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 & Secretary
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!
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. 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.
Laura Ackerman
Events
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.
Brad Thiessen
Board Member At Large
My life got just that little bit richer when a friend told me about the South Hill Bluff back in 2016 or so. Since then I, like so many of you, have been energized by morning runs, evening hikes and meetings with friends out on those trails. Joining the FOB Board seems like a good way to say thank-you to the Bluff and all of you who help it stay a special pocket of nature's goodness at the edge of the city.
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 future 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!
Brad Thiessen
Board Member At Large
My life got just that little bit richer when a friend told me about the South Hill Bluff back in 2016 or so. Since then I, like so many of you, have been energized by morning runs, evening hikes and meetings with friends out on those trails. Joining the FOB Board seems like a good way to say thank-you to the Bluff and all of you who help it stay a special pocket of nature's goodness at the edge of the city.
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.
John Coleman
Board Member At Large
I'm excited to join the Board of Friends of the Bluff 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 look forward to using my experience as an environmental educator and naturalist to help visitors learn about and connect to the Bluff.
Josh Addams
Board Member At Large
I’m a student at Ferris High School and the President of our fledgling Environmental Club. I also belong to Ferris’ music department, Hope Squad (a suicide prevention and awareness group), ASB, National Honor Society, theater, cross country, and cheerleading team. Living near the bluff, and being outside in general, makes me so happy. I’ve grown up hiking, camping, and running in the PNW and Rocky Mountains and I love Spokane.
Spending time outside has taught me to love the earth, others, and myself more deeply. To me, nature is a sacred space where we can heal our bodies and minds and find our souls. Our natural areas deserve our love and attention, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to start making a difference here at home on our Bluff. Be safe out there and be kind.
Ally Page
Board Member At Large
I am a student at Lewis and Clark Highschool. I am a leader in the LC Environmental club and big advocate for environmental awareness. I am also involved in many other activities at my school such as being the President of DECA, National Honors Society, Bite2Go, cheer, tennis. I love any activities that involve the outdoors such as hiking, climbing, skiing, diving.
I especially love living in the PNW surrounded by so much natural beauty. I am dedicated to doing my part and helping to preserve the environment! I am excited to be part of Friends of The Bluff where I can work to help promote and conserve a natural part of our community!
Mark Turner
Board Member At Large
Staff
Dee and Trevor Finchamp met in graphic design classes while attending Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. They married a few years later, moved to Spokane in 2015, and formed a business together, Karma Cultivate, that provides creative services to non-profit organizations. Since then, their work has played a significant role in the growth of dozens of local nonprofits.
They spent their first 3 years with Friends of the Bluff serving on the board as volunteers, but moved into staff positions after their terms ended in 2023.