Our Team

 
Nic joined IRU as Executive Director in 2019. A native of Wyoming and a graduate of the University of Idaho, Nic has dedicated his career to conservation, working on conservation efforts for elk, raptors, and waterfowl; in addition to wilderness adv…

Nic joined IRU as Executive Director in 2019. A native of Wyoming and a graduate of the University of Idaho, Nic has dedicated his career to conservation, working on conservation efforts for elk, raptors, and waterfowl; in addition to wilderness advocacy and permanent land protection campaigns. When not in the office, you can find Nic wetting a line on one of Idaho's blue ribbon fisheries or playing in the beautiful mountains that make Idaho the ideal place to live.

Nic Nelson
Executive Director

nic@idahorivers.org | x2019

Ren was raised paddling rivers and lakes, growing her passion for rivers and watershed work. As the Development Manager for IRU, she is dedicated to connecting people with opportunities to invest in the rivers they love. Her background in watershed restoration and science communications led her to see the importance of expanding IRU’s capacity to further our mission. After first joining IRU as the Communications Manager in 2019, she returned to lead our fundraising efforts. You can usually find her enjoying the wild spaces that she loves protecting, whether hiking, paddling, or skiing.

Ren Lawson
Development Manager

ren@idahorivers.org | x2023

 
Stephen advocates for the protection of Idaho’s special river systems and the unique species that call them home. He has a background in science and has traveled across the West conducting fieldwork along some of its iconic rivers. He graduated from…

Stephen advocates for the protection of Idaho’s special river systems and the unique species that call them home. He has a background in science and has traveled across the West conducting fieldwork along some of its iconic rivers. He graduated from Colorado State University in 2018, and is excited to once again be in close proximity to the mountains and rivers he grew up exploring.

Stephen Pfeiffer
Conservation Associate
stephen@idahorivers.org | x2019

Originally from Minnesota, Nick has been drawn to water and wild spaces since childhood. Spending his summers in college sea kayak guiding on Lake Superior in the Apostle Islands, Nick eventually swapped out the sea kayak for a whitewater boat as he moved to Idaho in 2016. Graduating with degrees in Native American Studies and Social Justice he is excited to be an advocate for Idaho's rivers and all species that depend on them.

Nick Kunath
Conservation Program Manager
nkunath@idahorivers.org | x2022

Tess prides herself on being a steward for rivers and the species who call them home. Her undergraduate degree in Photojournalism and master's in Environmental Education, combined with 18 years of river guiding across the West, give her experience in connecting people to the environment through inclusive storytelling. Tess's favorite place to be is on the river. You can find her paddling, fly fishing, skiing, running, and enjoying the mountains on the Salish Kootenai and Nez Perce lands (in Missoula, Montana, and central Idaho).

Tess McEnroe
Communications Manager
tess@idahorivers.org | x2022

Lindsey is a born and raised Idahoan with a passion for protecting Idaho's wildlife and biodiverse landscape. She graduated from Boise State in 2017 with a degree in biology and a minor in environmental science. Since graduating, Lindsey has continued to be a conservation advocate and even served as a vice president on the board of a conservation focused non-profit. She is very excited about the opportunity to engage the public in preserving Idaho's waterways and is eager to meet all of Idaho Rivers United's members and volunteers.

Lindsey Paynter

Membership & Volunteer Coordinator
lindsey@idahorivers.org | x2022

As a Conservation Associate, Sydney will be advocating and protecting our Idaho rivers to restore the beautiful landscapes across the state. Growing up in Oregon and living in the PNW influenced her to care about being an environmental steward early on, and enjoys running, hiking, and bouldering. As a recent graduate from the Boise State University Master’s of Public Administration program, she focused on environmental governance and geographic information analysis. Sydney’s passion lies in protecting the beautiful outdoor spaces that we get to enjoy, especially our rivers.

Sydney Anderson
Conservation Associate
sydney@idahorivers.org | x2022

IRU Board of Directors

LuVerne Grussing, President - Julietta

Ken Anderson, Vice President - Salt Lake City, UT

Bill Clark, Secretary - Boise

Morgan Buckert, Treasurer - Hailey

Molly! Goodyear - Ketchum

Brian Ellsworth - Boise

Philip Gordon - Boise

Steve Jones - McCall

Roger Rankin, Ph.D. - Pocatello

Tom Stuart - Boise/Stanley

John Wells - Ketchum

Devon Barker Hicks - Riggins

Link Jackson - Boise

Advisory Committee

Dave Cannamela

Buck Drew

Tom Kovalicky

Andy Munter

Earl Dodds