Lisa Samford, Executive Director
lisa@jacksonwild.org
Lisa Samford left a career in journalism to become a documentary filmmaker, specializing in difficult and remote expedition projects. She has filmed across five continents on a diverse collection of long-form films and series on topics ranging from violent crime, espionage, extreme weather, historical anthologies and ethnographic/scientific exploration to intimate portraits of author Wallace Stegner and conservation pioneer Mardy Murie. Joining the ranks of the urban refugee, Samford returned to her native Wyoming to raise her son with paleontologist Wallace Ulrich. Executive Director of the internationally renowned Jackson Wild (formerly known as Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival) since 2004, Samford holds a BS and MA degrees in Communication. She is an envoy for the American Filmmakers Showcase, the premier film diplomacy program of the US Department of State managed by USC School of Cinematic Arts.
lisa@jacksonwild.org
Lisa Samford left a career in journalism to become a documentary filmmaker, specializing in difficult and remote expedition projects. She has filmed across five continents on a diverse collection of long-form films and series on topics ranging from violent crime, espionage, extreme weather, historical anthologies and ethnographic/scientific exploration to intimate portraits of author Wallace Stegner and conservation pioneer Mardy Murie. Joining the ranks of the urban refugee, Samford returned to her native Wyoming to raise her son with paleontologist Wallace Ulrich. Executive Director of the internationally renowned Jackson Wild (formerly known as Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival) since 2004, Samford holds a BS and MA degrees in Communication. She is an envoy for the American Filmmakers Showcase, the premier film diplomacy program of the US Department of State managed by USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Christie Quinn, Operations Director
christie@jacksonwild.org
After spending most of her life on the east coast, Christie followed the call of the mountains to Jackson, WY in the spring of 2012 where she found Jackson Wild. She began as a production associate, shortly moving into the role of Film Competition Coordinator. She directed the 2012 film One Day In Jackson Hole, worked as the Jackson Wild's Marketing & Design Director, and now is the Director of Operations. A lover of videography, photography and travel, Christie spends her time outside of the office exploring the beautiful surroundings in Jackson - always with a camera in hand. She graduated from Elon University with a degree in Media Arts & Entertainment and Spanish.
christie@jacksonwild.org
After spending most of her life on the east coast, Christie followed the call of the mountains to Jackson, WY in the spring of 2012 where she found Jackson Wild. She began as a production associate, shortly moving into the role of Film Competition Coordinator. She directed the 2012 film One Day In Jackson Hole, worked as the Jackson Wild's Marketing & Design Director, and now is the Director of Operations. A lover of videography, photography and travel, Christie spends her time outside of the office exploring the beautiful surroundings in Jackson - always with a camera in hand. She graduated from Elon University with a degree in Media Arts & Entertainment and Spanish.
Melanie Judd, Partnerships & Engagement
melanie@jacksonwild.org
Born and raised in Nashville Tennessee, Melanie enjoyed exploring the countless hills and waterfalls surrounding her hometown and spent most summers on her grandparents’ farm. After moving to the Grand Tetons, the hills seemed more like stepping-stones. With a BS in Environmental Science from Belmont University and being an animal lover since childhood, Melanie is passionate about habitat conservation and species preservation. She is a conservation photography enthusiast and cant help trying to capture the magnificent beauty of the natural world with her camera. Her favorite book is The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan, and she fills her spare time exploring the nearby national parks and snowboarding in the backcountry.
melanie@jacksonwild.org
Born and raised in Nashville Tennessee, Melanie enjoyed exploring the countless hills and waterfalls surrounding her hometown and spent most summers on her grandparents’ farm. After moving to the Grand Tetons, the hills seemed more like stepping-stones. With a BS in Environmental Science from Belmont University and being an animal lover since childhood, Melanie is passionate about habitat conservation and species preservation. She is a conservation photography enthusiast and cant help trying to capture the magnificent beauty of the natural world with her camera. Her favorite book is The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan, and she fills her spare time exploring the nearby national parks and snowboarding in the backcountry.
Dana Grant, Media Awards
dana@jacksonwild.org
Raised on a farm in the woods of Connecticut, Dana gained an early appreciation for nature and living, growing things. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia, with a B.A. in Archaeology and Studio Art with a photography focus. A drive to explore has led her to a number of adventurous occupations such as training polo horses in Hawaii, leading dogsled tours through the Wyoming wilderness, and even washing dishes at a science station in Antarctica. Having made Jackson her home and begun work with Jackson Wild, Dana is grateful for the chance to pursue an interest in media, expand her skills, and ultimately help benefit wild places and animals around the world.
dana@jacksonwild.org
Raised on a farm in the woods of Connecticut, Dana gained an early appreciation for nature and living, growing things. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia, with a B.A. in Archaeology and Studio Art with a photography focus. A drive to explore has led her to a number of adventurous occupations such as training polo horses in Hawaii, leading dogsled tours through the Wyoming wilderness, and even washing dishes at a science station in Antarctica. Having made Jackson her home and begun work with Jackson Wild, Dana is grateful for the chance to pursue an interest in media, expand her skills, and ultimately help benefit wild places and animals around the world.
Abbey Greene, Media Manager
abbey@jacksonwild.org
Abbey comes to us from the east coast after graduating in Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. While at school, she focused on reporting on environmental issues and took several science classes for background knowledge to fuel her stories. She spent her summers interning at ecoRI as an environmental reporter for southern New England and at the coastal nonprofit Save The Bay in their communications department. She is excited about coming here to explore the Jackson area and dive into world of nature filmography. In her free time, she loves hiking, volleyball, and getting outside as much as she can.
abbey@jacksonwild.org
Abbey comes to us from the east coast after graduating in Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. While at school, she focused on reporting on environmental issues and took several science classes for background knowledge to fuel her stories. She spent her summers interning at ecoRI as an environmental reporter for southern New England and at the coastal nonprofit Save The Bay in their communications department. She is excited about coming here to explore the Jackson area and dive into world of nature filmography. In her free time, she loves hiking, volleyball, and getting outside as much as she can.
Angelica Shaw, Collective Coordinator
angelica@jacksonwild.org
Although her innate love for animals began at an early age, Angelica’s passion for the natural world formed much later during her senior year of high school. She developed a love for the outdoors, and spent a semester in Portland, Oregon where she took advantage of numerous opportunities to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She was born in China and raised in Virginia and graduated from George Mason with a degree in Environmental Studies, focusing on Equity & Environmental Justice, and a minor in Arts & Social Change. She is most excited about the nexus between environmental anthropology, filmmaking and social justice. In her down time, you can find her riding her bike, hiking, taking film photos and watching a new documentary.
angelica@jacksonwild.org
Although her innate love for animals began at an early age, Angelica’s passion for the natural world formed much later during her senior year of high school. She developed a love for the outdoors, and spent a semester in Portland, Oregon where she took advantage of numerous opportunities to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She was born in China and raised in Virginia and graduated from George Mason with a degree in Environmental Studies, focusing on Equity & Environmental Justice, and a minor in Arts & Social Change. She is most excited about the nexus between environmental anthropology, filmmaking and social justice. In her down time, you can find her riding her bike, hiking, taking film photos and watching a new documentary.
Scarlett Brown, Media Awards & Special Jury
scarlett@jacksonwild.org
Growing up in Texas, Scarlett has always had a passion for wildlife and conservation. With a BS in Wildlife Biology from Texas State University, her passion has taken her from field research, to film, then to communications and outreach. She now works with Jackson Wild's film competition and her eclectic experience is all in an effort to facilitate an impact for conservation through media. She is beyond excited to be a part of the team and witness the power of media to inspire and ignite action to create a global impact for the preservation of our planet. In her spare time she prefers to be birding, hiking or working on film & photography. Her favorite books include Ishmael and A Sand County Almanac.
scarlett@jacksonwild.org
Growing up in Texas, Scarlett has always had a passion for wildlife and conservation. With a BS in Wildlife Biology from Texas State University, her passion has taken her from field research, to film, then to communications and outreach. She now works with Jackson Wild's film competition and her eclectic experience is all in an effort to facilitate an impact for conservation through media. She is beyond excited to be a part of the team and witness the power of media to inspire and ignite action to create a global impact for the preservation of our planet. In her spare time she prefers to be birding, hiking or working on film & photography. Her favorite books include Ishmael and A Sand County Almanac.
Jillian Li, Marketing Manager
jillian@jacksonwild.org
Jillian Li's passion for film and photography has allowed her to travel around the world and learn about issues from individuals who experience them firsthand. For example, in India she participated in a woman empowerment workshop with girls attending school to lift themselves out of poverty. This type of traveling has shown her how big the world is outside of her hometown Palo Alto. The problems she has researched, such as plastic pollution, agricultural chemicals, and sex trafficking, are easier to push aside when they are not directly affecting us. Her mission is to use the medium of film and photography to connect communities and educate individuals about important topics, such as environmental conservation.
jillian@jacksonwild.org
Jillian Li's passion for film and photography has allowed her to travel around the world and learn about issues from individuals who experience them firsthand. For example, in India she participated in a woman empowerment workshop with girls attending school to lift themselves out of poverty. This type of traveling has shown her how big the world is outside of her hometown Palo Alto. The problems she has researched, such as plastic pollution, agricultural chemicals, and sex trafficking, are easier to push aside when they are not directly affecting us. Her mission is to use the medium of film and photography to connect communities and educate individuals about important topics, such as environmental conservation.
Petra Gnad, Managing Director Austria
petra@jacksonwild.org
Born and raised in Salzburg, Austria, Petra studied international economics in Vienna and has lots of experience being Marketing Director including PR & Event for several international brands. When her daughter was born, 2005, she decided to work more independently, founded her own business and started working as consultant and event & congress manager. After spending two years in Capetown she followed the call of her home city and its nature around this area and moved back to Salzburg. Whenever possible, Petra spends time in the mountains or lakes that surround her home. It was one of her dreams to put all her efforts into a project that makes so much sense and so there was immediate love when she was introduced to Jackson Wild and to the idea of having the Jackson Wild Summit also in Austria!
petra@jacksonwild.org
Born and raised in Salzburg, Austria, Petra studied international economics in Vienna and has lots of experience being Marketing Director including PR & Event for several international brands. When her daughter was born, 2005, she decided to work more independently, founded her own business and started working as consultant and event & congress manager. After spending two years in Capetown she followed the call of her home city and its nature around this area and moved back to Salzburg. Whenever possible, Petra spends time in the mountains or lakes that surround her home. It was one of her dreams to put all her efforts into a project that makes so much sense and so there was immediate love when she was introduced to Jackson Wild and to the idea of having the Jackson Wild Summit also in Austria!
Raini Sydney, Production Associate
raini@jacksonwild.org
Having spent most of his childhood in Kenyan countryside, Raini grew up to be a lover of nature and the soothing tranquility that it comes with. He is a Senior at the African Leadership University (ALU),under the ALU School of Wildlife Conservation Scholars Programme, pursuing a BA in Global Challenges, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and conservation. His goal is to use technology to encourage local communities to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives and to promote a triple bottom line approach in conservation businesses .He spends his free time gardening, going for walks and trying new handiwork ideas on repurposing items.
raini@jacksonwild.org
Having spent most of his childhood in Kenyan countryside, Raini grew up to be a lover of nature and the soothing tranquility that it comes with. He is a Senior at the African Leadership University (ALU),under the ALU School of Wildlife Conservation Scholars Programme, pursuing a BA in Global Challenges, with a focus on sustainable agriculture and conservation. His goal is to use technology to encourage local communities to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives and to promote a triple bottom line approach in conservation businesses .He spends his free time gardening, going for walks and trying new handiwork ideas on repurposing items.
Kerry Shanahan, Production Associate
kerry@jacksonwild.org
Growing up by the ocean in New England, Kerry has always been passionate about conservation and wildlife from a young age. While obtaining her degree in Media Studies and Production, she wanted to incorporate her passion for sustainability into her future career and picked up a minor in Environmental Studies. Kerry is thrilled to be a part of a team and organization that shares her passion for impactful storytelling that connects us all to the natural world. When she is not hiking or exploring new places she enjoys reading and cooking as much as she can.
kerry@jacksonwild.org
Growing up by the ocean in New England, Kerry has always been passionate about conservation and wildlife from a young age. While obtaining her degree in Media Studies and Production, she wanted to incorporate her passion for sustainability into her future career and picked up a minor in Environmental Studies. Kerry is thrilled to be a part of a team and organization that shares her passion for impactful storytelling that connects us all to the natural world. When she is not hiking or exploring new places she enjoys reading and cooking as much as she can.
Somes Huwiler, Production Associate
somes@jacksonwild.org
Somes was born in Long Island, NY but spends a lot of time in Lake Placid, NY where she learned to love and appreciate nature. She is a recent graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Global Studies and a sustainability focus. Her love of animals and passion for conservation led her to Jackson Wild. When she is not working you can find her enjoying the outdoors, hiking, skiing, kiteboarding, and playing with her two dogs. Somes is excited to work in the field of conservation media and begin her professional career at Jackson Wild.
somes@jacksonwild.org
Somes was born in Long Island, NY but spends a lot of time in Lake Placid, NY where she learned to love and appreciate nature. She is a recent graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Global Studies and a sustainability focus. Her love of animals and passion for conservation led her to Jackson Wild. When she is not working you can find her enjoying the outdoors, hiking, skiing, kiteboarding, and playing with her two dogs. Somes is excited to work in the field of conservation media and begin her professional career at Jackson Wild.
Thomas Mutinda, Marketing Associate
thomas@jacksonwild.org
Nature has always been a part of his life, having been born and raised in the warm, gently flowing plains and plateaus of Machakos in Eastern Kenya, and having spent some time studying in the cold suburbs of Kikuyu in Central Kenya. He is currently enrolled at the African Leadership University (Rwanda Campus) pursuing a bachelor's degree in International Business and Trade. He is passionate about developing business strategies and designing products for small and medium-sized businesses in Africa, with an emphasis on agriculture, nature, and conservation, and is now building a startup with the same objectives. He is elated to be joining the Jackson Wild team to learn how he can use storytelling to identify and solve challenges in those industries. Thomas spends his free time with his friends playing soccer, watching TV shows, and walking his dog.
thomas@jacksonwild.org
Nature has always been a part of his life, having been born and raised in the warm, gently flowing plains and plateaus of Machakos in Eastern Kenya, and having spent some time studying in the cold suburbs of Kikuyu in Central Kenya. He is currently enrolled at the African Leadership University (Rwanda Campus) pursuing a bachelor's degree in International Business and Trade. He is passionate about developing business strategies and designing products for small and medium-sized businesses in Africa, with an emphasis on agriculture, nature, and conservation, and is now building a startup with the same objectives. He is elated to be joining the Jackson Wild team to learn how he can use storytelling to identify and solve challenges in those industries. Thomas spends his free time with his friends playing soccer, watching TV shows, and walking his dog.
Jillian Lami, Marketing Associate
jill@jacksonwild.org
The desire for a change in scenery after being a lifelong resident of Mobile, AL brought Jillian Lami to Jackson, Wyoming in the summer of 2021. She is currently a student at the University of South Alabama, studying strategic communications. After her experience as the Digital Marketing Intern for Today’s Homeowner, a national home improvement TV show, she is excited to take on the role of a marketing associate for Jackson Wild. Jillian possesses a passion for photography, travel and opportunities for professional development. She loves to spend her free time exploring all of the natural attractions Jackson and its surrounding areas have to offer.
jill@jacksonwild.org
The desire for a change in scenery after being a lifelong resident of Mobile, AL brought Jillian Lami to Jackson, Wyoming in the summer of 2021. She is currently a student at the University of South Alabama, studying strategic communications. After her experience as the Digital Marketing Intern for Today’s Homeowner, a national home improvement TV show, she is excited to take on the role of a marketing associate for Jackson Wild. Jillian possesses a passion for photography, travel and opportunities for professional development. She loves to spend her free time exploring all of the natural attractions Jackson and its surrounding areas have to offer.
Madeline Megery, Production Associate
madeline@jacksonwild.org
Madeline Megery is a recent graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Communication and an emphasis in Environmental Studies. She is passionate about using creative mediums of communication to promote deeper connections to the natural world. With a background in working for environmental organizations and production companies, she is excited to bridge her love of both the natural world and film at Jackson Wild.
madeline@jacksonwild.org
Madeline Megery is a recent graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Communication and an emphasis in Environmental Studies. She is passionate about using creative mediums of communication to promote deeper connections to the natural world. With a background in working for environmental organizations and production companies, she is excited to bridge her love of both the natural world and film at Jackson Wild.
