People

Our organization's superpowers are derived and driven by the vast lived experiences, education, and knowledge of many.

Our Team

John McMillan

President & Lead Scientist

John is a widely respected salmonid scientist whose career—from the Elwha River to Trout Unlimited—has focused on understanding and protecting the life histories that sustain wild steelhead. As President of TCA, John brings unmatched scientific depth, field experience, and a lifelong dedication to coldwater conservation.
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George Pess

Science Director

As Science Director, George Pess brings over 26 years of experience at NOAA, leading salmonid recovery through habitat and watershed restoration. He collaborates across agencies, tribes, NGOs, and academia, backed by a PhD in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences from the University of Washington and a strong record of peer-reviewed research.
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Nick Chambers

Senior Scientist

Nick Chambers is a fisheries scientist whose lifelong connection to wild rivers—shaped by the Rogue River and refined through fieldwork from California to Alaska—anchors his dedication to protecting native fish. As Senior Scientist, he brings both scientific rigor and practical experience to TCA to support the future of wild steelhead conservation.
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Chris Jones

Operations & Finance Director

With a career spanning finance, operations, software, and community-driven digital strategy, Chris offers a uniquely integrative perspective. His deep Pacific Northwest roots fuel a commitment to protecting natural wonders and strengthening the communities around them.
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Sarah Lonigro

Director of Engagement & Programs

With more than two decades of experience across Oregon’s high-tech and nonprofit sectors, Sarah brings deep expertise and a long-standing commitment to salmonid conservation. A natural collaborator, she excels at connecting people, ideas, and communities to drive meaningful impact across the Northwest.
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Andrew Keating

Contractor, Technology & Data Consultant

Andrew merges two decades of cross-industry technology leadership with a gift for translating complex digital systems into meaningful, mission-level impact. He supports TCA with strategic IT guidance, digital modernization, and a people-centered approach to nonprofit innovation.
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Jason Koertge

Contractor, Marketing & Brand Advisor

Jason brings a rare blend of creative grit and authentic storytelling to every project, shaped by a career in top-tier agencies, a life lived outdoors, and a client reputation as a "naturally gifted writer."
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Board of Directors

Peter Herzog

Board Chairman

A lifelong angler and real-estate executive, Peter brings both passion and pragmatism to wild fish conservation. His experiences on rivers from the Sierras to Kamchatka shape his drive to protect the habitats he hopes future generations can enjoy.
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Tom Pero

Board Secretary

Tom is an award-winning conservation writer and publisher whose influence spans decades of coldwater advocacy, journalism, and nonprofit leadership. His work has helped shape modern thinking around wild salmon and steelhead stewardship.
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Dan Burns

Member

A lifelong devotee of wild salmonids, Dan blends legal expertise, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking with a deeply personal connection to the waters that shaped him. His career reflects a steadfast belief in pragmatic, solutions-driven conservation.
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Otis Fugelso

Member

A former derivatives broker turned conservation advocate, Otis brings analytical rigor and heartfelt passion for wild fish to every endeavor. With roots in Wisconsin’s Northwoods and global experience through the Kamchatka Steelhead Project, he champions science-based stewardship.
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Jonathan Olch

Member

An accomplished angler, author, and conservationist, Jonathan brings over forty years of expertise studying and pursuing permit and steelhead around the world. His scientific insight, athletic background, and creative contributions to the sport enrich his commitment to wild fish protection.
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Jim O'Neill

Member

From the Oregon Coast to Montana’s backcountry, Jim has built a life immersed in wild landscapes and wild fish. His diverse career and long history with steelhead fuel his commitment to safeguarding their remaining populations.
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Brian Niska

Member

Based in British Columbia’s Skeena watershed, Brian Niska is a renowned speycasting instructor, lodge operator, and conservation advocate dedicated to preserving wild salmon and steelhead. A leader in angler education and policy advisory work, he blends technical mastery with a deep commitment to sustainable river stewardship and community engagement.
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Roger Bialous

Member

Rooted in a lifetime spent hunting, fishing, and exploring the Olympic Peninsula, Roger brings a deep personal connection to wild places and the fisheries that shaped him. Despite the demands of work and family, he remains devoted to time on the water and to preserving the rare, world-class fisheries he’s been fortunate enough to experience.
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Jack Stanford

Member

Jack Stanford is a globally recognized river ecologist whose groundbreaking research has reshaped modern understanding of river systems, salmonid ecology, and aquatic connectivity. With decades of fieldwork across the Pacific Rim and multiple lifetime achievement awards, he remains one of the most influential scientific voices in freshwater conservation today.
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Todd Moen

Member

This board member's bio is forthcoming.
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