Board
Maria Montero | Chair
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) and currently serves as the External Affairs Manager for the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. 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.
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.
Brian Clark | Secretary
Brian Clark is 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.
Dr. James Grace | Treasurer
Jim recently retired as the Goddard Chair in Forestry and Environmental Resources Conservation at Penn State University after serving a long career in state government, as both State Forester and Deputy Director of Parks and Forestry at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. When not exploring the outdoors, Jim can be found in his garden or cooking up good food.
George Asimos | 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.
Nancy Ball | Board
Nancy Ball, retired development officer from Lafayette College, brings significant fundraising and volunteer experience. Nancy is very interested in engaging college students in outdoor recreation and volunteerism. Nancy can be found regularly, at Nockamixon State Park, walking her dog.
Jae Ellison | Board
Jae Ellison, Director of Outdoor Leadership and Education at Lycoming College, strongly identifies with the mission of Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation. His experience in recreational outdoor programming for a variety of populations will be an asset to his work on the board of PPFF. Jae views the natural spaces of Pennsylvania as one of our finest resources.
George Fernandez | 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.
Gus Frederick | Board
I first became acquainted with PPFF as an intern in 2012 as I was finishing up at Shippensburg University. It was an honor being elected to the Board; I have always had a fixation with the state parks and forests — whether it be hiking, camping, or volunteering to make our parks a better place. You can find me making maps during the week, and being outdoors on the weekends. Standing still has never been my forte – I’m always looking for the next outdoor adventure!
Maxine Harrison | Board
I grew up in the woods and guess I just never left. My educational background is in Ecology and Conservation and most of my working life has been in environmental education and protection. I feel a vital connection to our forests and parks and feel it is the responsibility of each of us to do what we can to ensure that these very special and magical places are preserved for all time. I am very proud to be a part of an organization that does this very thing in a very hands-on manner.
Rep. Mark Longietti | Board
Mark Longietti was born and raised in Mercer County, Pennsylvania and recalls church outings to Cook Forest, spending his after-prom at Goddard State Park and family picnics at McConell’s Mill State Park. Longietti serves as State Representative for Pennsylvania’s 7th Legislative District and his committee assignments include a seat on the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee.
Brad Mallory | Board
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.
Tina Molski | Board
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.
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.
