MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ALISON O’HARA

Alison O’Hara has a BS in Environmental Studies from University of Vermont. As owner and operator of True North Kayak Adventures for 29 years, She loves to share her knowledge of Kachemak Bay. She’s fascinated by the natural history of the area from the social structure of sea otters to the glaciology of the bay. Accessibility to Homer's crown jewel, Kachemak Bay State Park, is a huge priority for her. Whether weed wacking or searching for grants she'll do what it takes to keep trails in the park open.

CAMEALE JOHNSON (Secretary)

I am a 39 year Alaskan with 32 years in Anchorage. I started spending time on Kachemak Bay in 1984 and knew Homer was where I would eventually retire. I bought property and built a home in 2002 and finally moved to Homer full time in 2014. I quit my paying job in 2019, ending a 47 year career in health care. I am a life long hiker with my life now revolving around doing something outdoors every day. I am particularly passionate about promoting trails on the north side of Kachemak Bay making them accessible to folks of all ages and most physical abilities.

DANA GREGOIRE (Vice President)

Lifelong Homer resident, Dana has grown up with Kachemak Bay State Park as her backyard. She became involved in trail work in 2019 and has enjoyed the opportunity to help the efforts of the organization and maintain the incredible trails Kachemak Bay has to offer. Her interests in hiking, camping, and kayaking have been enhanced by increased familiarity and access to the state park through volunteer work opportunities with FKBSP. Dana also serves on the Kachemak Bay Water Trail Committee.

KATHY SARNS IRWIN (President)

Artist, owner, of Free Spirit Bike Jerseys Kathy has lived in Alaska since 1982. She became involved in trail work when her favorite KBSP trails began disappearing due to a lack of state funding. Kathy volunteers for the Kachemak Bay Running Club and Kachemak Nordic Ski Club & Junior Nordic. She thrives on trail adventures by foot, ski, & bike. She has a deep appreciation, and passion for preserving KBSP trails that access some of the most stunning, world class wilderness she has ever experienced.

MAKO HAGGERTY

Owner and operator of a successful local water taxi service, Mako moved to Alaska over 30 years ago to pursue a career in commercial fishing. Mako has worked tirelessly on a variety of commercial fishing, environmental and global trade issues, and actively involved with Cook Inletkeeper, KBBI, and the Kachemak Bay State Parks Citizen Advisory Board.

ROBERT ARCHIBALD (Treasurer)

Recently retired after working 48 years in the marine industry. Robert has lived in Homer for thirty years with wife Roberta Highland. He was on the founding board of the Kachemak Heritage Land Trust and serves on the Homer Parks and Recreation Commission. Robert is active with the Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association, the Kachemak Bay Nordic Ski Club, and the Kachemak Bay Water Trail.

DAVE BRANN

A retired teacher and active outdoorsman, Dave loves to create trails that invite people to enjoy the local wild lands and water. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Kachemak Bay Water Trail and serves now as the Co-Chair of the Kachemak Bay Water Trail Committee. Dave is also active with the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club, the Homer Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, the Kachemak Bay Wooden Boat Society, and the Homer- Kachemak Bay Rotary Club.

KRIS HOLDERIED

A physical oceanographer with the National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Kris came to Homer from the Washington, DC area to coordinate research, education and outreach activities at the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory, near Seldovia. Before coming to NOAA she worked on environmental compliance issues for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and served on active duty with the U.S. Navy as an oceanography officer (more frequently known as a “weather guesser”).

MELISSE REICHMAN

Melisse moved to Homer three years ago after falling in love with the community and place while here on two previous visits. Her travels and work in wildlife biology and education of youth have taken her to remote and wild places in many parts of the world, primarily in the tropics of South and Central America, as well as Madagascar. Melisse enjoys hiking, skiing, canoeing and kayaking, tide pooling, snorkeling and scuba, yoga and dance.