ANCA’s Fiscal Year began July 1, and the new fiscal year brings updates to the Board of Directors.
We welcome four new Board members and thank three departing members for their contributions to ANCA. The Board also has multiple changes in officers.
New Board Members
We are pleased to welcome Naomi Heindel, Brooks Paternotte, Sarah Vincent, and Lori Whalen to the Board.
Naomi Heindel is the Executive Director of North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier, Vermont. She has served on the ANCA Programs Committee since 2022, and participates in the ANCA Mentor Program. Heindel brings practical experience in nonprofit leadership, residential environmental education, and organizational development. As an active ANCA volunteer, Summit presenter, and Peer Consult team member, she also contributes a strong commitment to supporting leaders across the profession.
Brooks Paternotte is the Executive Director Emeritus of Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, Maryland. Paternotte previously served on the Board from 2017 to 2023, including four years as Vice President of Development. He has also served on six ANCA Peer Consults and has participated in the ANCA Mentor Program. Although Paternotte recently concluded a highly successful tenure as director of his nature center, his dedication to ANCA and its members remains as strong as ever. His experience in fund development and his passion for supporting fellow leaders make him an outstanding fit to lead ANCA’s fund development program.
Sarah Vincent is the Executive Director of the Highlands Center for Natural History in Prescott, Arizona. Vincent has served on the ANCA Finance Committee since 2023, and participates in the ANCA Mentor Program. Before becoming the ED of her center, Vincent served as the education director and has a strong understanding of programs and operations. She joined her first ANCA Peer Consult team last year and immediately became a valuable contributor, bringing thoughtful insights, a collaborative spirit, and a willingness to jump in wherever she was needed.
Lori Whalen is the Vice President of the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach, California. Whalen participates in the ANCA Mentor Program, and previously served on the ANCA Marketing Committee. After more than two decades of leadership at her nature center, Whalen brings deep experience in cultivating relationships and building partnerships that strengthen environmental education at both the regional and national levels. Her leadership was also instrumental in hosting ANCA's exceptional 2025 Annual Summit, demonstrating her commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for connection and learning across the profession.
Departing Board Members
Kristin Smith, Supervisor of the Water Resources Education Center in Vancouver, Washington, departs the Board after seven years of service, including two years as Board President and one year as Past President. Smith has also served on the Executive, Committee, Governance Committee, and Peer Consult Committee. We deeply thank Smith for her leadership within ANCA and our field more broadly.
Kristin is an inspirational leader who always puts people first. Leading a group of leaders is no easy task, but she did so with skill, confidence, and a wonderful sense of humor, creating an environment where everyone felt valued and able to contribute.
— Jen Levy, ANCA Executive Director
Chad Truxall, Executive Director of the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, departs the Board after six years of service, including three years as Vice President of Development. Truxall has also served on the Executive Committee, Programs Committee, Peer Consult Committee, and Development Committee. We are grateful to Truxall for his many contributions to ANCA and our profession.
Chad is an exceptionally dedicated leader with a wonderful sense of adventure. He approaches new challenges with enthusiasm, asks thoughtful questions, and is committed to finding solutions. His curiosity, initiative, and willingness to take on new responsibilities made him a valuable asset to the board.
— Jen Levy, ANCA Executive Director
Andy Williams, Retired Director of Satellite Properties for the Museum of Science and History in Memphis, Tennessee, departs the Board after three years of service. Williams has also served on the Core Values Committee and Development Committee. We appreciate Williams' enthusiasm for ANCA and his dedication to nature centers everywhere.
Andy made a significant impact during his service on the ANCA Board, most notably by hosting the 2024 ANCA Annual Summit. He is a warm and welcoming leader who consistently puts others first, taking a genuine interest in the people around him. His kindness, collaborative spirit, and commitment to fostering meaningful connections have strengthened both the Board and the ANCA community.
— Jen Levy, ANCA Executive Director
Officer Changes
We welcome Dennis Pilaske, Executive Director of Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, Michigan, as President Elect.
Brooks Paternotte steps into the role of Vice President of Development, previously filled by departing Board member Chad Truxall.
John Harrod, Engagement Director at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary in Wilmington, Delaware, steps into the role of Vice President of Strategic Direction, previously filled by Pilaske.
About the Board
The Board supports ANCA's work and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance. We welcome ANCA members to express interest in joining the Board of Directors and/or a Committee of the Board using this interest form.
We invite all ANCA members to meet Board members in person at the 2026 ANCA Annual Summit, August 24-28 at Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, Michigan.