Brian Burns, Executive Director Brian joined the Tri-State Steelheaders in 2002, and became our Project Manager in 2004. Since 2004, Brian has coordinated and managed numerous habitat restoration projects sponsored by Tri-State Steelheaders across southeastern Washington. He became our Executive Director in early 2015.
When not in the office, Brian works on his own riparian restoration project, watches the Walla Walla sunsets with his wife, and goes for walks with his husky. Originally from the California bay area, Brian came to Walla Walla after completing his M.S. in Biology at Utah State University.
Brian’s philosophy on habitat projects: “Clean water and healthy watersheds – what’s good for fish is good for people.”
Email: brian.burns@tristatesteelheaders.com
Sara Gabriel, Environmental Educator
Sara joined the Tri-State Steelheaders in August of 2023. She is originally from Massachusetts, where she graduated from Umass Amherst with a BS in Environmental Science. Before joining the Tri-State Steelheaders, Sara lived in Reno, Nevada for a year. Sara has a passion for environmental education and has taught lessons for multiple different non-profit organizations. Sara strongly believes in fostering a sense of curiosity and excitement in the classroom.
Outside of work Sara enjoys hiking and camping. You will probably hear her talking about trying to visit all of the National Parks in the United States. Sara is excited to see more of the Washington landscape and get to know the students involved in the Salmon in School program.
Email: sgabriel@tristatesteelheaders.com
Donna Jones, Administrative Assistant
Donna has lived in Walla Walla for the past 41 years, following her graduation from Whitman College. She is married and has two children and two grandchildren. Her husband is a farmer who grows wheat, peas, and garbanzos and also owns and manages a 27-acre vineyard. She worked for many years at Whitman College in the President’s Office and later in the office of Fellowships and Grants. Since leaving my job at the college, she has worked part-time at several local wineries and enjoyed more time with her family. She is delighted to be working for Tri-State Steelheaders and looks forward to learning more about the important work of the organization.
Sarah Moffitt, Education Coordinator
Sarah grew up in the Sacramento area and spent childhood exploring the American River and Desolation Wilderness near Tahoe.
She has an undergraduate degree from UC Davis in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology (2008) and spent ten years as an aquatic ecologist before going back to school to get her M.Ed. in Science Education from the University of Washington in partnership with the IslandWood graduate residency program in 2018.
Her professional career has taken her to the high Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Olympic Peninsula, Crater Lake, and other areas throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. In her free time, Sarah enjoys hiking, reading, and experimenting with cooking yummy healthy foods. She believes that learning should be a life-long experiential process and finds joy in cultivating contexts for moments in nature that are both profound and re-affirming.
Email: smoffitt@tristatesteelheaders.com
David Talkington, Project Manager
David is originally from the mountains of north-central Pennsylvania, where he also attended college. Upon completion of a B.A. In Liberal Studies (focus in fisheries biology) from the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania in 2023, David worked for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Division of Habitat Management before joining the Tri-State Steelheaders in August of 2024.
Since a very early age, David has been fascinated with the underwater world. As early as he can remember, fishing has been an integral part of his life. In his time off, he can likely be found in the stream with a rod in his hand, casting for whatever species is in front of him. David strongly believes that it is the responsibility of all people to conserve and maintain our natural resources, no matter how big of a challenge that might be.