As Executive Director of KMTA, Rachel oversees the organizations's strategic direction, program development, and overall operations. She is a community and environmental health advocate with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, education, and research. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies from Southwestern University, and a Masters in Marine in Environmental Affairs from the University of Washington. She has a deep respect for nature and a passion for helping expand access to the outdoors. As an avid outdoor enthusiast herself, you can find Rachel spending her spare time recreating with her family and dogs in Alaska's beautiful forests, mountains, and waters (many of her favorite which lie KMTA corridor).
You can reach her at rachelblakeslee@kmtacorridor.org.
Karen was born in the KMTA community of Seward and raised in another KMTA community - Cooper Landing. She is now based out of Anchorage. Prior to KMTA she spent time running a documentary-style family photography business along with educating multiple children at home. As KMTA’s Marketing and Communications Manager she works to consistently articulate the vision and mission of KMTA and increase the awareness of the National Heritage Area in a progressive and collaborative manner. Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Communication with emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Alaska Anchorage as well as a Digital Art degree from Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna. When not working or wrangling a herd of children or trying to read uninterrupted, she plays softball, runs, hikes, bikes and enjoys being physically active as much as possible.
You can reach her at karenlewis@kmtacorridor.org.
