The Forest Society of Maine (FSM) operates with a staff of eight individuals with diverse expertise who work to address the needs of landowners and communities, manage our organization’s day-to-day activities, and conserve forestland in Maine.
Karin Tilberg, Executive Director
Karin joined FSM in 2011, as deputy executive director, to work with landowners to develop new forestland conservation projects and oversee and implement FSM’s expanded presence in the Moosehead Lake region. In December 2017 the FSM Board of Directors appointed her executive director. She brings her decades-long interest in and experience with Maine’s North Woods to this position as well as a strong commitment to rural economic health and connecting conservation with community prosperity.
Karin has a B.S. in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont and a J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law. Before joining FSM Karin worked for decades in both the public and private sector focusing on conservation law and policy. In her free time Karin enjoys fly fishing, hiking, canoeing, Nordic skiing, and artistic pursuits.
Debra Capilli, Business-Office Manager
Debra joined the staff at FSM in the fall of 2013. Her duties include financial management, human resources, office management, and IT support and she brings more than 25 years of experience from both non-profit and for-profit industry sectors. Debra moved to Maine from Massachusetts in 2003. She enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the state, and watching wildlife in every season. If she is wearing her camera you can be fairly confident that there is a moose nearby.
Linda Cray, Office Assistant
In March 2019 FSM welcomed back Linda Cray as our part-time office assistant. Linda worked in the nonprofit sector for 30 years before first coming to FSM in 2006 where she served as the business-office manager before retiring in 2013. She enjoys traveling, camping, fishing, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Kristen Hoffmann, Forestland Steward
Kris was hired in 2007 to help meet FSM’s growing land stewardship needs. She conducts ground and aerial monitoring for many of the current easements and compiles baseline documentation for new projects. She has a B.S. from Northland College in Biology and Psychology and an M.S. in Forest Management from the University of Maine. Kris previously served as the executive director of the Pemaquid Watershed Association. Currently Kris serves on the executive committee of the Maine division of the Society of American Foresters. When she’s not at the office Kris likes taking long walks with her dogs and playing volleyball.
Erica Kaufmann, Forestland Steward
Erica has been an FSM staff member since August 2011. Her passion for the outdoors, conservation, and the advancement of rural communities has led her to earn a B.S. in Forest Ecosystem Science at the University of Maine and a master’s in Community Planning and Development at the Muskie School of Public Service (USM). Erica works out of both FSM offices in Bangor and Greenville, and is responsible for monitoring easement lands from Jackman to Millinocket. Outside of work, you can find Erica on the trails, fly-fishing for trout, writing, exploring, and seeking enlightenment on her yoga mat.
Janice Melmed, Development Director
Janice joined FSM in 2002 to expand FSM’s development program. She has a B.S. in secondary education from Bloomsburg University and more than 25 years of nonprofit development experience. At FSM she manages all aspects of the annual fund, writes grant proposals, conducts prospect research, and coordinates marketing and outreach activities. In her spare time, Janice enjoys cheering on her sons, going for long walks, talking with friends around a campfire, feeling a tug on her fishing line, and viewing the night sky.
Jake Metzler, Director of Forestland Conservation
Jake joined the staff in the fall of 2004 to enhance FSM’s land stewardship and conservation programs. He has both B.S. and M.S. degrees in forestry from the University of Maine. Jake’s expertise in forestry, remote sensing, and GIS has led to building an efficient monitoring and stewardship program tailored to the varied terms and conditions of FSM’s easements. In his free time he enjoys spending time at camp or at youth sporting events, and downhill skiing with his wife and two daughters.
Anna Mercier, Development Associate
Anna became part of FSM in 2014. She has a B.S. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism from the University of Maine and prior experience working for Sebasticook Regional Land Trust in Unity, Maine. Her responsibilities include donor stewardship, managing FSM’s website and Facebook page, and coordinating the publication of FSM’s biannual newsletter. When she’s not at the office, Anna can be found turning her extremely large lawn into vegetable gardens, reading, walking her dog, and viewing local wildlife.
Kristin Peet, Forestland Conservation Specialist
Kristin joined FSM in 2018 as the Forestland Conservation Specialist to assist in developing new conservation projects. She graduated from the University of Maine with a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology and a master’s degree in Forestry. Most recently she has been managing wildlife populations and habitat, conducting research projects, and grant writing for the Penobscot Nation’s Department of Natural Resources. Kristin has 15 years of experience networking and collaborating with multiple agencies to complete a variety of projects.
Kristin lives in Winterport with her husband, two boys, three dogs, chickens, and honeybees. She can be found romping outdoors, peeking into her beehives, or gardening in her free time.
