Allison Jolley – Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Director
Allison directs the Watershed Research and Training Center’s Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program (RFFC). Allison views her work as cultivating opportunities for innovation and change at the convergence of People, Power, and Place as it relates to wildfire resilience.
Over the last four years, Allison has built and leveraged a complex portfolio of projects within RFFC that advance issues of Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, including: equitable workforce development; indigenous-led efforts, prescribed fire workforce development more broadly; and fire adapted communities. Allison works closely with other WRTC program directors, primarily the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network and Prescribed Fire programs, to integrate those teams’ technical assistance and resources into RFFC.
Allison’s background is in the intersection of natural resources, community organizing, social science, and facilitation. Prior to joining the Watershed Center team, she worked for the Sierra Institute for Community and Environment, focused on facilitation, collaborative forestry and applied social sciences. She has also worked as an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service. Allison earned her Master of Environmental Management from the Nicholas School at Duke University and has a Bachelor of Arts in Ecology from The University of the South (Sewanee).
Email Allison: allison@thewatershedcenter.com
Matt Seiler - Project Coordinator for the Equitable Workforce Development Initiative
Matt Seiler works within the Watershed Center’s Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program as the Project Coordinator for Equitable Workforce Development Initiative. This initiative provides training and fellowship opportunities for underrepresented and underserved young adults interested in continuing their careers in fire resilience and land stewardship.
Matt has a diverse work history, including project management roles in engineering, manufacturing, and commercial construction. He also worked as a Park Ranger and Operations Manager in Yosemite National Park and began his career building theatrical scenery and special effects for regional theaters in Arizona, Colorado, and Oregon. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Arizona.
When he’s not on the clock, Matt enjoys exploring the trails, beaches, mountains, and deserts of Southern Oregon with his family.
Email Matt: mseiler@thewatershedcenter.com