Our Board of Directors
Laura Ackerman
President
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.
Jeff Lambert
Immediate Past President & Conservation Director
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.
Kathryn Phillips
Treasurer
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.
John Coleman
Secretary
I'm excited to serve on the Board of Friends of the Bluff board and to be an advocate for such a great natural resource. Since moving to Spokane from Salt Lake City in 2020, the Bluff has been a place for my family to recreate, enjoy nature, and take in a view. I want to use my experience as an environmental educator and naturalist to help visitors learn about and connect to the Bluff.
Craig Aldworth
Board Member At Large
I have lived near the bluff for over twenty years and my family uses the bluff trails daily. I joined the Friends of the Bluff Board to help ensure this wonderful resource is available for the use of future generations of Spokanites.
Kevin Bulla
Board Member At Large
My wife, Morgan, and I moved to Spokane with our two dogs in Jan 2024 from Austin, TX to escape the heat and humidity, experience 4 true seasons, and explore the beauty of the INW and surrounding areas. Morgan had been to Spokane before and knew we would enjoy the blend of outdoor life and history. Luckily, I was able to transfer within my company to provide tree care for the South Hill High Drive and The Bluff was one of the first places she showed me and we knew we wanted to move here. Now we live just north of the Rocket Gulch Stairs. I love being able to work and volunteer in my own community while having access to such beautiful nature within walking distance!
Vivian Pfundt
Board Member At Large
I am a student at Lewis and Clark High School and Vice President of our Environmental Club, as well as the board's youngest member! I've spent my whole life in Spokane and am very passionate about environmental preservation, as well as the Spokane community, especially youth, appreciating the outdoor opportunities we have to offer. I live right along Latah Creek and get to appreciate the beauty of the Bluff every day, so I am looking forward to being of strong support to its upkeep. I pretty much grew up outdoors and am trying to get back out to adventuring in the next couple of years. I try to dedicate all the time I can to volunteering. I am the historian of Lewis and Clark's National Honors Society, so being on this board only helps me with my dedication to public service more. I hope to potentially study water resource sciences in college to help further dedicate my life to the health of our beautiful planet!
Bryson Lay
Board Member At Large
I'm a senior at Joel E. Ferris Highschool. Additionally, I am a part-time running start student at SFCC majoring in Environmental science. I am the 2026-2027 president of the Ferris Environmental Club. Outside of environmental club, I play drum-set for the Ferris Jazz orchestra, and I play in multiple smaller jazz combos and a rock band. I am very pleased to be working with Friends of the Bluff this year!
Addison Wolfe
Board Member At Large
I am a senior at Ferris High School and vice president of the Ferris Environmental Club. I spend much of my free time outside climbing, hiking, and skiing, and feel so lucky to have access to such a beautiful region. I love Spokane and the Bluff, and I am so excited to be a part of protecting it. I hope to use this position to connect Ferris students to the broader Spokane community and give them opportunities to learn about and enjoy the Bluff because it is such a unique and amazing area!