Staff

Julie Brown | Executive Director

Julie Brown is the dedicated Executive Director of the Wentworth Watershed Association, a role she has excelled in since April 2018. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in advancing the Association’s mission by increasing impact through mission-aligned programs. She adeptly manages the Association’s annual work plan, budget, and volunteer programs, while also leading high-impact educational initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and environmental stewardship. Her efforts have been pivotal in land acquisition and stewardship of over 500 acres of conservation land and the development of key partnerships with local schools, municipal and state agencies, as well as other non-governmental organizations.

Previously, Julie served as the Director of Middle School, Science & Professional Development at a PCS for inclusion in Washington, DC. There, she led the strategic development of a new middle school program, supervised a team of teachers, and championed student-centered, project-based learning. Her leadership in professional development and curriculum alignment significantly enhanced the school’s educational standards.

From 2010 to 2016, Julie was a Project Manager at the National Geographic Society, where she planned and facilitated professional development symposiums, managed substantial budgets and partner relationships, and developed comprehensive K-12 science curricula. Her tenure at National Geographic was marked by the successful management of the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship Program and the production of award-winning educational content.

Her early career included roles as a Field Biologist with Florida Fish & Wildlife, a Marine Science Instructor, an Outdoor Educator, a Classroom Teacher, and an Environmental Educator.

Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Conservation Biology/Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Marine Science from Prescott College, AZ, and has pursued further certifications in Nonprofit Management and Finance from Cornell University, as well as various teaching and safety certifications. She is an active member of numerous professional associations, including the North American Association of Lake Managers, NH Center for Non-Profits, NAAEE, NMEA, NSTA, NABT, NCGE, and the National Geographic Network of Alliances for Geography Education.

Julie grew up spending summers on Lake Winnipesaukee and is the 6th generation in Alton Bay. She and her family live in Wolfeboro. Julie enjoys spending time exploring the lakes and lands in NH and is a passionate wildlife enthusiast with a penchant for bird-watching.

Julie is committed to environmental education and conservation, continually striving to inspire and educate others about the importance of preserving our natural world.

Laura Eddings | Executive Assistant

Laura comes to the WWA with over ten years of experience in office management, bookkeeping, and database management. She worked in Development and Volunteer Management at the NH Humane Society and volunteers at events for the NHSPCA. Outside of the WWA, Laura is a self-employed book designer and real estate photographer. She and her husband live in Wolfeboro with their three rescue dogs. Laura enjoys reading, crafting, hiking, and spending time in Eastport, Maine.

Sam Simpson | Programs & Communications Specialist

Sam recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Conservation and Sustainability. She brings GIS and design experience from working with NH GRANIT on various state mapping projects.

Additionally, Sam interned with NHDES, where she conducted fieldwork and performed culvert surveys. She is passionate about community-level work and has previously served as a UNH Sustainability Institute Fellow. In this role, she collaborated with the NH Community Development Finance Authority and the Department of Business and Economic Affairs to map economic revitalization zones in New Hampshire.

An avid birdwatcher, Sam worked in a research lab at UNH to evaluate local bird populations through acoustic monitoring. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, learning new crafts, and spending time with her cat.