Executive Director

Nancy is the Director of the Arc and was one of the non-profit’s founders in 1995. She has guided the organization through nearly three decades of its phenomenal growth. She focused the organization’s early efforts in building its first preserve, the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, which is now the largest in a system of nearly 30 preserves. Prior to Nancy’s long engagement with the Arc, she co-managed Benevolence Bakery and Cafe in the Columbus’ North Market, and served as Chief Naturalist for Ohio State Parks.

Director of Land Stewardship

Brent’s life is a story filled with diverse work experiences before joining the Arc of Appalachia. He currently serves as the Director of Land Stewardship, where he uses his skills to support the land stewardship team in taking care of close to 11,000 acres of preserved land, visitor lodges, as well as other houses and outbuildings. Brent is passionate about nurturing and restoring respectful, responsible relationships with the priceless natural ecosystems we call home.

Director of Land Acquisition & Visitor Services

Andrea began working for the Arc in 2016 after moving back to Ohio from Chattanooga, TN where she first gained experience in nonprofit administration. She works alongside Arc director Nancy Stranahan on land acquisition, grant writing, and donor cultivation, and supports the Arc office team in providing educational opportunities and visitor services. In addition to their regular work responsibilities, Andrea and her husband Brit are caretakers of the Arc’s Tobacco Barn Hollow Preserve region.

Office Manager

Seth grew up right here in Highland County, just a few miles down the road from the Appalachian Forest Museum. He attended college at The Ohio State University and spent over 7 years as the Camp Director at the Keystone Science School in Keystone, Colorado. He was the Board Chairman for 4 years at the Summit County Preschool in Frisco, Colorado. Seth was hired in April of 2021 as the Office manager and now lives at HNS with his wife Ashley and two wonderful children (Elijah and Perry).

Land Stewardship Manager

Tim is passionate about his love for nature, and is driven to protect it. He works tirelessly to restore habitats and share nature with others, whether it be fixing tractors, creating trails, remove invasives, mowing lawns, or teaching about nature. He joined the Arc team in 2004 as an intern, and later graduated from OSU with a B.S. in Evolution and Ecology. He also spent eight years helping run an organic dairy farm in Wisconsin, and now lives at HNS with his wife Miriam, and two daughters, Rose and Quinn.

Facilities Manager

Brit grew up on the west side of Cincinnati constantly playing in nature. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the Ohio State University in the field of Astronomy. After college, he worked various jobs in Columbus and a wood shop in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2016, Brit and his wife Andrea returned to Ohio and began working together at the Arc. He has used the opportunity living and working in South Central Ohio to learn and love the diverse flora and fauna of its unique biome.

Land Stewardship Manager

Ethan has been a land manager for the Arc for the past 4 years working on developing new preserves and re-naturalizing landscapes by removing invasive species among many other work tasks. He was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and contributes his passion to the natural world to his Grandma (Ann King) who is an avid birder. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and friends: hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. Ethan looks forward to moving to Hocking County to be the face of the new Arc of Appalachia hub.

Tremper Mound Land Stewardship Manager

Elijah is a Land Manager and Naturalist for the Arc of Appalachia’s Southernmost preserve region in Scioto County. He was born and raised in Chillicothe, Ohio where he acquired a passion and keen interest in the natural and cultural history of Appalachian Ohio. This led him to his current on-site residency at the Tremper Mound Preserve, overseeing its development as a management and educational hub. Elijah is an avid hiker and loves to spend his time studying and appreciating Ohio’s geology and botany along the way.

Quiverheart Land Stewardship Manager

Austin is dedicated to preserving natural spaces and fostering sustainable practices. Raised in southern Ohio, his connection to the land drives both his work and personal life. Before this role, Austin served as a naturalist, connecting people to nature through education and exploration. A published poet and filmmaker, he uses art to share his love for the natural world in creative and offbeat ways. Austin’s approach to land stewardship combines practical care with a sense of wonder, making him both a protector and explorer of the landscapes he cherishes.

Special Project Coordinator

Kayla began her journey with the Arc of Appalachia as a land stewardship intern in 2015, quickly transitioning into an office role where she has contributed in multiple capacities since. A native of Nelsonville, Kayla attended Hocking College, where she earned associate degrees in both E-commerce & Web Design and Wildlife Management. It was there she met her husband, Seth. Kayla and Seth now share their lives with their young son, Lucas, and two beloved pets, who bring joy to their busy days.

Education Coordinator

Raised in Bainbridge, Ohio, Cassidy is most at home in the foothills of the Appalachian forest. She studied Business and Art at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, but couldn’t stay away from the place she feels the most at home. She lives in Bainbridge with her husband, Justin and two kids, Hallie and Hayes. A full time photographer for almost 20 years, she was ready to use her skills to give back to the place she loves so much. Joining the Arc staff in 2024 as the Education Coordinator, she’s excited to join the team and be involved in all the events throughout the year.

Outreach Coordinator

Kim is a resident of Adams County and alongside her husband David, serve’s as caretaker for Quiverheart Gorge Preserve. In 2021, Kim was introduced to the Arc and developed a deep love and passion for the organization. She has been a 4-H Advisor for 19 years, manages the 4-H Horse Program, and is a member of the Advisory Committee. Kim and David started a 4-H SPIN Club called Explore the Outdoors. Kim enjoys working with young people and volunteering her time to help them. Horses have been a part of her life since childhood, and they have taught her an important lesson: “There is always something new to learn”. Additionally, she has been a member of the State Horse Committee for almost 14 years. When she is not working or volunteering, Kim loves to spend time in the woods, getting lost in the mesmerizing beauty of nature.

Housekeeper

Miriam’s love for nature began by spending hours exploring the woods and fields of her family’s dairy farm in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This led her to pursue a degree in environmental biology and afterwards take an internship at the Arc, where she met her husband Tim. She now spends much of her time homeschooling their daughters and cleaning lodges for the Arc. Any spare time is largely spent hiking, biking, playing piano, gardening, and sharing the magic of life with those she loves.

Housekeeper

Housekeeper

Michelle grew up in Highland County, right down the road from the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. She is a graduate of McClain High School. She and her husband Mark met thirty four years ago in junior high. They have three children, Brock, Brooklyn and Briannna. Prior to joining the Arc in 2023, Michelle worked at Rainsboro Elementary School for seven years. When she's not cleaning the lodges, she enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, antiquing, and most of all spending time with her two year old grandson Laken.