Staff

Executive Director:  Bill Kern.  Bill, a Wyoming County native, joined the Conservancy as Executive Director in March 2010.  He holds an MA in Environmental Studies from Brown University.  Prior to joining the Conservancy, he worked for Green Energy Outreach Services (GEOS), a public relations and grassroots organizing firm specializing in the renewable energy industry.  Bill lives in Susquehanna County. 

Open Space Coordinator:  Mary Felley.  Mary, a Pennsylvania native, served as Executive Director of the Conservancy from 2003 to February 2010.  She holds an MS in Environmental Management from the University of Hong Kong.  Previous to joining the Conservancy, she worked in Hong Kong and mainland China for nine years as an environmental consultant, developing expertise in conservation planning and project management.  Her work with the Conservancy has helped her develop her communications, education and fundraising skills.  A Lackawanna County resident, Mary’s hobbies include music and outdoor recreation. 

Trail Coordinator:  Cheryl Ellsworth.  Cheryl became the Conservancy’s first employee in 1999.  She holds an MS in Human Services Administration with extensive administrative experience in non-profit organizations.  In her nine years with Countryside Conservancy, she has served as project manager for trail improvement projects, feasibility studies, urban forestry projects and greenway planning.  She is now leading the Conservancy’s accreditation team.  Cheryl resides in Wyoming County with her husband and son.

Office Manager:  Jennifer Forster.  Hailing from the Wilkes-Barre area, Jennifer has previous experience as an Executive Assistant at Patsel's Restaurant and JuriStaff, Inc. of Philadelphia.  Her skills include Access database, QuickBooks accounting software and Adobe Photoshop. Jennifer graduated from West Chester University with a BA in English/ Literature and a minor in Creative Writing.