Our Team

A member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, DR has over 36 years of experience in forestry and natural resource management, as well as the technical and policy aspects of working for tribes. He served eight years on the Colville Business Council as both the Vice Chair and the Chair of the Natural Resource Committee. DR enjoys camping on the Columbia River.

A member of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, Lori has over 20 years of experience working for UCUT. She keeps operations running smoothly and is responsible for office management and general administrative practices and techniques. She also spent four years working in an administrative position for the Spokane Tribal Business Council. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her grandkids, nieces and nephews.

Marc’s passion for protecting fish and wildlife started when he caught his first salmon as a child. He graduated from Evergreen State College with a double major in wildlife biology and film and video production. The need to protect endangered species drove Marc to work with tribes in forestry and habitat. Marc’s position at UCUT fulfills a life-long dream to ensure indigenous peoples and ecosystems survive, thrive and prosper.

Cody joined the UCUT team with diverse experience working with local tribes to restore and protect critical forest, riparian, and aquatic habitat. After graduating from Eastern Washington University with a master’s degree in biology, he worked for both the Kalispel and the Spokane Tribe of Indians and quickly realized that working with and advocating for indigenous communities and the natural resources they depend on was his passion. He is thrilled to continue this work for all the UCUT member tribes. In his free time, he enjoys landscape photography, hiking, and making increasingly complicated tacos.

Laura joined the UCUT team with over a decade of experience in fish and wildlife policy in the Columbia River Basin. Laura’s passions lie in collaborating with multiple entities on complex processes, strategically advancing goals through consensus and a solutions-driven approach, and engaging with Indigenous communities on environmental stewardship. Prior to joining UCUT, Laura worked at the Northwest Power and Conservation Council and earned her Executive Masters in Public Administration and Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies and Geography. As a native Oregonian, Laura enjoys being outdoors in the Pacific Northwest.

Caroline was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, California, but has spent the last eight years living in Spokane. She recently earned her Law degree (J.D.) from Gonzaga University, focusing on conservation and water issues. Caroline comes to UCUT with experience working with the Forest Service as a Hydrology Technician in the Colville National Forest, Earth Law Center on Snake River litigation, and Spokane Riverkeeper on Clean Water Defense. In her free time, Caroline enjoys hiking, playing beach volleyball, and continuing to learn the craft of fly fishing.

Jerry has had a passion for Rivers and fish since he was taught to fish for salmon in the Willamette River with his grandfather.   Jerry went on to be Executive Director for the Spokane Riverkeeper, where he worked for a decade to protect the Spokane River, collaborate with the Upper Columbia Tribes, and advocate for the larger community.  Jerry has lived with his wife for 25 years a stone’s throw from the waters and trout of the Spokane River and regularly boats, swims, and fishes the River.

With over 12 years of experience in anatomical laboratories, Ashlee has dedicated the last four years to project management and director roles, guiding teams and initiatives with strong leadership and strategic vision. Over the course of an eight-year leadership journey, Ashlee has cultivated expertise in process optimization, team development, and organizational growth.

Ashlee holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Biology, blending scientific expertise with a keen understanding of operational efficiency and management. Born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, Ashlee has always been deeply connected to the natural world. This passion for stewardship extends beyond their professional work to their personal life, where she is committed to environmental and community well-being.

Outside of work, Ashlee enjoys hiking, traveling, and creating art. A former collegiate soccer player, she brings the same dedication and teamwork to every endeavor. Whether spending time with family and pets or exploring the great outdoors, Ashlee strives to lead with purpose and passion in both work and life.