Staff

Executive Director:  Mary Felley.  Mary, a Pennsylvania native, has served as Executive Director of the Conservancy since 2003.  She holds an MS in Environmental Management from the University of Hong Kong.  Previous to joining the Conservancy, she worked in Hong Kong and mainland China for nine years as an environmental consultant, developing expertise in conservation planning and project management.  Her work with the Conservancy has helped her develop her communications, education and fundraising skills.  A Lackawanna County resident, Mary’s hobbies include music and outdoor recreation. 

Land Protection Specialist:  Rylan Coker.  Rylan joined the Conservancy in May 2007.  He began his studies in Botany at Weber State University in Utah, and received his BS in Environmental Resource Management from Keystone College in 2006.  He has served as an intern for the Forest Service at Grey Towers National Historic Landmark in Milford, and conducted stream assessments in the Tunkhannock and Bowman’s Creek watersheds as an intern for a US Fish and Wildlife Service stream channel assessment and restoration study.  Rylan lives in Wyoming County, and is a Master Gardener and a Scoutmaster.

Program Manager:  Cheryl Ellsworth.  Cheryl became the Conservancy’s first employee in 1999.  She holds an MS in Human Services Administration with extensive administrative experience in non-profit organizations.  In her nine years with Countryside Conservancy, she has served as project manager for trail improvement projects, feasibility studies, urban forestry projects and greenway planning.  She is now leading the Conservancy’s accreditation team.  Cheryl resides in Wyoming County with her husband and son.

Office Manager:  Lois Yeust.  Lois has previous experience in the banking sector and is the Conservancy’s linchpin in office management.  Her skills include Access database and QuickBooks accounting software.  A resident of Wyoming County, she has worked for the Conservancy since 2005.  Her hobbies include music.