Board

Tina Molski | Chair

Tina is currently the director of operations for REI’s east coast distribution center. Tina enjoys taking advantage of our beautiful State Parks and Forests with her husband by hiking, paddling and backpacking through them. She is passionate about getting outside and appreciates the incredible natural resources we have in Pennsylvania.

Mary Soderberg | Vice Chair

For all of my life I have enjoyed hiking and canoeing on our public lands. In recent years, owning a cabin in the Michaux Forest has deepened my appreciation for what a precious resource our parks and forests are. As a member of the Parks and Forest Foundation Board, I hope to enable and encourage others to experience the beautiful outdoors of Pennsylvania.

Jessica Lee | Secretary

Jessica Lee is passionate about leadership, words, and the outdoors – and that makes her a great fit for the PPFF Board. As a Managing Director at CRA | Admired Leadership, she puts her 10 years of experience in strategic communication and leadership development to work for her clients, which a few years ago included PPFF!

An outdoor enthusiast, Jessica completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2015. “I am incredibly proud of Pennsylvania’s parks and forest system. We have a rich environment, a growing culture of conservation, and a vibrant and diverse outdoor community,” says Jess. “I’ve always been proud to be part of that community as an avid hiker and outdoors-woman, and now I am excited to take this new and even more active role as a member of the Board of Directors.”

Jim Grace | Treasurer

Dr. James Grace served as the Goddard Chair in Forestry and Environmental Resources at Penn State, as well as State Forester and Deputy Director of Parks and Forestry at DCNR. Jim was central to championing the effort to designate Pennsylvania’s state forests as one of the nation’s first certified public forests.

Margarita Caicedo | Board

PPFF’s first Latina Ambassador, our Volunteer of the Year in 2024, and the regular host of our monthly visit to WXAC radio in Reading, Margarita works tirelessly to make sure that the members of her Spanish-speaking community know they are welcome in Pennsylvania’s outdoors. She knows first-hand what it is like to be confused by all of the options and she has a unique and joyful way of help erase that confusion for others!

Brian Clark | Board

Brian Clark recently retired as a partner and chair of the environmental practice group at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. Brian and his family have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy hiking in state parks in both central PA and Bucks County, where he and his wife reside. His passion is to see our state park system continue to provide recreational enjoyment to all Pennsylvanians.

Paul Fogal | Board

Paul Fogal is one of those lucky people who’ve never worked a day in their life. That’s because he started 3 businesses, namely Pocono Whitewater, Skirmish Paintball, and Pocono Biking, which allow him to spend most of his working time outdoors, doing what he loves. Fogal is excited to do what he can to help Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation grow and improve.

Kate Harper | Board

Former State Representative Kate Harper has long been an advocate for Pennsylvania’s environment. A partner at Timoney Knox LLP, she believes things get done when people work together. “Pennsylvania’s parks and forests have always been one of its greatest assets. The Foundation is dedicated to keeping them strong, healthy and available for the public.” – Kate Harper

Matt Hess | Board

A devastating ATV accident that saw Matt pinned between a tree and his vehicle may have robbed Matt of the use of his legs and crushed his kidneys but it did not take his enthusiasm for the outdoors or sharing his love for getting out there. You can read more about his transplant journey thanks to the National Kidney Registry, for whom he now serves as ambassador and mentor. Matt also serves as a Patient Teacher for University of Pennsylvania LEAPP program, helping three to four 1st-3rd year medical students understand what it’s like to be a patient who deals with chronic medical care.  The goal is to get them to see the human behind the textbook.

Mary Hirst | Board

Mary Hirst retired as park manager from the Ole Bull State Park Complex, and was the first female field park manager in the state park system. A lifelong park user, Hirst now volunteers as the chair and founding member of the Friends of Ole Bull State Park, is an EMT and the President of the Kettle Creek Ambulance Association. During the summer months, she can be found campground hosting, sharing her knowledge of the outdoors with visitors to state parks. With vast knowledge of the workings of our state parks system, her input is valuable to the foundation.

Brad Mallory | Board

Our immediate past Chair, Brad brings prior experience as a highly skilled former chief executive officer, government leader, and attorney. He views our state parks and forests as a treasure and knows we must invest in this incredible resource to continue to enjoy it. Growing up in northern Pennsylvania, Brad and his family have always enjoyed state parks and forests for hiking, canoeing, and relaxing.

Maria Montero | Board

Maria is a first generation American, born and raised in Pennsylvania. Maria’s service milestones lead to an executive appointment in the Commonwealth as the Executive Director for both the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA). Following a stint as the External Affairs Manager for the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, Maria now practices with the law firm of Haggerty, Goldberg, Schleifer & Kupersmith. Maria’s passion is community engagement and public service with a particular affinity as an advocate for conservation in her homeland of Pennsylvania’s beautiful parks and forests.

Paul Roth | Board

Formerly a Project Coordinator with the Finley Center for Private Forests at Penn State, Paul still works through his own consulting service (Entropia) on issues involving energy, reforestation of mine lands, and forest conservation priorities in general. He’s got his fingers on the Big Picture.

Rep. Jim Struzzi | Board

State Rep. Jim Struzzi is in his third term of service to residents of the 62nd Legislative District, Indiana County. In addition to PPFF’s board, Jim serves on the board of PENNVEST, funding sewer, stormwater, and drinking water projects across Pennsylvania. Jim’s many years of experience as a journalist, press secretary with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for District 11, and president of the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce shows that he understands the importance of maintaining of good infrastructure. He is committed to improving the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.

Mike Teeter | Board

You’ll often find him behind a table with a PPFF banner beside it. Our 2024 Education Award winner is always ready to talk to people about the Foundation, the outdoors, friendship, and fun. Mike has worked in the outdoor industry for 18 years.

George Asimos | Advisory Board

George is a real estate lawyer so land is always on his mind. But spending time in the Parks and Forests is his passion. Hiking, camping, canoeing, hunting — you name it — if it’s in a park or forest that’s how he and his family spend their free time. He is also passionate about supporting the Friends groups and growing PPFF to be the major charitable resource for the Park and Forest system.

George Fernandez | Advisory Board

George’s passion for marketing and Latino/Hispanic culture lead him to create the Latino Connection, a quarterly publication, event planning and translation service. He recently discovered the fun of the outdoors and is enjoying exploring our state parks and forests.

Bill Forrey | Advisory Board

As a retired state park director I am honored to serve on the PPFF Board to support the state park system through the creation of Friends Groups, promoting stewardship and facilitating events that offer a wonderful array of world class outdoor recreation opportunities.

Mark Longietti | Advisory Board

Former PA House member from District 7, Mark is Director of Business and Community Development for the City of Hermitage, working to bring new businesses to this northwestern community. With Goddard, McConells Mill, and Moraine state parks and Jennings Environmental Education Center right on Hermitage’s doorstep, Mark knows that parks and forests are key to his mission.

Gary Smith | Advisory Board

Gary Smith greatly enjoyed a 37-year outdoor recreation career with the National Park Service, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry and mainly the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks. Both the people and the natural resources provided inspiration and energy. Supporting friend groups so that they may enhance opportunities at state parks and state forests is a great service provided by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.

Rob Wonderling | Advisory Board

Rob is former President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and is currently the Executive Director of the Faith & Liberty Discovery Center in Philadelphia. Rob has been involved with PPFF for over ten years including service as our chair. Rob and his family love to spend time enjoying the Commonwealth’s outstanding parks and recreation system and he is strongly committed to the preservation and enhancement of PA’s natural lands.