Gala recently retired from a 25 year career with the USDA Forest Service. She began her Forest Service career at Mount St. Helens NVM as a park ranger and ended her federal service as the Public Affairs Officer on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. During this time she worked closely with the MSHI and recognized the vital role that the Institute plays in connecting people to the natural world and promoting stewardship.  

In addition, from 2007 - 2015 Gala also held the role of Executive Director of Columbia Springs Environmental Education Center in Vancouver, WA. As a result she has a comprehensive understanding of what it takes for a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to thrive and meet its mission.

In her free time she enjoys exercising, forest bathing, cooking, learning and spending time with family, friends, and especially her husband Dave.