Staff:

Executive Director:

"Vaughn is a graduate of Jackson Hole High School who owns a degree in environmental science from the University of Oregon, where she studied the restoration of freshwater stream systems. Her studies included graduate-level research on various rivers in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. She also earned a degree in digital technology from the University of British Columbia Film School.

Vaughn takes over as the Snake River Fund looks to combat the spread of invasive species in the area's waterways, among other educational initiatives. A public awareness campaign, including the installment of boat washing equipment, is planned for spring.

"We interviewed a lot of excellent candidates, but Marley's skills, vision and lifelong knowledge of the Snake River—as a boater, scientist and angler—make her a perfect fit for the Fund," said Dave Pfeifer, chairman of the group's board. "Our board is an incredibly passionate group, and Marley will channel that passion to help the organization be even more effective."

Each spring for the last three years, Vaughn has spent time working with a variety of biologists in the Rocky Mountain West. Most recently she examined the impacts of recreational use on the food chain in the Colorado River, from microorganisms to fish. Previously, her research focused on nitrogen levels for different land-use types in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton park.

Vaughn attended the University of Arizona on a Division I soccer scholarship after starting the girls' soccer team at Jackson Hole High School because she was "no longer allowed to play with the boys." She later transferred to British Columbia.

As a boater, she has run the Pejibaye and Rio Pacuare in Costa Rica as well as the Snake, Payette, Lochsa and the Colorado River through Grand Canyon. She is well known in Jackson circles as an outstanding angler and has fished extensively every tributary of the Snake River.

"To be able to come back to Jackson and work with an organization whose mission is so closely aligned with my personal values and passions is more than I could have hoped for," Vaughn says." -- JHNG

Forest Service Liason:

River water runs through David Cernicek’s veins. A 6 year employee of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, David spends his time here championing the Snake River and the Fund. He brings a wealth of river and management knowledge with him to the Fund and provides us with resource expertise and critical guidance in our partnership with the agency. He is also a Board member of American Whitewater and serves as a volunteer fire fighter.

Find him at 307-739-5417
dcernicek@fs.fed.us