Nesse to serve as interim director at River Center

By Sequim Gazette Staff • April 10, 2024 1:30 am
Sequim Gazette file photo by Emily Matthiessen Annette Nesse, pictured here at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s main campus in Blyn in December 2021, is serving as interim director at the Dungeness River Nature Center, the organization announced last week.
Sequim Gazette file photo by Emily Matthiessen Annette Nesse, pictured here at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s main campus in Blyn in December 2021, is serving as interim director at the Dungeness River Nature Center, the organization announced last week.

A key figure with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe who retired as its Chief Operations Officer in late 2021 is helping a bridge-shaped community resource bridge the gap between its former and new leaders.

Annette Nesse, who has years of experience administration and operations management with the Tribe, was selected to serve as interim director of the Dungeness River Nature Center, the organization announced last week.

Nesse was selected by members of the River Center’s board, which is comprised of representatives from its partners, including the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society and Audubon Washington/National Audubon Society.

Nesse will oversee center operations beginning May 1, while the search for a new director continues to replace former director Powell Jones.

“I am excited for the opportunity to help the center transition to new leadership,” Nesse said in a press release. “With an excellent staff and supportive board of directors, along with our talented corps of volunteers, I expect continued success for the center.”

During her career with the Tribe, Nesse was the Tribe’s representative on the River Center board and as the chair of the center’s executive committee. Once she retired, she was elected to the board and is serving a three-year term. She will take a leave of absence from the board while serving as the interim director, the organization noted.

“Annette’s long relationship with the center and all four partners will bring a smooth continuity in this season,” said Loni Greninger, vice chairwoman with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and council-appointed center board member.

“We agree with the overall goal of having interim leadership that supports the center’s staff, board members, membership, and greater community who invest in the center and enjoy its space,” Greninger said. “We appreciate that Annette can step into this role quickly with her strengths.”

Jones recently took a role as Land Stewardship Manager position with Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. He will work on projects on a variety of conservation properties owned by the Tribe, including Railroad Bridge Park.

“Powell has shared with us he will still be around and involved in the stewardship of Railroad Bridge Park in his new position,” River Center board president Annette Hanson said in a press release.

“He has dedicated the past 20-plus years to educating children and adults about the Dungeness Watershed and our natural and cultural resources, and directed staff and volunteers at the Dungeness River Nature Center in 12 of those. We appreciate Powell’s commitment to and love of the center and park.”