Who we are
The Alaska Shorebird Group, formed in 1997, is a mix of academic and private researchers, federal and state agency staff, conservation organizations, and shorebird enthusiasts whose goal is to raise public awareness of shorebirds in Alaska, achieve consensus on needed conservation actions, and exchange information on issues, research findings, and education.
Executive Committee
Chairperson
Laura McDuffie – elected Dec 2022, up for election in Dec 2024
Anchorage, Alaska
email: laura.mcduffie93@gmail.com
Prior Chairs
Katie Christie (elected Dec 2022), Rebecca McGuire (elected Dec 2018), Christopher Harwood (elected Dec 2016), Erin Cooper (elected Dec 2014), Roy Churchwell (elected Oct 2012), Joe Liebezeit (elected Nov 2010), River Gates (elected Dec. 2008), Audrey Taylor (elected Dec 2006), Steve Kendall (elected Dec 2004), and Brian McCaffery (elected Dec 2002). Brad Andres served as unofficial chair beginning in 1997.
Secretary
Arin Underwood – elected Dec 2022, up for election in Dec 2024
Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
333 Raspberry Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99518
email: arin.underwood@alaska.gov
Prior Secretaries
Laura McDuffie (elected mid 2020), Melissa Gabrielson (elected 2019), Lisa Kennedy (elected Dec 2017), Kim Jochum (elected Dec 2015), Brian Robinson (who replaced Abby Powel when she left early, elected Dec 2014), Erin Cooper (elected Oct 2012), River Gates (elected Nov 2010), Joe Liebezeit (elected Dec 2006) and Bob Gill (elected Dec 2002).
Members
Jenell Larsen Tempel – re-elected Dec 2022, up for election in Dec 2024
Threatened, Endangered, and Diversity Program
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
PO Box 115526
Juneau, AK 99811
email: jenell.larsentempel@alaska.gov
Sarah Hoepfner – elected Dec 2022, up for election in Dec 2024
2626 Bobcat Drive #202
Ames, IA 50014
email: hoepfner@iastate.edu
Kayla Shively – elected Dec 2023, up for election in Dec 2025
Address: 4468 Condor Ct, Apt 1
Fairbanks, AK 98907
email: kshively@wcs.org
Shiloh Schulte – elected Dec 2023, up for election in Dec 2025
Manomet
Address: 18 Park Street
Kennebunk, Maine 04043
email: sschulte@manomet.org
Sam Simon – elected Dec 2023, up for election in Dec 2025
Address: PO Box 106
Ester, AK 99725
email: srsimon@alaska.edu
Staff Support
Rick Lanctot – elected Dec 2002, permanent member via status as the USFWS shorebird coordinator
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Bird Management
1011 E. Tudor Rd., MS 201, Anchorage, Alaska 99503
email: Richard_Lanctot@fws.gov