Board

Anna grew up in Reno, Nevada where she was raised with love and respect for the world around her. Regular childhood visits to the Canadian Gulf Islands shaped her deep affection for flying and the Pacific Northwest. She followed her passion for flying and earned her Bachelors degree in Aviation at Utah State University. In 2008 Anna made Seattle her home when she was hired as a commercial seaplane pilot for Kenmore Air. In addition to carrying passengers and freight over the coastal waters of Washington and British Columbia, Anna worked as a ski patroller at Crystal Mountain with her husband Eric, and her avalanche rescue dog, Luna.

Anna joined with her colleague, Michael Hays, co-founding Wild Orca in 2014. In addition to her work in Killer Whale conservation and policy, Anna spends her time caring for animals who have been rescued from abusive and unhealthy farms across the United States at her non-profit animal sanctuary Ridge2River.

Originally from the pacific northwest, Michael is the co-founder of Wild Orca. His career as a seaplane pilot gave life to his passion for the wild Pacific Northwest and it’s endangered Southern Resident killer whales.

In addition to serving as the President of the Board of Directors, Michael volunteers his time as Wild Orca’s Operations Director. With a background in visual design, Michael is responsible for establishing and maintaining Wild Orca’s visual communication and conservation brand. Michael oversees Wild Orca’s day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and conservation research database.