GYC Welcomes New Leadership: Conservation Directors Named, Development Director Joins the Team

Apr 11

It is a season of change and growth both across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and in the offices here at GYC. As the landscape blooms into spring, we’re thrilled to share some exciting changes within our leadership team.

We’re proud to announce that longtime GYC team members Charles Drimal and Kathy Rinaldi have been promoted to serve as our new Directors of Conservation, and we’re excited to welcome Faye Nelson as our new Director of Development.

(L-R) The Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s new Director of Conservation Charles Drimal, Director of Conservation Kathy Rinaldi, and Director of Development Faye Nelson. (Photos GYC)

With a combined 24 years at GYC, Charles and Kathy bring unmatched institutional knowledge, deep relationships with our partners and communities, and a shared passion for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. They have both previously served as Deputy Directors of Conservation, where their leadership helped shape and grow our conservation work across the region.

Charles—who started with GYC in 2011 as a Wyoming Conservation Associate—has been at the forefront of wildland protection, river designations, climate advocacy, and Tribal conservation. He is based in our headquarters in Bozeman, Montana.

Kathy joined GYC in 2014 as an Idaho Conservation Coordinator and is based in our Driggs, Idaho office. Her decades of experience in conservation and her innovative, collaborative approach have led the way on land, water, and wildlife efforts across the Idaho portion of Greater Yellowstone.

Their elevation to directors reflects not only their accomplishments but our confidence in their continued leadership during this important chapter for GYC.

Our leadership team has been rounded out by the addition of Faye, a fourth-generation Montanan and Bozeman native who brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit fundraising and leadership. Her past roles include work with American Wildlands, Red Feather Development Group, Warriors & Quiet Waters, and Casting for Recovery.

As Director of Development, Faye will oversee our grants program, lead individual and annual giving, and manage our talented team of development professionals. She’s already hit the ground running, helping ensure that the resources we need to protect this ecosystem continue to grow.

And don’t worry—Melissa Richey, our former Director of Development, remains a key part of the team as Deputy Director.

With these leadership updates, GYC is entering a season of transformation with strength, experience, and renewed momentum. We are incredibly proud of this team and confident in their ability to advance our mission: standing up for the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

(L-R) Kathy Rinaldi looks through a refractometer to determine plant sugar content for a nearby field at the Ruby Valley Strategic Alliance Field Tour, Charles Drimal speaks at the Wind River InterTribal Gathering on the Wind River Indian Reservation, and Faye Nelson explores Greater Yellowstone with her children. (Photos GYC)

Of course, none of this would be possible without you—our supporters. Your belief in our work makes growth like this possible. Thank you for being with us every step of the way.

If you’d like to help power our next chapter, please consider making a gift today.