Meet our New Creative Conservationists
The Great Outdoors Foundation is pleased to welcome two new staff members to our team of Creative Conservationists. Read on to learn more about them, their roles, and why they’re excited to be a part of Team GOF.
Makala McGrean – Database & Grants Specialist
Q: What roles have you served in prior to joining GOF?
A: I’ve been in the nonprofit space since graduating college, mainly doing backend management in assorted roles. My expertise lies in managing and organizing data, specifically for donors. In my previous role I served as the Development Coordinator for Easterseals Iowa, and I have already seen so many areas of knowledge cross-over to this new role with GOF. I am excited to use my skills here to help elevate the great work being done.
Q: What drew you to work for GOF?
A: I have always been involved in mission-driven organizations because making a difference in my community matters to me, and I think our daily work provides us a great opportunity to make this difference. Central Iowa is currently experiencing a water quality issue, and many are wondering how they can get involved to help. For me, it was joining the GOF team. I believe deeply in their mission and am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the many great partners already at the table.
Q: What part of GOF’s mission and work resonates most with you?
A: In my short time with GOF, I’ve already seen how much the value of excellence is ingrained in the culture. It is very clear that the team is unwilling to settle for “good enough,” both for internal and external projects. Working in an environment where suggestions for improvement are not only accepted, but received with enthusiastic consideration, is really refreshing.
Q: What are some fun facts about you?
A: I am a huge animal person, and own five cats and a dog. I am married, and a have a two-year-old son who is currently learning all his animal sounds. I am also getting back into sewing, currently working on making denim purses.
Sara Carmichael – Project Manager
Q: What roles have you served in prior to joining GOF?
A: I have worked in the conservation space for just under ten years, coming most recently from Story County Conservation. While there I served as the county Watershed Coordinator, managing the Batch & Build program with the City of Ames and IDALS, and the volunteer water quality monitoring program. I have also served as the Executive Director of Iowa Rivers Revival and the Water Fluoridation Coordinator for the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Q: What drew you to work for GOF?
A: The conservation world is so small, so it is really all about who you know. One of my friends sent me a post about GOF hiring, and as I looked into the organization, I was drawn specifically to The Happy Disruptors Podcast. From listening to a few episodes, I could tell that the staff and guests were deeply passionate about the work they were doing, and I wanted to be a part of it. I was also really excited about working with a group of go-getter women in a space that is often male dominated.
Q: What part of GOF’s mission and work resonates most with you?
A: With Story County Conservation, my main focus was strictly conservation efforts. At GOF, I’m really excited about the work we’re doing to expand programs, work with different partners, and lay groundwork for future conservation efforts. Now on a team instead of working solo, I’m looking forward to bouncing ideas off each other and using our technical backgrounds to advance these important projects for new areas of the state.
Q: What are some fun facts about you?
A: I foster cats with my partner, and have cared for over 50 in the last 2.5 years. My parents grew up Amish Mennonite in Sarasota, Florida, and while I was not raised that way, my first job was at a Mennonite restaurant. I am also an avid reader, and read 60 books last year.
