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, Director of Operations
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, Director of Partnerships
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.
Angelica Shaw, Collective Manager
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, Awards & Film Program Manager
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.
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!
Grace Bowie, Marketing Manager
grace@jacksonwild.org
Though now an avid hiker and traveler, Grace grew up as a very indoorsy kid, watching lots of movies and television. In recent years, her love for film has combined with a passion for the outdoors and conserving wild spaces. She is interested in elevating independent voices and stories of connection to our shared planet. She was born and raised in Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English and Media Studies. Her favorite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck, and outside of work she enjoys hiking, bouldering, and perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe.
grace@jacksonwild.org
Though now an avid hiker and traveler, Grace grew up as a very indoorsy kid, watching lots of movies and television. In recent years, her love for film has combined with a passion for the outdoors and conserving wild spaces. She is interested in elevating independent voices and stories of connection to our shared planet. She was born and raised in Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English and Media Studies. Her favorite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck, and outside of work she enjoys hiking, bouldering, and perfecting her chocolate chip cookie recipe.
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.
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.
Somes Huwiler, Programming Coordinator
somes@jacksonwild.org
Born and raised in the Adirondack Park, Somes has always had a deep love of nature and passion for outdoor activities. Her passion for nature, wildlife and film lead to Jackson Wild in 2021. She began as an intern and quickly fell in love with Jackson Hole. After graduating from the University of Virginia, she moved to Jackson full time and took on her current role as Programming Coordinator. She is passionate about inspiring environmental change through film and helping promote a healthy balance between humans and wildlife. In her free time, Somes can often be found skiing, hiking, biking, fishing and enjoying everything Jackson has to offer.
somes@jacksonwild.org
Born and raised in the Adirondack Park, Somes has always had a deep love of nature and passion for outdoor activities. Her passion for nature, wildlife and film lead to Jackson Wild in 2021. She began as an intern and quickly fell in love with Jackson Hole. After graduating from the University of Virginia, she moved to Jackson full time and took on her current role as Programming Coordinator. She is passionate about inspiring environmental change through film and helping promote a healthy balance between humans and wildlife. In her free time, Somes can often be found skiing, hiking, biking, fishing and enjoying everything Jackson has to offer.
Irene Marra, Operations Associate
irene@jacksonwild.org
Born in the lineage of farmers in suburban Arusha, Tanzania, Irene experienced the best of three worlds: nature, agriculture and entrepreneurship, which have greatly shaped her journey and led her to Jackson Wild. She is currently pursuing a BA in International Business and Trade at the African Leadership University in Rwanda, with a passion for entrepreneurship, storytelling, and digital content creation. As an Operations Associate at Jackson Wild, Irene seeks to put into practice her research, storytelling, marketing, and project management skills earned over the past three years. Beyond the confines of professionalism, Irene enjoys random photography, unsolicited late night coffee chats with friends, and volunteering with community organizations.
irene@jacksonwild.org
Born in the lineage of farmers in suburban Arusha, Tanzania, Irene experienced the best of three worlds: nature, agriculture and entrepreneurship, which have greatly shaped her journey and led her to Jackson Wild. She is currently pursuing a BA in International Business and Trade at the African Leadership University in Rwanda, with a passion for entrepreneurship, storytelling, and digital content creation. As an Operations Associate at Jackson Wild, Irene seeks to put into practice her research, storytelling, marketing, and project management skills earned over the past three years. Beyond the confines of professionalism, Irene enjoys random photography, unsolicited late night coffee chats with friends, and volunteering with community organizations.
Sonia Eckstein, Operations Associate
sonia@jacksonwild.org
Sonia has always been passionate about getting outside and appreciating the natural world, despite growing up between London and New York City. She is a rising senior at Dartmouth College, majoring in Environmental Earth Sciences with a minor in Data Science. Her goal is to make the complexities of environmental science more accessible to the general population, so that people can make more sustainable choices. In her free time, Sonia is an editor of her college yearbook and is an avid hiker and skier.
sonia@jacksonwild.org
Sonia has always been passionate about getting outside and appreciating the natural world, despite growing up between London and New York City. She is a rising senior at Dartmouth College, majoring in Environmental Earth Sciences with a minor in Data Science. Her goal is to make the complexities of environmental science more accessible to the general population, so that people can make more sustainable choices. In her free time, Sonia is an editor of her college yearbook and is an avid hiker and skier.
