We are thrilled to introduce two new team members who have recently taken on roles at the Catskill Center. These dedicated individuals join us on our journey to protect and foster the environmental, cultural, and economic well-being of the Catskills, each contributing their unique talents and passions to our cause.

Alexa Tumbarello | Volunteer AND Outreach Coordinator

Alexa brings a passion for community engagement and environmental stewardship to our team. As the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, she will be working diligently to connect our incredible volunteers with meaningful opportunities to protect and preserve the Catskills. With a strong background in outreach and a deep connection to the region, we are thrilled to have her on board to help us further our mission.

Growing up on a farm in upstate NY, Alexa developed a deep love for the land and all the creatures who inhabit it. She would often wander her family’s property taking photos of the plants and animals she saw each day. After studying environmental science in college, Alexa worked for the National Park Service where she blended her interests in art and science and developed a love for conservation photography. Since then, she has worked in higher education, PR and communications, photography, and digital strategy. Alexa is also a NYS licensed hiking and camping guide. She looks forward to connecting and engaging with more people who love the Catskills.

Brent LeRash | Communications Manager

Brent is a seasoned communicator with a knack for storytelling. As our Communications Manager, he will be responsible for sharing the inspiring stories of the Catskill Center's work and keeping you all informed about our latest initiatives, achievements, and events. Through Brent's vision, we look forward to enhancing our communications efforts and connecting with you in new and exciting ways.

Brent comes to the Communications Manager role following a career in natural history and science expedition television. As a conservationist-cum-filmmaker, he parlayed a background in wildlife biology into a career telling stories for networks including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and Amazon Studios. Despite professional experience in over fifty countries and some of the most remote and inspiring wild places on the planet, Brent is continually in awe of the beauty and diversity surrounding him at home in the Catskill Mountains.

Brent succeeds Allison Dunne, who is relocating to tell stories in a different part of the country. She has appreciated the opportunity to both work among such a kind, dedicated and talented staff as well as lend a hand in writing about all things Catskill Center — as we like to say around here — from peak to valley. Being in the field is in her blood, both personally and professionally, so trust she will be out and about, admiring flora and fauna in other parts, asking lots of questions and relaying a wide breadth of narratives. Another page is turned.