Coalition Staff Members
Christine Mahler
Executive Director
Originally from Missoula, Montana, Christine relocated to the Seattle area after almost a decade working in fundraising and nonprofit leadership in the “other” Washington. She started at the Coalition as the Director of Philanthropy and was appointed to the role of Executive Director in February 2018.
Christine has led fundraising efforts for causes ranging from international affairs to money-in-politics reform, with a special emphasis on relationship management and working with broad ranging coalitions and boards.
Christine grew up loving the outdoors. As a child, you could usually find her outside, whether that was playing competitive soccer throughout the Northwest; hiking, camping, and horseback riding in Montana’s wilderness; floating the Blackfoot on rafts and tubes; helping her mom in the garden; or just playing in the yard or the neighborhood parks. Today, she is passionate about ensuring all Washingtonians are able to experience similar wonders, whether that’s nurturing a garden P-Patch, walking your dog in the park, or backpacking in the backcountry.
In her free time, Christine enjoys gardening, reading, cooking & baking (especially sourdough), watching soccer (she’s an unapologetic DC United supporter!), and exploring all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer, hiking and running with her dogs, Nitro and Tahoma, by her side.
Email her at christine@wildliferecreation.org
Betsy Robblee
Outreach and Policy Manager
A Skagit Valley native, Betsy comes to the Coalition with a background of federal policy experience and a deep passion for the outdoors. She began her career running a political campaign in Northwest Washington then spent six years in the ‘other’ Washington as a policy advisor in the US Congress. After moving home to the Pacific Northwest, Betsy worked as a chef and a yoga instructor before making her way back to policy and advocacy work. In her free time she loves to explore the mountains through hiking, backpacking, skiing, and climbing.
Email her at betsy@wildliferecreation.org
Katy Herko
Philanthropy Manager
Born in rural upstate NY, Katy was raised in a family of nature enthusiasts. This early connection to the outdoors has given Katy a deep appreciation for the mental and physical health benefits that a muddy trail run, summer paddle, or a day on the slopes have to offer.
Katy began her career in recreation therapy, where she shared this love of outdoor activities with children, elders, and individuals with disabilities by teaching them the skills necessary to be able to access meaningful recreation opportunities in their communities. Since moving to Washington in 2013, Katy has worked within the state system to help Washington residents gain independence and improve their quality of life. She completed her Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership in 2019 and is eager to merge her background in adaptive recreation and advocacy to help generate support for the Coalition’s mission. Katy is passionate about creating accessible spaces where community members of all ages and abilities can relax, recreate, and play.
Outside of the office, Katy can most often be found on a trail with her pup, Uno.
Email her at katy@wildliferecreation.org
Caitie Kimura
Executive & Operations Assistant
Raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Caitie moved to Seattle to attend graduate school and has called Seattle home for the past nine years. With a background in operations and the outdoor retail industry she is one of the newest members of the Coalition. In Caitie’s free time she loves to explore the PNW through backpacking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing.
Email her at caitie@wildliferecreation.org