Staff
R. Brent Lyles, Executive Director
Lyles began his education career in the Teach For America Charter Corps, in 1990, and he has stayed in education ever since. He holds Masters degrees in biological anthropology and nonprofit management, and his career path has included leadership roles in several Austin-area nonprofits, fundraising for wildlife conservation, teacher training, nonprofit consulting, and even the writing of national science textbooks. Since the Spring of 2010, as Executive Director of Austin Youth River Watch, Brent has been especially focused on “best practices” for River Watch, as well as on organizational sustainability and growth. Email Brent >
Elisabeth S. Welsh, Program Director
In 1991, Welsh was a high-school participant in River Watch, and she returned to volunteer as a Board member during college. She holds a BA in Geography from the University of Texas at Austin, where she trained in Field Biology and in conscientious decision making for Holistic Resource Management. Welsh became the sole staff member of River Watch in 1999, and the organization was a one-woman operation for many years. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Save Barton Creek Association and been an active partner in the Austin to Bastrop River Corridor Partnership. Welsh delights in imbuing her skills as a naturalist to the students of Austin Youth River Watch. Email Elisabeth >
Adam Comer, Program Coordinator
A former high school teacher, Comer earned his Bachelor of Science in Resource and Environmental Studies from Texas State and his Masters in Secondary Education from Arizona State University. Comer’s specialty is environmental science and outdoor education, and he has pursued this career in Alaska, Arizona, and Texas. Comer is as an incredible role model for our River Watchers, both personally and professionally. Email Adam >
Board
John Erskine, Board President
Director of Studio Services, Cloud Imperium Games
Sara Hilgers, Board Secretary
Retired Public-School Teacher
Jeff White, Board Treasurer
Park Ranger, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department
Fidel Campuzano
River Watcher and Senior Class President, Reagan High School
Laura Esparza
History, Art, and Nature Division Manager, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department
Charles Freeman
Science-Lab Supervisor, Austin Community College
David Greene
Environmental Engineer and Climate Program Coordinator, Austin Water Utility
Greg Johnson
Attorney at Law, Farrell & Pak, PLLC
Marc LeFebre
Senior Program Manager, Council for Environmental Education
Chloe Russell
River Watcher, Austin High School
Caroline Valentine
President, ValentineHR
