Leadership Team

Board

Staff

Careers

Jonathan Paklaian

Executive Director

For over ten years, Jonathan has conducted fieldwork and managed environmental resource projects across the western U.S. This interdisciplinary experience includes working for multiple consulting firms and NGOs, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the USGS. Jonathan is excited to continue his collaborative work in the Arkansas Basin, where he hopes to facilitate meaningful, watershed-wide projects for the communities and ecosystems of the region.

In his free time, Jonathan can often be found exploring public lands, fishing, hunting, backpacking, cycling, or relaxing with some fiction. He holds an M.S. in Environmental Sciences and Policy from Northern Arizona University.

Sam Kaelin

Lake County Watershed Coordinator

Sam comes to ARWC with a strong passion for natural resources and watershed protection and brings a diverse set of experiences working in environmental non-profits and outdoor education. As a member of the Leadville community, Sam is keenly aware of the value that lies in a healthy, well managed, watershed and of the many challenges that this area faces. He is excited to take on ARWC projects in Lake County, building meaningful partnerships and collaborating across organizations to continue to serve the growing needs of the Arkansas River Watershed. Sam received a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology from Middlebury College and a Master’s in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University.

Yates McConnell

Middle Arkansas Watershed Coordinator

With a background in GIS and Watershed Resource Conservation, Yates McConnell joins ARWC extremely excited to continue working to protect Colorado’s natural resources. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, he worked as a field geologist in the Appalachians before relocating to Colorado to pursue a career in conservation. A hiker, runner, skier, and paddler, he spends his free time in all parts of the watershed with his dog, Etta. He is excited to work in the communities of the middle Arkansas river to protect this beautiful area for future generations to enjoy.

Cecilia Timberg

Watershed Resource Intern

Cecilia began work with ARWC directly following her graduation from Colorado College. In college, she focused her studies and field research on community water management, law, and policy. She has worked with the USGS, Costilla County Conservation District, the Denver Gazette, and State of the Rockies Project to connect Colorado residents with the state’s climate history and current water management infrastructure. Originally from Washington, DC, Cecilia has fallen in love with the Arkansas River during her four years in Colorado. She is excited to work on projects that support the watershed’s community and ecology.

When she has the time, Cecilia loves to write music, climb, watercolor, and slackline.