BOARD MEMBER, ACTING BOARD PRESIDENT

Mike is the founder and executive director of the Whitefish Lake Institute. In addition to serving as a board member for The Salmonfly Project, Mike currently serves as a governor-appointed member and chair of the Western Montana Conservation Commission. His past service includes governor appointments to the Water Pollution Control Advisory Council, Flathead Basin Commission, and the Upper Columbia Conservation Commission. At the Flathead Basin Commission, Mike served on the Executive Committee and chaired the On-site Wastewater Treatment Committee and Technical Committee. At the Upper Columbia Conservation Commission, Mike chaired the Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection and Monitoring Committee. 

Mike also served on the Montana Watershed Coordination Council Board and the Whitefish Climate Action Plan Committee. Mike was a co-coordinator of the second and third editions of the Montana Lake Book. He is a past recipient of the Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society’s Individual Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the protection and enhancement of fisheries resources in Montana.

BOARD MEMBER, TREASURER

Born and raised in Madras, Oregon; Renee's first love of rivers was the Deschutes. She learned to fly fish, raft whitewater, and chase snakes at an early age. After college, Central Oregon called her back where she spent many years in Sisters and Bend, Oregon. Her move to Ketchum, Idaho, in 2009 introduced her to many new freestone rivers and spring creeks, which required a new level of "bug" knowledge.

Renee met Jackson Birrell while volunteering with the Blackfoot Challenge, helping collect aquatic insect samples from the Blackfoot River. After a few days of volunteering she realized the Salmonfly Project was doing work that no other conservation group was. Living in Ovando, Montana, next to some of the best waters in the West and seeing changing conditions, she wanted to become more involved. 

Renee is very involved with Trout Unlimited and is a board member of the Coldwater Conservation Fund. She is a conservation warrior for bugs, water, fish, and the natural world - and very proud to be involved with SFP.

BOARD MEMBER

Maggie was born and raised in the Appalachian foothills of North Alabama and was drawn to the outdoors from as far back as she can remember. Growing up on a farm with a big lake, she discovered her passion for insects, fishing, and the natural world at an early age. She holds an Undergraduate Degree in Poultry Science from Auburn University and a Master’s in Entomology from the University of Nebraska. After a post-college stint working in a fly shop, Maggie became the manager of Orvis Jackson Hole and now serves as Trout Unlimited’s Director of Engagement Partnerships.

She is an active member and supporter of her local TU chapters and conservation organizations, providing entomology education for folks around the region. She is a co-founder of Artemis Sportswomen and serves on their advisory council. When she’s not working or volunteering, Maggie loves spending time on the water catching bugs & fish or exploring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—her backyard—with her husband, Hunter, their two daughters, Cricket and Pen, and their four dogs, Bug, Missy, Bee, and Diffie.