Dr. Jackie Augustine holds a Ph.D. in biology from Kansas State University where her dissertation focused on the breeding biology of Greater Prairie-Chickens. She served a decade on the faculty at The Ohio State University at Lima, where she visited Kansas yearly to expand her research to include Lesser Prairie-Chickens.
Since becoming the Executive Director of AOK in 2021, Jackie has led the organization to expand the staff from one full time position to five, initiated the Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival which attracts people from across North America, started the Nature Adventurepack program which provides libraries with binoculars for patrons to check out, expanded the Protected Areas program, and continued AOK’s dogged advocacy for rare wildlife and habitats. She envisions a future where AOK is the statewide leader in protecting habitat, connecting generations of people with nature, and inspiring action to preserve wildlife.
Kathryn hails from the Kansas City, Missouri area, but grew up in Wichita, Kansas and received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and with a minor in History from Wichita State University. Her previous career experience includes coordinating and implementing a wide range of fundraising activities, including grant writing, donor cultivation and event management. Kathryn became the Director of Philanthropy in 2024.
Sam was born and raised in Kansas and studied at Baker University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, focusing on Ecology and Evolution. He gained his career experience in California, Arizona and Colorado where he led crews in trail maintenance, invasive species management and habitat restoration. Sam returned to his hometown of Baldwin City, Kansas to continue his career in conservation and natural resource management. He was named the Kansas Protected Areas Manager in 2025.
Brittney is originally from Colorado but calls Kansas home. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Pittsburg State University and a Master of Professional Studies from Fort Hays State University. Her experience lies in administration, marketing, and event planning in higher education and tourism. Brittney resides in Hays, KS and is actively involved in her community serving as the President of the Board of Directors for the Hays Arts Council. She hit the ground running as Events & Communications Manager in 2025.
Andy has a background in managing biological research projects and a recent focus on land conservation. As part of the East Quabbin Land Trust in Massachusetts, he controlled and removed invasive vegetation, planted native vegetation, developed and mapped trails, and maintained and monitored kestrel nest boxes. He was also involved in proposing, evaluating, and pursuing property acquisitions and easements. Prior to that, he was involved with various small mammal research projects in the Mariana Islands, Honduras, and Wyoming. He was raised on a small farm in rural Missouri, where the nearby fields, forests, and waterways fostered a lifelong interest in agricultural landscapes, conservation, and the natural world. When not working, he enjoys wildlife viewing, hiking, photography, dry humor, and a bit of running—in July 2025 he completed his fourth 100-mile mountain trail race.
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