EarthGen’s Team is Growing: Welcome Nicole and Eizaak!

We are thrilled to announce two new additions to the EarthGen team: Nicole Keeler, joining as our new Director of Programs, and Eizaak Jordan, stepping in as Development Manager.

Nicole will join EarthGen as the Director of Programs on January 13, 2025. She brings over a decade of experience in environmental and outdoor education, most recently serving in Northwest Washington at Wild Whatcom. Her leadership there championed program expansions to reach rural, low-income, Indigenous, Latino, and migrant communities across the county. Nicole also brings specialized expertise in working with individuals with disabilities and has served as an outdoor education advisor for OSPI.

With a strong commitment to partnering with K–12 schools in respectful and empathetic ways, Nicole recently earned her master’s in teaching to deepen her understanding of educators’ perspectives. She is excited to bring her expertise statewide and continue advancing EarthGen’s mission.

Dr. Catherine Cushinberry, EarthGen’s Interim Executive Director and hiring manager, shares:

“I am excited to have Nicole join the EarthGen team. She will bring steady and compassionate leadership to the growing programs department and be a collaborative partner to her colleagues and external partners. She has an awareness to issues of equity, diversity and inclusion that will be a value add to this work and community. I look forward to her having the opportunity to meet, work with and be welcomed into our vast network of caring professionals across our field of work and service.”

We are also pleased to share that Nayiri Haroutunian will be supporting Nicole as she steps into this new role. Nayiri will begin transitioning into her new position, Director of Strategic Partnerships, in 2025, ensuring a smooth and collaborative leadership shift within the programs department.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys crafting, going on nature scavenger hunts with her daughter, and exploring trails with her husband and two dogs.

Eizaak will join the EarthGen team as Development Manager on Jauary 6, 2025. He joins EarthGen’s team to steward and expand our growing community of donors, supporters, and partners, facilitating the resources needed to sustain and broaden our impactful programs. He brings a wealth of experience engaging with donors and partners across diverse communities.

Steve Tremble, EarthGen’s Director of Development and hiring manager, shares:

“I am excited to have Eizaak join me in securing the resources necessary to fund EarthGen’s programs. In his previous work, Eizaak has engaged with donors and partners from rural Idaho to urban Portland and will be a strong asset as we work with constituents throughout the state.”

Outside of work, Eizaak enjoys backpacking, reading, fly fishing, and searching for Washington’s native salamanders.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Nicole and Eizaak as they embark on this exciting journey with EarthGen!