Staff
Andrew Loza, Executive Director
Andy Loza has served since 2000 as executive director of WeConservePA where he leads public policy efforts, plans and implements technical assistance and educational programs, writes and edits technical guidance, and directs a terrific staff. His work is informed by seven years as a land trust executive director and leading land use planning, environmental, conservation, and economic development, and trail initiatives for county government. He holds degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Lehigh University.
In his spare time, Andy enjoys gardening, reading, and challenging the aging process in the gym. Among his top passions are music and eating. He’s the proud father of two adult children. He bicycles to work because he can and it’s good for the planet as well as his wallet and health.
Irina Beal, GIS Analyst
Irina Beal has been with WeConservePA since 2020 as the GIS Analyst who manages PA’s Conserved Land map and geodatabase. She actively collaborates with other PA land trusts and assists with spatial analyses and map creation – both physical and digital.
Her Master of Science in Geology from Temple University led her to remotely map historic geomorphology of Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland as well as collected in-situ beach profiles for the Gateway National Recreation Areas along the Raritan Bay (NJ). Her work then took her to Delaware where she assisted in the planning and installation of living shorelines that utilized coir logs, oyster castles, and bagged recycled oyster shells to assist in sediment trapping, marsh restoration, and bivalve recruitment.
Irina enjoys the outdoors as a hiker in the woods or a biker through the countryside. When not in the forest, she can be found on a tennis court or golf course.
Michele Cook, Office & Project Administrator
Michele joined WeConservePA in 2021. In her role, she provides assistance for a variety of administrative tasks that helps to ensure the smooth running of WeConservePA.
Before joining WeConservePA she has had years of administrative and office management experience and recently was a membership and event assistant at a non-profit. She has a Business Administration degree from York College of Pennsylvania. Michele is a Pennsylvania native, raised in the Endless Mountain region of the Commonwealth. Michele spends time on the trails of Pennsylvania and enjoys discovering new places while traveling with her husband.
Justin Hollinger, Legal Director
Justin Hollinger joined WeConservePA in 2023. A member of the PA Bar, Justin provides legal resources to PA land conservation organizations. His projects include maintaining and updating WeConservePA’s library of model documents and resources, providing legal education, facilitating ongoing cooperation between land conservation attorneys and land conservation personnel, and providing direct legal services.
Prior to joining WeConservePA, Justin represented Pennsylvania affordable housing nonprofits in complex real estate transactions. He received his J.D., summa cum laude, from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, and his B.A., magna cum laude, from Temple University.
In his free time, Justin can be found hiking, cycling, camping, and fishing on PA trails and waterways, and spending time with his spouse and toddler in Lancaster, PA.
Emily Gates, Education & Outreach Manager
Emily joined the WeConservePA team in fall 2024. She plans and administers WeConservePA conferences, workshops, roundtables, and other programs. She maintains the organization’s communication channels and supports all conservation and trails assistance programs, such as the Conservation Easement Assistance Program and Regional Trail Workshop Grants.
She comes to WeConservePA with over 15 years of non-profit experience, including work with parks, recreation, trails, and conservation professionals. She holds a BS in Environmental Studies from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Outside of work she enjoys the outdoors by gardening, kayaking, and hiking with her dog, Cobalt. Other interests include cooking, creating art, and seeing live music.
Rebecca Buckham, Project Manager
Rebecca joined the WeConservePA team in 2025 to help lead special projects and provide communications support.
She brings 15 years of experience in higher education, human services, and nonprofit communications and development. Rebecca earned an MA in English from Villanova University, where her graduate thesis on Paradise Lost explored a place-based ethic of agrarian labor in Milton’s representation of Eden.
Driven by a deep personal commitment to the natural world, Rebecca loves to turn compost, watch birds, plant (native) things, and get outside for local Appalachian Trail hikes. She serves on the Board of Directors for Yellow Breeches Watershed Association and is currently completing certification to become a Master Watershed Steward with Penn State Extension.
She also enjoys Shakespeare, sourdough bread baking, and roller skating with her nieces and nephews.
About WeConservePA Board of Directors Policy Council Staff Page