After two decades as a journalist, Eve Samples joined Friends of the Everglades in early 2020, recognizing an opportunity to meld her passion for environmental reporting with Friends’ legacy of grassroots advocacy and education. Eve previously worked as opinion editor for the USA TODAY Network-Florida, as a columnist and editor for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers, and as a reporter for The Palm Beach Post and Pittsburgh-Post Gazette. She is a native of Miami and a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

eve.samples@everglades.org

Growing up in Virginia, Scott spent a significant amount of time around water while visiting his grandparents at their home on the Chesapeake Bay. It was after they moved to Naples, Florida in the 1970s that he was introduced to the majesty of the Everglades.

Scott’s first nonprofit experience came as a museum intern during his senior year of college at James Madison University. He began his 30-year nonprofit career at a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1992. He has since served in executive director or fundraising roles in museums, universities, healthcare, human services and conservation. His involvement with conservation and environmental education includes time as a director of major gifts with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and as a board member of the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School for Marine and Environmental Sciences Foundation.

scott.brown@everglades.org

Originally from Northern California’s San Joaquin Valley, Dana moved to Florida nearly 30 years ago. Inspired by her grandmother’s lifelong dedication to community service, Dana developed a strong sense of purpose in supporting causes that make a lasting impact. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit operations, Dana is passionate about strengthening the internal systems that allow mission-driven work to thrive. She’s proud to be part of the Friends of the Everglades team, contributing to the protection, preservation, and restoration of Florida’s unique environment. Outside of work, Dana enjoys reading, bird watching, whitewater rafting, and hiking, always finding ways to stay connected to nature and her community.

dana.espinosa@everglades.org

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Steffani developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors from an early age. As her understanding of the natural world grew, so did her commitment to protecting the landscapes and ecosystems that inspired her. She pursued this passion at Ithaca College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and focused her work on environmental issues. After relocating to Florida in 2024, Steffani quickly fell in love with the state’s unique subtropical climate and diverse natural habitats. Eager to learn more about Florida’s remarkable ecosystems, she was also struck by the visible impacts of climate change and rapid development, strengthening her resolve to be part of the solution.

Steffani is proud to work alongside a team of dedicated experts to protect the world’s only Everglades and help safeguard this extraordinary landscape for future generations. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, whether discovering a new hiking trail or exploring Florida’s waterways.

steffani.farquharson@everglades.org

Native ties and deep-rooted appreciation go a long way towards inspiring action. After graduating from St. Augustine’s Flagler College, Allie Hartmann returned to find her home waters of Stuart, FL in disrepair. Working as Director of Communications alongside a small team of like-minded, impassioned individuals, Allie has aided content development, research and digital channel engagement that has generated an upwelling of grassroots involvement and statewide recognition for the mismanagement of South Florida’s water resources and the preservation efforts of the greater Everglades ecosystem.

allie.hartmann@everglades.org

Casey’s commitment to conservation is shaped by a lifelong connection to Florida’s land and waters. Her expertise lies in bringing together science, advocacy, and collaboration with partners to protect the Everglades and Florida’s interconnected water systems.

Born and raised in Florida, Casey holds a B.S. in Biology from Florida State University and an M.S. in Marine Biology from the College of Charleston. This work matters deeply to her because it brings people together around shared solutions and moves us closer to a better collective future.

casey.dkniffin@everglades.org

Amanda has spent more than 20 years engaging children in authentic science experiences and leading her classes to become informed change-makers in their communities. Her mission is to have a broader impact on future generations of advocates and conservationists by empowering educators to do this essential work with their students. Inspired by the work of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Amanda is thrilled to partner with the Young Friends of the Everglades as we inspire teachers and students to preserve, protect, and restore the only Everglades in the world!

amanda.purnell@everglades.org

With more than three decades of experience as a high-profile newspaper columnist and investigative reporter, Gil Smart is adept at taking a deep dive on complex issues in search of solutions. A Pennsylvania native, father of three, sometimes musician and long-time champion of environmental causes, Gil fell in love with wild Florida and can conceive of no greater moral cause than fighting for better water quality and protecting the “River of Grass.”

gil.smart@everglades.org

Originally from New York, Carmen moved to Florida in 2002 and began her nonprofit journey at the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, where she discovered a passion for building community through youth programs. She later relocated to Georgia, spending 15 years expanding her expertise in development and technology initiatives at Inspiredu and building a deep network of community advocates.

Carmen returned to Florida with her son two years ago, entering a new chapter of her life driven by an evolving love for the environment and a sense of responsibility to the next generation. Recognizing that the health of Florida’s ecosystems is intrinsically linked to the future of its children, she joined Friends of the Everglades to apply her decades of development experience to environmental advocacy.

carmen.saladin@everglades.org

Exploring nature preserves in Ohio full of lush green forests, rushing waterfalls and weathered gorges are among Leah’s first memories. When she moved to Stuart, FL in 2015 to be a photojournalist at TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers, she was able to make a career using her lifelong love for photography and a strong desire for justice. After meeting some of Florida’s iconic environmentalists like Maggy Hurchalla and Nathaniel Reed and interviewing many other local naturalists, Leah knew she wanted to join their efforts in impacting Florida for the better. Becoming a Friend of the Everglades provides that opportunity every single day.

leah.voss@everglades.org

Ed first experienced the wonder of the Everglades as a five-year old on an airboat ride during a winter vacation and has been fascinated by tropical ecology ever since. He has devoted his entire professional life to the non-profit sector in leadership roles in fundraising, communications, and external affairs. He has held roles and led teams at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, GMHC, Barnard College, Prep for Prep, and the Innocence Project. His interests include Spanish, sand volleyball, and cooking. Ed lives in New York City with his husband, the film maker Sam Zalutsky.

ed.boland@everglades.org

Diane is a life-long resident of South Florida, with more than 40 years of non-profit community engagement. Her expertise includes communications, as well as multi-dimensional fund development.
Educated at Florida Atlantic University, she served as a mentor and presenter in her profession and is a longtime member of the Junior League and its state public affairs committee. She currently serves on the Town of Sewall’s Point Board of Zoning Adjustment.
Diane took her first airboat ride in the Everglades at the age of 13, and has played in nature ever since. A longtime runner, swimmer, and now a Master Gardener, she resides in Sewall’s Point with husband, Tim (her best volunteer) and Scottish terrier, Hamilton. They have a son, Alex.

diane.kimes@everglades.org

Nayibe Padilla is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Science from Florida International University (FIU) and 17 years of teaching experience. With a deep passion for the outdoors and environmental education, she strives to inspire young learners. Nayibe is particularly committed to teaching children about the significance of the Everglades ecosystem. Her engaging, hands-on approach not only fosters academic success but also nurtures a profound connection to nature and a strong sense of environmental stewardship.

Growing up in New Jersey, Anthony developed an early love for storytelling that followed him when he moved to Florida four years ago and saw firsthand how deeply the region depends on the health of the Everglades. After building a career creating digital content for local businesses and community-focused projects, he recognized how powerful clear, accessible media can be in mobilizing people to protect the places they rely on. Now working as Social Media Coordinator alongside a team of dedicated advocates, Anthony uses his skills to break down complex water issues, highlight on-the-ground impacts and broaden public understanding of Everglades restoration. Living on the Treasure Coast with his growing family reinforces his belief that safeguarding Florida’s waters is both urgent and personal.

anthony.rodriguez@everglades.org

Dr. Thomas Van Lent is one of the leading experts on water management in the Everglades, with more than 40 years of experience in Everglades restoration. He has worked for the state of Florida, the Department of the Interior, in academics, and for the Everglades Foundation. He holds a doctorate in engineering from Stanford University.

thomas.vanlent@everglades.org