Our Board of Directors
Jeff Lambert
President
I have been an outdoor enthusiast since I was a kid. I taught nature at a Boy Scout camp for four years and have degrees in environmental science and engineering. My conservation advocacy started with a leadership role in the successful 1997 Conservation Futures campaign. Since then I have served on nonprofit Boards, WA NOVA Committee, Wild Washington Campaign and most recently as Exec. Director of the Dishman Hills Conservancy. I encouraged Diana Roberts start the Friends of the Bluff and live nearby. The Bluff is a conservation and recreation asset and I hope we can continue to acquire, protect and steward this area.
Greg MacDonald
Vice President
The Bluff has been my friend since I moved to Spokane in 1999, and has provided me with countless meditative walks, amazing encounters with animals and plants, lessons in geology, delightful hikes with friends and exciting mountain bike adventures. As a Pediatric Neurologist, I am especially cognizant of the benefits of the outdoors for our children (and ourselves). The Bluff lets us celebrate nature’s inclusivity, diversity and healing qualities. Wanting to repay some of the benefits I’ve received from this amazing resource, I joined the Board of Directors of Friends of the Bluff in 2022 and currently serve as its vice-president. I look forward to meeting you on the trails, at our volunteer activities and community events. I’d love to hear your Bluff stories!
Danielle Xu
Treasurer
Danielle was born and raised in Jilin City, China. She earned a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Arizona and moved to Spokane in 2005 to work as a Finance Professor at Gonzaga (Go Zags!). She used to live in Highland Park, so hiking the bluff became a part of her routine. She also enjoys biking, walking her dog, Charlie, along High Drive, and meeting new friends. She serves on the board of Spokane Sister Cities Association and is the President of Jilin Society. She is also the Treasurer of Spokane Public Schools Foundation, as well as an avid volunteer of Opportunity Northeast Community Project at Gonzaga.
Chuck Carter
Secretary
I am an avid mountain biker and hiker with a passion for open spaces. When I moved to Spokane over 20 years ago, I couldn’t believe my good luck in discovering the Bluff just a few blocks from my house. Now its time to serve on the board as the many dedicated leaders and volunteers that came before me keeping our Bluff the viable conservation resource that it is today. I hope to see you at an event soon.
Laura Ackerman
FireWise Coordinator
I have worked professionally and in a volunteer capacity as an environmental and neighborhood activist and organizer for 30 years. Living west of Highway 195, I see the Bluff from a bottom-up point of view, literally, and in a conservation-minded way. I think the two sides of the highway need to be connected, literally and in a conservation and community-oriented style. I plan to work on that during my time on the board, while promoting the Bluff and Latah Creek as natural areas in the same habitat.
Kathryn Phillips
Membership Coordinator
I am new to Spokane and was looking for a volunteer opportunity that would give back to my new community and work with my schedule. I love being outdoors and was pleased to discover the Bluff so close to my home. I attended some of the Friends of the Bluff activities with my brother and was impressed with the passion of this group. I lived many years in a Texas State Park where I often engaged with volunteers and park visitors. As a Friends of the Bluff board member and membership coordinator, I look forward to working with new and existing Friend’s of the Bluff.
Greg Boals
Volunteer Coordinator
Greg has lived in the Spokane area for 30 years. He enjoys the outdoor opportunities that are widely available in the area. He has a passion for the bluff, as many miles of walking it assisted in his rehabilitation after an accident.