Staff

Guy Runco
Executive Director
guy@katmaiconservancy.org

A lifelong advocate for wild places and their natural and cultural ecosystems, Guy brings deep passion and diverse experience to his role at the Katmai Conservancy. Recognizing that Katmai National Park and Preserve sits on Indigenous lands, he is committed to embedding gratitude for past and present Indigenous stewardship into every aspect of the Conservancy's work.

Guy’s background spans non-profit executive leadership, wildlife management, and Park operations, including time as Executive Director of Anchorage’s Bird Treatment & Learning Center, as well as roles with Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State Parks. He pairs extensive experience in non-profit business management, marketing, design, and IT with a personal passion as an avid wildlife photographer. Today, Guy collaborates closely with community partners, Park staff, the public, and the Board to preserve Katmai’s landscapes, wildlife, scenic character, and rich cultural heritage.

Michael Bay
Director of Operations
michael@katmaiconservancy.org

Raised in Alaska, Michael has spent well over a decade exploring and photographing the state’s wild landscapes, abundant wildlife, and national parks. Bears hold a special place in his heart, making Katmai National Park a deeply personal passion.

Michael leverages his professional expertise in digital media, graphic design, and e-commerce to support the Katmai Conservancy in achieving its mission to protect and preserve this extraordinary region.

Jordan Haenszel
Administrative Assistant
jordan@katmaiconservancy.org

Passionate about the well-being of the Katmai bears and the preservation of Katmai National Park and Preserve, Jordan is committed to honoring and supporting the Indigenous lands on which the park resides. Her dedication to cherishing and learning about this unique environment aligns with Katmai Conservancy's mission to support the preservation of Katmai's ecosystems and cultural resources. Jordan brings her background in administrative duties to the Katmai Conservancy team. She holds a bachelor's degree and has experience at the Alaska SeaLife Center, where she was dedicated to supporting conservation and research initiatives through financial stewardship and client relations. Driven by a desire to find and protect the beauty and light in the world, Jordan's expertise and enthusiasm contribute to the Conservancy's efforts in education, research, and community engagement.

Board of Directors

Diane Chung
President

Diane Chung served as Superintendent of Katmai National Park and Preserve from 2013 to 2016, a tenure during which she played a pivotal role in advocating for a dedicated non-profit partner for the Park and establishing the Katmai Conservancy . Today, she continues her commitment to Katmai as a Conservancy board member, using her deep institutional knowledge to help guide the organization's growth.

Ellis Bacon
Vice President
Treasurer

Ellis S. Bacon holds a B.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, where he focused his research on the perception and behavior of American black bears—a four-year project that included raising two bear cubs inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He remained in the park for another five years directing the Tremont Environmental Education Center before establishing and coordinating a seven-state Youth Conservation Corps program for the Tennessee Valley Authority.

In 1982, Ellis founded the South’s Finest Chocolate Factory in Knoxville, Tennessee. Throughout his 30-year career as a chocolatier, he maintained a deep commitment to conservation, serving on the board of the Great Smoky Mountains Association, acting as board member and treasurer for the Public Lands Alliance, and working as a research adjunct at the University of Tennessee. Ellis brings a lifelong dedication to national parks, extensive business and non-profit expertise, and a deep fascination with Katmai to the Conservancy.

Andria Agli
Secretary

Bio Coming Soon

Carl Chapman
Member

Bio Coming Soon

Alan Blinn
Member

Growing up in the heart of Katmai, Alan split his childhood between summers at Brooks Camp and winters in King Salmon, attending Bristol Bay School in Naknek while his father, Gil Blinn, served as Katmai National Park's Superintendent. Though he now resides in Seattle, his connection to Alaska runs deep, and he returns to Katmai as often as possible.

Professionally, Alan has built a distinguished career as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), earning recognition from Forbes as one of the top financial advisors in Washington state. Passionate about financial education, he has taught CFP curriculum courses at institutions like the University of Washington and regularly speaks at Pacific Northwest high schools on college funding strategies. An avid explorer of National Parks across the Western United States, Alan has seen many incredible landscapes—but Katmai remains his absolute favorite.

Former Board Members

We sincerely thank and honor the following Members for their dedication and service to Katmai Conservancy and Katmai National Park and Preserve:

David Cary
James Correa
Mike Fitz
Stephen Herting
Ed MacKerrow
Barbara Muhlbeier
David Pike
Sheila Ring

Honoring the Legacies of Board Members James Correa and Ed MacKerrow

Katmai Conservancy honors the life and legacy of former board member Ed MacKerrow, whose deep respect for Katmai and commitment to conservation helped guide our work. Ed passed away on December 6, 2025, in Santa Fe, and he is greatly missed by the Katmai community.

As a professional nature photographer, scientist, and educator, Ed brought a thoughtful and informed perspective to his service on the Katmai Conservancy board. He believed strongly in the power of education, science, and storytelling to build lasting support for the protection of wild places, values that closely aligned with our mission.

Ed’s connection to Katmai was rooted in reverence for its landscapes and wildlife, and in a desire to see them protected for future generations. His contributions helped strengthen our conservation efforts and deepen our commitment to stewardship.

Katmai Conservancy is grateful for Ed MacKerrow’s service, vision, and lasting impact on our work to protect Katmai’s wild places.

Katmai Conservancy is deeply grateful for the life and legacy of James "Jimmy" Correa. A dedicated conservationist, avid fly fisherman, and former board member whose passion for protecting Katmai’s waterways and salmon runs was unwavering, Jimmy passed away on January 21, 2025.

Jimmy found solace and joy in the pristine waters of Brooks River, casting his line into the currents teeming with wild salmon. But beyond his love for fishing, he understood the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems—not just for today, but for generations to come. His commitment to conservation will help shape the work we do, ensuring that Katmai’s natural wonders remain protected.

Through his generous contributions and steadfast advocacy, Jimmy left an indelible mark on this landscape. His legacy will live on in the thriving salmon runs, the clear waters he cherished, and the continued efforts of the Katmai Conservancy to honor his vision of protection and stewardship.

We are proud to carry forward his mission and remain inspired by his dedication to this special place. Thank you, Jimmy, for your passion, leadership, and enduring impact on Katmai.