Co-Chair

Deborah Moriarty
Campaign Co-Chair

Pamela Swartz
Leadership Committee Member

Rendering of a modern glass building with people walking and gathering outside on a city sidewalk, blue sky with clouds in the background.

Staff

Tamara Galvan
Associate Director of Operations

Linty Hopie
Feiro Development Director

Elise Ricci
Seattle Campaign Director

Anna Sanders
Project Coordinator

Melissa Williams
Executive Director

Seabird Affinity Group

Mary Sue Brancato & Ed Bowlby

Ken & Mary Campbell

Bob & Enid Phreaner

Arnold & Debbie Schouten (Co-Chairs)

Feiro Legacy Affinity Group

Nancy Brant

Mark Feiro

Marie Marrs

Kathy Murphy-Carey

Edna Petersen

Deb Reed

Wendy Shea

Seattle Advisory Committee

Electa Anderson

Carly (Feiro) Boyd

Claudia Canty

Rob Casey & Christy Cox

Neil Conklin

Matt Dawson

Ellen Ferguson

Yulan Kim

Eileen Lambert

Mark McDade

Nora Nickum

Sharon Reuter

Hans Schippers & Chelsey Sleznikow

Rob Schippers

Shannon Stabbert

Cole Stafford

Izzy Zucker

Core Committees

Laurel Black - Communications

Barb Maynes - Communications

Mary Campbell - Finance 

Kathy Charlton - Finance

Courtney Gouge - Finance 

Carol Bernthal - Govt Relations

Bob Milner - Govt Relations

Mark Ozias  - Govt Relations

Lynnda Eagle - Grants

Tina Smith - Grants

In Partnership With NOAA

This project is developed in collaboration with the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, part of NOAA.

A cornerstone of this work is our partnership with the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, part of NOAA.

NOAA's Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary protects more than 3,000 square miles of marine waters off the Washington coast. For the first time, that extraordinary research will live alongside hands-on public education in one shared space.

This collaboration connects our center directly to ongoing marine research, conservation efforts, and one of the most significant protected coastal environments in the United States.

Learn More About The NOAA Partnership
A gray coast guard boat is sailing on a calm body of water under a clear blue sky, with distant land visible on the horizon.

MIG, Inc. and Neeley Construction are bringing this vision to life through design and construction services.

Graphic with three colored blocks containing the letters M, I, G, in white

MIG, Inc.’s Seattle office has developed numerous zoo and aquarium facilities, which introduce visitors to the actions and motivations of animals, the value of environmental stewardship and, most importantly, a world full of natural wonder.

Logo of Neeley Construction featuring a stylized letter N in orange and blue, with the company name in blue text.

Neeley Construction is a third-generation family-owned company. The expert staff located at the Sequim office will lead this build. Neeley has built many projects on the Peninsula, including the Shore Aquatic Center, the Boys & Girls Club of the Olympic Peninsula, Turner Unit, and the Port Angeles Food Bank.

Community Partners

We're also building in close conference with the tribal nations of the Olympic Peninsula — the Lower Elwha, Jamestown, Makah, Quileute, Hoh, and Quinault. The building will be located on Klallam ancestral territory, but covers lands and waters of many Tribes.

Calm ocean with a pier extending into the water, a lamppost on the pier, a building with a balcony on the right, and a snow-capped mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.

A Collective Approach

By working together, we’re able to create richer learning experiences, deepen community impact, and ensure that the Olympic Coast is represented with both care and accuracy.

Through partnership, participation, and support, we’re building a legacy for the following generations.

A group of five people, three women and two men, sitting and standing behind a table with a sign that reads 'Feiro Marine Life Center.' The setting appears to be an indoor exhibition or conference area with large windows and a high ceiling. The table displays electronic tablets, decorative stones, and a glass of water.
Watch Our Video

We Cannot Do This Work Alone

  • "We are proud to be champions for the Olympic Coast Exploration Center and are excited for this new amenity for the Pacific Northwest region to take shape."

    — KATE DEXTER, MAYOR OF PORT ANGELES

  • "Our students need more of these types of learning experiences available and accessible in our community."

    — MICHELLE OLSEN, PORT ANGELES SCHOOL DISTRICT

  • "We couldn't be more thrilled to collaborate together to create a vibrant and healthy vision for our City's waterfront."

    — STEVEN RAIDER-GINSBERG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FIELD ARTS & EVENTS HALL

  • "Water connects us all. The Olympic Coast Exploration Center will transform that connection into action, creating a place where curiosity becomes stewardship and where our community can come together to care for the ocean that sustains us."

    — MELISSA WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FEIRO MARINE LIFE CENTER

  • "This project is rooted in the character of Port Angeles — hardworking, forward-looking, and deeply connected to the natural world. We are building opportunities for our youth, vitality for our downtown, and pride for the Peninsula."

    — BETSY MATTHEWS, CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

  • "By tripling our education capacity and expanding hands-on learning, we're cultivating tomorrow's marine scientists, engineers, teachers, and conservation leaders."

    — DEBORAH MORIARTY, CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIR

Get Involved

Be part of something that will last for generations.

The Olympic Coast Exploration Center will open its doors in 2028 — and the choices made right now will determine what's inside them. Your gift makes the difference between possible and extraordinary.

Support The Campaign
Explore The Vision