Elections are held at the Annual Meeting, which is regularly scheduled for the last Saturday in February.
Each board member's term expires at the Annual Meeting in the year indicated after each name.
The president, president-elect, and immediate past president serve 0ne-year terms.
All other board members and officers serve two-year terms, staggered so not all terms expire simultaneously.

Three directors are stepping off the board after this year's Annual Meeting, Ed DeHaan, Joe Hand, and Travis Thomas. We will miss their participation. Ed has been a long-time board member, served as Secretary, and been a leader of the Pepper Busting project. He will continue as an active volunteer.
Joe and Travis will also be available to help as needed.

The two-year terms of Boyd Kimball, John McPherson, and Barbara Woodmansee do not expire until the annual meeting in 2024. They will continue in place.

Slate of Officers and Directors for the 2023 Election

The bios of those who would be new to the board are listed below the table.
The others' bios are listed in the Current Board list.

Role	Candidate
President	Ginessa Mahar (2024)
President-Elect	Denise Feiber (2024)
Immediate Past President	Debbie Meeks (2024)
Treasurer	Linda Kimball (2025)
Secretary	Paul Ramey (2025)
Director, new to the board	Ron Kamzelski (2025)
Director, new to the board	Pete Tirrell (2025)
Director, new to the board	Scott Wright (2025)
Director, being renewed	Bill Dummitt (2025)
Director, being renewed	Peg Hall (2024)
Director, being renewed	Debbie Jordan (2025)
Director, being renewed	Dan Kline (2025)
Director, being renewed	Jeri Treat (2025)
Director, being renewed	John Thalacker (2025)

Ron Kamzelski, Director (2025)
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: My wife Ann and I have had a home on Cedar Key for over 16 years. Prior to that we vacationed on the Island for 5 years. During that time, I have been a Friend of the Refuge and have spent countless hours biking, hiking and fishing in the Lower Suwannee Refuge. The Refuge is a special and beautiful part of Florida.  

About other parts of my life: Since I retired from a large multi-national industrial gas company, I spend the summers at our farm in northern PA, but look forward to returning every fall to Cedar Key to enjoy the unique wildlife opportunities the Refuges offer.

Pete Tirrell, Director (2025)
About my involvement with the Friends and the Refuges: Ever since my wife and I moved to Cedar Key in 2020, we have spent a good portion of our time exploring the abundance of natural areas nearby, especially the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys Refuges.

About other parts of my life: My educational background is in wildlife ecology and computational biology. After a few years working in the natural resources field I shifted my career to information systems and worked for many years in information technology at Brown University.  While my career shifted, I maintained my interests in wildlife and conservation via my outdoor hobbies and volunteer work for the Nature Conservancy, Audubon, and other nonprofits and environmental groups. I love to travel, hike, bike, and paddle with my wife Heather and sometimes with our dog Sukey.

Scott Wright, Director (2025) 
About my involvement with the Friends and the Refuges: For many years, I hunted throughout the Lower Suwannee NWR. At that time, I was the director of the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory for the State of Florida, focusing on manatees and other marine mammals. Later, I moved to Wisconsin to become Chief of Disease Investigations at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center. This provided the opportunity for me to work with many federal refuges throughout the nation. After retiring, returning to Florida and living in our family home on Cedar Key, I became involved with the world famous Pepper Busters removing these noxious invaders on refuge land as well as on Cedar Key. 

About other parts of my life: In addition to busting peppers, I serve on the Board of the Cedar Keys Audubon and I am a landlord for Purple Martin housing on the Island. My wife, Beth, and I have returned to our manatee roots. We presently volunteer for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute. Under federal and state permits, we conduct photo-identification studies of manatees at three state parks: Manatee Springs, Fanning Springs and Ichetucknee Springs State Park. We conduct field work three days a week from November 1 through March 30. 

Current Board Members and Key Volunteers

Debbie Meeks, President (2023)
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: As a kid in Texas I spent most of my time outdoors. I go to the refuges to bike, hike, photograph and kayak. My time spent exploring our amazing refuges feels like an adventure. 

About other parts of my life: I am a retired cabinetmaker turned software programmer. My husband and I like to travel without plans where we delight in modern architecture. While at home my studio workshop, nature pursuits, and volunteering occupy my time.

Ginessa Mahar,  President-elect (2023)
About my involvement with the Friends and the Refuges: I am passionate about conserving both the natural and cultural history of the Refuges, as I believe both to be inextricably linked. I have spent the last several years exploring the Refuges as an archaeologist and am deeply grateful for the Friends’ stewardship of this beautiful region.

About other parts of my life: My dissertation research focused on the archaeology of ancient Native American fishing practices in the Lower Suwannee region. This research allowed me to interact with much of the coastline of the Refuges, experiencing its dynamism. Prior to my research in Florida, I spent several years working as an archaeologist for the American Museum of Natural History in Georgia. Our primary research area was located on the Atlantic Coast, a salt marsh environment with both similarities and distinct differences to the Northern Gulf Coast. I love exploring the southeastern islands, shorelines, and maritime forests. In addition to my archaeological research I now serve as the Anthropology Librarian at the University of Florida.

Peg Hall, Immediate Past President (2023)
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: An admirer of the contributions that the Refuges make to the quality of life and economic well-being of the region, I enjoy being involved in building support for them. I served previously as president from 2011 to 2013 and in 2021, and have continued since then as the webmaster and editor of the monthly email News Brief.

About other parts of my life: My other interests include hiking and writing. I am co-author of Second Wind on the Way of St. James (2013) and The Summer of a Thousand Cheeses (2010). I am a retired university administrator and professor in the field of public relations. I have walked sections of the Camino de Santiago 10 times in the past 15 years.

Bill Dummitt, Secretary (2023)
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: Almost 20  years ago, I was driving down highway 19, wandering around Florida on vacation.   It was getting late and I needed to find a place to stay.  I saw Cedar Key on the map and decided to take a  detour to see what it was like, since I hadn’t previously heard of it.  I was hooked by the serene coastal environment. abundant wildlife, and laid-back atmosphere.  In 2012 I bought a house here.  A year later I convinced my boss to offer me early retirement, and then left icy Midwestern winters to live here full-time.  Seeking others who shared my feelings about the Florida outdoors, I joined Friends and was invited to join the board shortly afterwards.  My favorite pastimes in my new retired life are travel, paddling, and nature photography.

Linda Kimball, Treasurer (2023)
About my involvement with Friends and the  Refuges: When serendipity brought my husband and me to Cedar Key in 2016, we talked to a realtor by the end of the week because we had found ­our winter home, a wildlife haven in a land of cedars, cypress, palms and pines.  Exploring the Refuges became part of my life so it naturally followed that I joined the Friends and then began volunteering at the visitor welcome desk.  I am committed to supporting the preservation of the Refuges and finding ways to share these treasures with others who seek to explore nature.

​About other parts of my life: After teaching English for 42+ years in high school and college, I’m now on a more flexible schedule that allows me to pursue my first major in college – biology.  During the summer I enjoy walking the pine and hardwood forests in New York. When I’m in Florida, I serve as the treasurer for the Cedar Keys Audubon Society and enjoy observing birds on my daily walks. And, when I’m not in New York or Cedar Key, I’m on the road, in the air, or on a train traveling to another part of the world.

Ed DeHaan, Director (2023)
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: After 63 years in the winters of Montana, Minnesota, and Iowa, it is unspeakable joy to spend the winters in gorgeous Cedar Key, Florida hiking in the Lower Suwannee Refuge and kayaking around shorebirds in the tidewaters near the Cedar Key Refuge. My work on this board reflects how much I value what the refuges provide to all of us.

About other parts of my life: My wife, Joyce, and I are contented grandparents who spend summers in St. Paul, Minnesota, often caring for our three young grandchildren and otherwise enjoying the culture of a glorious metropolitan area as well as outdoors opportunities.

Denise Feiber, Director (2024)
About my involvement with the Friends and the Refuges: Moving to Cedar Key full time nearly five years ago, and having boated here for many more years, has reignited my love of the sea and the beautiful surrounding environment. I retired as the director of public information from the FL Dept of Agriculture Division of Plant Industry in 2018. I was a bit “at sea” for a while trying to adjust to having a clean desk. In Cedar Key that doesn’t last long if you’re willing to get involved. I have enjoyed and learned from my involvement with Friends over the last few years and look forward to continuing work to help preserve and protect this incredibly special place.

About other parts of my life: My husband John and I continue to explore our unique community and marvel at the number of wonderful friends we have made, and at the beauty that surrounds our home. Our animals also dominate a good part of our life.

Joe Hand, Director (2023)
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: I moved from the Chesapeake Bay area to Central Florida 60 years ago and spent most days of my childhood fishing and boating the local lakes and springs. I now fish and boat our beautiful Gulf waters around Cedar Key and hope to help preserve these wild refuge areas that I discovered in my youth.

About other parts of my life: After working 35 years for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection assessing Florida’s surface water quality and trends, I retired to Cedar Key with my wife, Bunny. We restored an 80-year-old log cabin on the island and enjoy the island’s ambience and wonderful, quirky people.

Debbie Jordan, Director (2023):
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: I was hooked on my first trip to Shired Island, towing an old pop-up camper.  Back then, CR 357 was more potholes than road!  But we found paradise at the end.  Since then, my husband and I have experienced many fantastic natural encounters with abundant fiddler and horseshoe crabs, white pelicans, red and black drum, dolphins hunting, sea turtles, speckled trout, sharks and tarpon.  It prompted our moving to Suwannee, FL, where we enjoyed 12 wonderful years.  I really want to do what I can to help protect our Refuges’ amazing wildlife.
 
About other parts of my life: Combining my teenage travel aboard my family’s 36-foot sailboat and my 30-year career at Gainesville’s Holbrook Travel, I’ve been to 40 countries so far. My passion for birding and nature travel has led me to develop group expeditions that directly support habitat conservation for resident and migrant birds in Central and South America.  When not traveling for work or pleasure, I am appreciating our grandchildren here in Melrose, FL. 

Boyd Kimball, Director (2024)
About my involvement with Friends and the  Refuges: Not knowing what to expect, my wife and I began volunteering at the Refuges welcome desk several years ago. It soon became apparent that this would be a quality experience interacting with visitors, getting to know other dedicated volunteers and meeting the welcoming, communicative Refuges staff. It has been positive enough that I look forward to volunteer stints and am eager to do more for the Refuges.

​​About other parts of my life: Retired after 32 years of teaching and another 13 years as a non-profit administrator, my wife and I found a sanctuary from New York State winters in Cedar Key. Travel, reading, other volunteer opportunities, and exploring the area’s natural world occupy much of my time.

Dan Kline, Director (2023)
About my involvement with Friends and the  Refuges: I have always had an interest in wetlands ecology and have been given the privilege to conduct research in the Lower Suwannee Refuge for the past few decades. 

About other parts of my life: I have been interested in science nearly my whole life.  I am a trained medical & veterinary entomologist who specializes in conducting research on the biology, behavior, ecology and population management of mosquitoes and other biting flies.

John McPherson , Director (2024)
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: I have always felt that it was important to save natural areas for their own sake—it’s an added bonus that I love to spend time in them as well. 
​
About other parts of my life: I am an attorney practicing local government law and providing general management services to the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District.  I enjoy living in Cedar Key—the perfect place for a nature lover.

Paul Ramey, Director (2023)
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: A sixth-generation Floridian, I have been exploring the land and water between Yankeetown and Steinhatchee since before the Lower Suwannee Refuge was established. My great-grandparents had a place in Suwannee and my grandmother was an expert at catching mullet with a cane pole from the bank. I remember trout fishing as a young boy with my great-grandparents and grandparents, and as a child and adult I spent a lot of time hunting and fishing with my Dad. After joining the Friends Group at the urging of a good friend and hunting buddy, and later becoming a life member, I volunteered to help with the communications committee. I feel strongly we need as many advocates as possible to help preserve Florida’s natural areas, which seem to be quickly disappearing as our state’s population continues to grow. 

About other parts of my life: I worked as a broadcast and print journalist and later in public relations, marketing and advertising in Florida and Alaska for more than 30 years, and enjoy being a citizen scientist. I am currently a representative and adviser with Thrivent Financial.

John Thalacker, Director (2023)
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: I knew almost nothing about the birds or fauna of the Refuge until 10 years ago when I retired. The  River Trail development (tree and plant identification and pathway and signage) has become my focus since virtually nothing was there before to help visitors know what they are looking at in that beautiful area.

About other parts of my life: I am a retired warden emeritus from Iowa.

Travis Thomas, Director (2024)
About my involvement with the Friends and the Refuges: I grew up on the Suwannee River, just a short distance from the refuge, and I harbor many great memories and respect for this important ecosystem. As a wildlife ecologist, I understand the critical role that these ecosystems play, and I hope to help conserve them for future generations.
 
About other parts of my life:  I recently completed my Ph.D. at the University of Florida in the department of wildlife ecology and conservation, and I’m based out of the Cedar Key UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station. In addition, I co-instruct an undergraduate class called Wildlife of Florida, where students learn the identification and taxonomy of Florida’s wildlife. My research is currently focused on the population dynamics of threatened reptiles.

Jeri Treat, Director (2023)
About my involvement with the Friends and the Refuges: My husband and I first visited Cedar Key more than 30 years ago. We were taken with the beauty of the natural resources both on the water and the undeveloped lands. Our love of small boats became a great way for us to enjoy the wonderful, serene and secret places the Refuge has to offer. There are many trails to walk and explore. I am delighted having the opportunity to help with preservation of the Refuge lands.

About other parts of my life: After years of sailing Florida’s waters we decided to travel the Blue Highways and visit states and coastal towns on the east coast including Canada. We converted a van for camping, strapped the canoe on the roof and were ready to go. Our favorite stopping spots were State parks, National Parks and Forests and off the beaten path campgrounds. Today we enjoy our Cedar Key community and the natural environment that surrounds us.

Barbara Woodmansee, Director (2024)
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges:  I have been coming to the LSNWR for about 15 years, mostly to survey the Nature Drive for rare butterflies.  In the past, I have lead a butterfly walk in early April to familiarize people with the variety of butterfly species that make the various habitats in the refuge so incredible.  I created a butterfly primer for people interested in being able to identify the refuge butterflies that is now posted on the Friends website.  I am always available online (lastinstar@gmail.com) to help with butterfly questions.  I am interested in learning as much as I can about flora and fauna in wild places, and love to hike the gates off of the main nature drive in search of new treasures to photograph.  I have a website where there is a special gallery of everything I've photographed at LSNWR.

About other parts of my life:  I have been a registered nurse for 35 years, currently working for Haven Hospice in the Gainesville area hospitals.  I am not a trained biologist, but am a dedicated "citizen scientist" in my free time.  My husband Marc, a retired Gainesville police officer, and I love to camp all over the country and especially in Florida.  We live just outside of Gainesville on Kanapaha prairie, where we have two golden retrievers and a flock of very spoiled chickens.

Jay Bushnell, Advocacy Committee and Former President
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: As a boy, under the tutelage of my wonderful stepfather, I developed a love of nature and the outdoors.  I love the opportunities the Refuges provide to appreciate and enjoy the wild. I feel a deep responsibility to preserve wildlife and the environment that they depend on the the future.

About other parts of my life: I married my high school sweet heart 50+ years ago. We have two sons and six grandchildren.  We are both retired educators with over 60 years of combined experience.  I love to read (mostly nonfiction) and I have recently acquired an interest in geology, especially creating cabochons. 

Russ Hall, Science Volunteer and Former President
About my involvement with Friends and the Refuges: A biological scientist by avocation, training, and experience, I have found much to entice and engage in the unique and alluring ecosystems of the refuges. I hope my involvement with the Friends will help to support refuge managers in their effective management and protection of refuges to benefit the American people.

About other parts of my life: Since retiring from my position as a biologist and science manager with the US Geological Service in 2006, I have published nine books and hiked more than 1200 miles on the Camino de Santiago.