ACFF Announces Election of Three New Members to Board of Directors: New Members Include a Science Teacher, Attorney & Natural History Filmmaker

The American Conservation Film Festival is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors.

“During this challenging time of a global pandemic, it is ever more important for our organization to keep looking for ways to reach audiences, inspire action, and build community. These three new board members bring a diversity of experience, perspective, and enthusiasm to ACFF’s mission of presenting conservation-focused films and programs that engage, inform, and inspire,” says Jennifer Lee, ACFF’s Executive Director.

Sarah Gulick is a filmmaker who lives in Jefferson County, WV, and is currently a film producer for the National Park Service. She previously ran a design studio focused on educational and non-profit organizations and taught at a local university. Sarah was a Center for Environmental Filmmaking scholar and has an MFA in Film and Electronic Media from American University. When not on a film shoot, she has assisted with ACFF’s Conservation Filmmaker Workshop. Sarah grew up on a farm in Virginia and enjoys paddling and climbing. For ACFF, she is most interested in evaluating goals and looking for ways beyond the annual festival to meet those goals and support the conservation filmmaker community.

Steve Pettler is an attorney who lives in Winchester, VA, and maintains a nationwide practice representing clients in complex business litigation and transactional matters. He has served on the boards for numerous charity, civic, and industry organizations and provides pro bono counsel to several non-profit organizations. Since childhood, Steve has spent as much of his free time outdoors as possible, leading to his passionate desire to conserve the natural environment for the health of our planet and all of its inhabitants. “I see ACFF as playing a vital role in helping humans visualize the effects we have – and can have – on our environment and look forward to helping to get the message out,” he says.

Carolyn Thomas is a public school teacher who lives in Berkeley County, WV, and an active member of the community. A recipient of the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators, Carolyn cares deeply about clean water, brook trout, the natural world, and community engagement. Carolyn grew up in northern Minnesota and Howard County, Maryland, attending the University of Maryland and the University of Montana. She and her husband Bruce have two adult sons and enjoy spending time hiking and fishing. Carolyn has been a long-time supporter and volunteer with ACFF.

The ACFF Board now has ten active members, each with skills, talents, and interests that support the primary initiatives of ACFF: curate and present contemporary films on conservation issues; support emerging filmmakers and new film projects; provide educational, interactive opportunities for filmmakers, audience members, and youth, and; partner with organizations, businesses, and individuals to share information and strengthen resources.

“Though many things about the future are uncertain right now, it is extremely heartening to know that the ACFF Team is strong and continues its commitment to conservation storytelling,” Lee says. “We are very fortunate to have such caring and enthusiastic people supporting the mission.”