The current PFI staff were all hired during 2006.  They replaced former staff members Dr. Robert Sweeney (executive director, January 2001-May 2006), Ms. Heather Cosby (program coordinator, October 2002-April 2006), and Ms. Jessica Sharp (operation coordinator, August 2005-July 2006). Ms. Anne Pittman was the first program coordinator for PFI. Current PFI staff appreciate the hard work of those who came before us.

Current PFI Staff:

Executive Director
Dr. Jennifer Frick-Ruppert
BIO
jefrick@brevard.edu

Operations Manager
Mr. Kevin Fischer
BIO
fischerkp@brevard.edu

PFI Contributors:
PFI has been privileged to work with a number of people who have influenced its direction and mission. We thank Dr. Larry Ragsdale and Dr. Ken Duke from Brevard College, Mr. Richard Faulkner from Congressman Taylor’s office, USDA Forest Service district rangers Mr. Art Rowe and Mr. Randy Burgess, ERC executive director Mr. John Hunter, CFAIA executive director Mr. Harry Hafer, and USDA Forest Service employee Ms. Alice Cohen-Goldstein, all of whom were instrumental in the early phases of PFI development and many of whom remain as advisors.

PFI Student Interns:
An important group of staff members are the successful student interns who are selectively hired as program assistants during the busy summer months and many of whom remain during subsequent semesters. PFI benefits enormously from these students and is proud of the excellent work they have accommplished as part of the PFI staff team. These students-as-staff have included Jof Mehaffey, Dustin Biddle, David Funderburk, Aaron Motley, Jayne Hall, Elizabeth Kampouris (AmeriCorps employee) Hayley Lawrimore, and Devin Gentry. Current student interns are Austin Brodfuhrer, Kisha Fouch, Chad Campbell, and Owen Carson.

PFI Instructors:
PFI also appreciates the instructors in its workshops, many of whom create the materials and lessons used in its programs. Although we thank all of our instructors, Mr. Dick Hilliard of Henderson County Schools (retired) has contributed to nearly every workshop we offer.