We've welcomed a few new faces to the Forest Society over the past few months and we're excited to introduce them to you!

These staff members will help support our mission in the areas of development, communications, reservation stewardship, and forestry.

Sarah AlSamaraee, Stewardship & Forestry Administrative Coordinator

Sarah AlSamaraee joined the Forest Society in fall 2022. She supports Forest Society staff in the Stewardship and Forestry departments as Administrative Coordinator.Sarah's love for the outdoors grew from family trips exploring local trails around Concord, NH.  Her love for the natural world led to a biology degree from the University of Rhode Island and the University of New Hampshire. She has since spent her career working in many fields including environmental education and animal husbandry.

Outside of work, Sarah volunteers with the Girls Scouts of America, hikes, bikes, and snowboards. Otherwise, she can be found at home in the Lakes Region with her husband and two cats.

Sophie Oehler, Communications Coordinator

Sophie Oehler is the communications coordinator at the Forest Society, previously having worked at the Forest Society in summer 2022 as an intern in the communications department. She contributes to Forest Notes magazine and the Forest Journal column in the Union Journal. She is a 2022 graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in political science and journalism. She has previously contributed to the Hardwick Gazette and Community News Service in Vermont, and has interned on the 2020 Democratic campaign for Organize NH. A lifelong resident of New Hampshire, Sophie enjoys hiking her way through the Granite State with her family and dog, Auggie, as well as rock climbing, cross country skiing, and film photography. 

Ron Snow, Manager of Individual Giving

Ron is an innovative nonprofit executive with extensive business development and public relations experience within highly diverse industries. He looks forward to developing and implementing engagement strategies that deepen the connection between new members and seasoned donors with the Forest Society.  

Ron grew up in NH and has a BA from Dartmouth College. He spent 20 years in southwest Montana exploring the fabled blue ribbon Trout Rivers as a professional guide. 

He resides in Concord, NH and travels the state from Pittsburg to Seacoast exploring the outdoors.

Dylan Summers, Stewardship Projects Manager

As the Stewardship Project Manager, Dylan oversees the maintenance and construction of trails and other recreation infrastructure projects on Forest Society reservations.  

After receiving a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College, Dylan had an itch to work in the woods and then never left. Before joining the Forest Society in late 2022, he spent 9 years working in outdoor recreation management with a focus on trail work, working in New Hampshire, Utah and Colorado for the Appalachian Mountain Club, U.S. Forest Service, White Mountain Trail Collective, and several private trail contractors. When not digging in the dirt, he can be found exploring deep into the hills and mountains of New Hampshire on foot and on skis. 

Laurel Swope-Brush, Land Steward & Volunteer Coordinator

Starting in 2023 as the Land Steward and Volunteer Program Coordinator, Laurel fosters relationships of volunteers with Forest Society reservations.

After earning a B.S. in Environmental Science and Biology from Westminster College (PA) she moved into the formal and informal education realm. Along the way she worked for several land trusts including the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock and the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust in Athol, MA.  Laurel’s focus in education was getting students out on the land to learn about New Hampshire’s bountiful forests and natural wonders. When not working she is likely deep in her garden or greenhouse growing food for her family and friends.