From science guided advocacy to hands-on education, Eric’s career has been devoted to informing and empowering people toward building a better future, leveraging the strength of diverse interests working together on behalf of the resources that mean so much to their lives. Eric discovered the unstoppable power of doing so early on as Director of National Audubon Society’s Adirondack Campaign. In forging an unprecedented coalition of more than 100 local, state, and national organizations, this work led to enactment of the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. To date, the landmark program has disbursed well over $3 billion for environmental projects, direct investments providing returns for generations to come. Most recently, Eric’s work at Lake George, widely known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” established a partner-led, science-to-solutions pathway in tackling mounting threats to this world-class resource. As Executive Director of The FUND for Lake George, Eric created the Legacy Strategy in response to scientific research warning of permanent declines to ecosystem health compounded by climate change. The science-guided, comprehensive Legacy Strategy employed compelling education and outreach, strategic partnerships, and direct investments to produce historic results. The unprecedented approach was designed to serve as a model for threatened fresh waters worldwide. Milestone achievements of the Legacy Strategy include an aquatic invasive species prevention program that is among the strongest in the United States, as well as the nation’s best practices model for reducing the use of road salt. Education of public and private leaders was the lynchpin to success. As one example, annual Salt Summits, became a destination event—in-person and online—for learning how to solve one of the most serious threats to freshwater ecosystems anywhere. Eric then led the merger of The FUND for Lake George and Lake George Association—the oldest lake conservation group in North America—to take people-powered progress to the next level by applying big data and interactive digital tools. This included development of the first-of-its-kind Lake Protector app enabling people to participate directly in protection of the place that means so much to their lives, their communities, and their future. Eric’s professional passion for the environment is fueled by his love of the outdoors in all seasons.

As Associate Director of the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance, Bree advances the organization’s science-to-solutions mission by connecting internal and external capacity to move program objectives and lake-protection goals forward. She supervises the program team and leads the coordination and engagement of program contractors, with a focus on strengthening partnerships, advancing key initiatives, and supporting the innovative, long-term investments needed to protect Lake Winnipesaukee. Her priority is providing effective leadership, supporting staff and partners, and helping guide the organization’s evolution as it works to increase the lake’s resilience and protect the lake the community cares so deeply about. Bree’s experience includes previous work with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, where she supported programs including VLAP, MTBE remediation, source water protection, and water restoration initiatives. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy with a minor in Sustainability from Plymouth State University. A resident of Alton, Bree enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time on the lake.  

As Office Administrator, Jennifer manages the day-to-day operations of the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance, supporting the organization’s financial, administrative, and operational functions. She coordinates bookkeeping and financial tracking, assists with human resources processes, manages office systems, and supports program needs. Jennifer also maintains our databases to support internal operations and reporting.

A lifelong resident of Laconia, Jennifer has a strong connection to the Lakes Region and the community the Alliance serves. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs.

As Watershed Data Application Specialist, John translates complex watershed data and management plans into clear, actionable tools that support the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance’s science, communication, and decision-making. He leads GIS analysis, spatial data management, and technical calculations that help track lake conditions, identify priorities, and inform strategies to protect water quality. John also works with consultants and partners to ensure data is effectively applied to advance lake protection efforts.

Having spent summers on Lake Winnipesaukee, this work is personal to John and rooted in a strong connection to the lake. His background includes working with Finnish farmers to address human-wildlife conflict and serving in the Peace Corps in Africa, where he supported sustainable fish farming initiatives—experiences that shaped his ability to work across diverse landscapes and with a range of stakeholders.

John holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Sustainability from Northeastern University. He lives in Middleton, where he spent his summers growing up. His interests include tennis, basketball, hiking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.

As Coordinator of Program Operations, Maia coordinates water-quality monitoring efforts across Lake Winnipesaukee. She manages volunteers and interns who support data collection and helps track key lake-health issues, including cyanobacteria, invasive species, and pollution from road salt, stormwater, and septic systems. Maia also leads public outreach through social media, digital communications, and community education initiatives, helping translate science into clear, actionable information for the community. Having grown up spending time on Lake Winnipesaukee, and a resident of Meredith, this work is deeply personal to her. Maia loves spending her free time backpacking, skiing, and finding any excuse to be outdoors!

Mark Ishkanian had an active 36 yr career in advocacy and public relations, working for Maine’s largest environmental group, Maine’s biggest electric utility, and in a variety of health care companies. He served on the boards of the American Lung Association of Maine, Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Maine Huts and Trails and WinterKids. He and his wife Ginger moved to New Hampshire in 2014 and enjoy sailing, cycling, hiking and chasing after their grandchildren.

Peter is a life sciences investor and executive who is Chairman of NanoImaging Services and Founder of Rise Up Solar. He and his family split their time between Tuftonboro, where they love sailing, kayaking, and swimming; and Cambridge, where they love thinking about sailing, kayaking, and swimming. Peter also serves on the boards of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust and End 68 Hours of Hunger.

Ann Quandt is the Chief Finance and Administration Officer at Upstream USA, a $50M nonprofit, overseeing accounting, finance, legal, data and technology, and facilities. Prior to Upstream, Ann was the Chief Financial Officer at Partners In Health (PIH), a $150 million international healthcare nonprofit based in Boston. At PIH, Ann was responsible for the global finance, accounting, grants management, and IT functions of the organization, spanning 10 countries and 200 health facilities. During her 11 years at PIH, Ann worked to develop a professional finance and accounting function that allowed the organization to more than triple in size and support the work of more than 18,000 PIH staff. Ann also led the creation of a Central Analytics and Applications team, introducing data warehousing as well as a host of valuable tools, including PowerBI, to support the organization globally. Ann is a graduate of Washington and Lee University and Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. Outside of work, Ann enjoys running, tennis, and keeping track of her three children.

Ron Buell is a Senior Technology Executive with over 30 years of experience in the High Tech industry. Starting his career as a Software Engineer he has climbed the ranks to Chief Technology Officer. As a lifelong summer resident of Tuftonboro, he is passionate about all things Lake Winnipesaukee. Serving on the Board of the Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance allows for that passion to translate into active stewardship in preserving the Lake's water quality for future generations. Ron lives with his family in Exeter, NH and enjoys waterskiing, golf, snow skiing, and cooking.

Lynn Photiades, a Moultonborough resident, brings extensive experience in nonprofit volunteering to her new role. Lynn has dedicated her time to various causes, starting with the Nashua Catholic schools her daughters attended, and later Trinity High School. She volunteered for CASA of NH for nine years, contributing to events, fundraising, and serving on its board. Additionally, she supported the American Heart Association’s annual luncheon fundraiser and spent 27 years working with her church’s senior high youth group. Lynn is now eager to use her skills and experience to help protect the health of Lake Winnipesaukee.