Board

Leslie Druffel is an accomplished professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the agricultural industry. Leslie has been a member of Pacific Education Institute’s Board since 2021 and is currently Board President and a board representative on PEI’s Development Committee. Druffel has worked for The McGregor Company since 1996 and currently serves as their Outreach Director. She is responsible for the company’s policy and regulatory issues impacting farm families in the Inland Northwest, working to promote economic development in rural communities. Leslie is also a member of the FarWest Agribusiness Association, The Fertilizer Institute, and the Association of Washington Business. She serves on the Columbia Basin College Agricultural Program Advisory Committee and the board of Washington Friends of Farms and Forests. Leslie is a strong advocate for scientific literacy and civic engagement and is proud to support educators through her work with PEI. She thanks her mentors and strives to emulate their diligence, tenacity, and bravery in her work.

Biography coming soon. 

Biography coming soon.

Claudine Reynolds (PEI board member since 2022) is a skilled wildlife biologist and environmental policy professional with over 20 years of experience working for family-owned forestry companies. Claudine currently serves as the Director of Wildlife and Environmental Policy at Port Blakely, where she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of wildlife and fisheries resources, providing scientific guidance on habitat conservation, protection, research, and restoration efforts. She also leads the company’s forest policy and environmental education programs. Reynolds holds a Master of Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College. She also serves as the President-elect of the Washington Chapter of the Wildlife Society, is a council member of the Washington Natural Heritage Advisory Council, and is a member of the Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology. Claudine has been a champion for promoting scientific literacy and civic engagement throughout her career. She is passionate about giving back to her community and consistently donates homegrown food to the Winlock Food Bank.

Biography coming soon.

Biography coming soon.

Jason Callahan has been a dedicated member of the Pacific Education Institute’s board since 2022, acting as a board representative on PEI’s Legislative and Governmental Relations Committee. Jason serves as Policy and Communications Manager at Green Diamond Resource Company. As former Director of Governmental Relations at the Washington Forest Protection Association, he has always advocated for sustainable forestry practices. Callahan served as a non-partisan counsel on natural resources issues to the Washington State House of Representatives with a Juris Doctorate in Law from Florida State University. He also volunteers his time as a member of the Capitol Land Trust, is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, and serves on the board of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition. Throughout his career, Jason has been a staunch advocate of civic engagement and balanced decision-making. He believes that educating people is key to building just and sustainable communities, which is why he supports PEI in its mission to promote scientific literacy and civic engagement.

Shawn Batstone has served as Assistant Superintendent in the Tumwater School District since 2019. Prior to that, Shawn was superintendent for nine years in the Hood Canal School District. His leadership background also includes time as Director of Teaching and Learning in the Yelm Community Schools, and experience as a principal and assistant principal. Shawn has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to education throughout his career. His work in fostering growth, equity, and excellence in education aligns perfectly with our mission at WASA.

Biography coming soon.

Biography coming soon.

Biography coming soon.

Biography coming soon.

Lisa Perry is a dedicated forestry professional who has made significant contributions to natural resource education.  Lisa has been a member of Pacific Education Institute’s board since 2014, including three years as Board President, and is currently a board representative for PEI’s Development Committee. Perry serves as Community Relations Manager for Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) in Washington state, where she covers SPI properties from the northern end of Clark County to the Canadian border. Her career has been focused on workforce recruitment in the Natural Resource fields, doing so for both Humboldt State University and the California Forest Products Commission. Perry is a member of the Salish Sea Rotary, the Washington Forest Protection Association, and the American Forest Resource Council. Lisa is also an active volunteer in her community, working with Turning Pointe Domestic Violence Shelter and the Mason County Chamber. She is passionate about advocating for the forestry industry that she loves and is proud to be a part of PEI’s dedication to promoting scientific literacy and civic engagement.

Steve Robinson has served the board of Pacific Education Institute since 2022 and is currently a board representative for PEI’s Communications Committee. Steve is the owner and president of Steve Robinson Productions, a public relations firm that specializes in serving Native American Tribes. Robinson served for 26 years as Public Affairs Manager and Policy Analyst for the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, working closely with the late, great Billy Frank, Jr. He also served as Chief of Public Information and Public Affairs Director for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Steve is a U.S. Army Veteran, member of the University of Oregon Tribal Climate Change Committee, Senior Advisor to The Salmon Homecoming Alliance, and Vice President of THIS IS INDIAN COUNTRY, a non-profit organization that promotes awareness of Native American issues and culture. Robinson is a much-awarded journalist, writer, and producer, receiving two Emmy Awards and the George Washington Medal of Honor. His work reflects his commitment to promoting sustainable communities and preserving cultural heritage.

Biography coming soon.

Clare Sobetski is an accomplished educator and the Youth Education and Outreach Program (YEOP) Manager at the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WADNR). Clare has served on the board of Pacific Education Institute since 2024. Sobetski was awarded Whitman College’s 2013 Jan Mejer Award for Best Essay in Environmental Studies. She earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern Washington University, a Teaching Credential in Single Subject Biological Sciences from Loyola Marymount University, and a Career Technical Education Certification from Central Washington University. Clare’s dedication to education and environmental stewardship is reflected in her work. Sobetski established WADNR’s statewide career-connected learning program on natural resources (YEOP), providing students with valuable field experiences and expert interactions. She worked to create an annual week-long trip to Point Reyes National Seashore for Richmond High School freshmen. She also volunteers as a debate coach at Cleveland STEM High School and is an active member of the Washington Public Employees Association.

Lindsey Williams is a seasoned professional with a passion for education, agriculture, and natural resources. Lindsey currently serves as the Director of the Agriculture & Natural Resource Center of Excellence (ANR) at Walla Walla Community College. Williams has been on the PEI board since 2022. She has an MS from Eastern Washington University and is a graduate of AgForestry Class 40, served as a Program Manager for Class 43, and received Executive Certificates in Diversity and Inclusion, Marketing Strategy, and Project Leadership from Cornell University. Her previous career includes grain and legume genetic research with the United States Department of Agriculture Research Services. Lindsey has made significant contributions to the agriculture industry as the Career Connect Washington (CCW) Agriculture Sector Leader.