Brian Rosencratz - President

Brian Rosencrantz has been a Palm Beach County resident since 1988 and currently resides in Royal Palm Beach.  He is originally from Michigan where he attended University of Michigan.  Brian’s 40+ years in outdoor powersport management has primed Brian for his many outreach activities for a number of organizations.

Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (FONC) has been fortunate to have Brian serve this organization since 2018 in a number of roles and most recently as president.  Brian’s enduring support of the South Florida wildlife and environment has been instrumental in guiding FONC to its many successful events and projects such as Earth Day and Raptor Day.

Brian’s skills also involve his passion for woodworking.  He is an active board member of the Palm Beach County Woodturners, an organization that supports and teaches local artisans the skills of creating out of wood.  His participation in many roles with Woodturners includes Secretary, Treasurer, Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, Board member at large, Vice President and President.  Brian also volunteers at the Yesteryear Village, “A living history park where interpreters share their stories about life in Florida from days gone by.”

Astute management, compassionate leadership, and a love for Florida wildlife and environment are what Brian brings to Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center and has helped guide our organization through many years of growth and reaching our goals.

Angie Stewart - Vice President 

Angie Stewart brings a passion for the environment and a wealth of experience to her role as Vice President of the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center board (FONC). Since joining in April 2022, Angie has jumped in with both feet, co-chairing the FONC Scholarship and Earth Day committees, and volunteering at many events.

Originally from New Jersey, Angie became a Florida resident in 2019. Her 22 years of experience as an executive and personal assistant at an international gaming company, combined with past board service in New Jersey, provide her with unique skills in supporting non-profit growth.

Love of the outdoors is what led Angie to the Nature Center.  “After moving to Florida at the end of 2019 and then staying home through the pandemic, I was itching to get out and learn more about my local area and state. The knowledgeable and passionate staff and volunteers at the Nature Center certainly have helped with that.  I have just begun to embrace all this amazing county has to offer and am looking forward to experiencing more.”  Angie is not alone in her love of the outdoors, her husband, George, is often right beside her kayaking, swimming, and of course, their passion… pickleball!  Angie and George are dedicated animal lovers having previously fostered a beautiful golden retriever named Marley and currently being the “paw-rent” of their lively sheepadoodle, Ollie.  

Angie's enthusiasm and experience make her a valuable asset to the FONC board.

Sydell (Dell) Schein - Secretary

Dell Schein is a dedicated member of the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (FONC) board, bringing a wealth of experience in biology, education, and non-profit management.

Dell's journey with the Okeeheelee Nature Center began in 2016 as a volunteer. Her background, honed through her work at the Bronx Zoo Education Department, provided her with the skills and expertise to excel in this role. In recognition of her contributions, Dell transitioned to the FONC board in 2018.

Dell holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology Sciences from Empire State College with a minor in Medical Laboratory Technology. Prior to joining FONC, she balanced a career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist with volunteering at the Bronx Zoo. Recognizing her talents, the zoo offered her a full-time position managing program services and camp coordination. In this role, Dell honed her public interaction and volunteer coordination skills, while also gaining experience designing and testing online registration systems. Dell's experience as both a volunteer and a manager at the Bronx Zoo has proven invaluable to the FONC. 

Over the years, she has spearheaded numerous fundraising events, including Raptor Day for Nature Photographers, the Earth Day Celebration, and the Bluegrass Jam. Additionally, she has overseen the Okee-Teen Scholarship program and coordinated the gift shop operations at the Okeeheelee Nature Center.

Dell's unwavering commitment and dedication are considered to be the cornerstone of the FONC's success. Her passion and expertise continue to be a driving force for the organization.

Geoff Wilson - Treasurer 

A passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility, Geoffrey B. Wilson (Geoff) brings a blend of financial expertise and love for the outdoors to the role of Treasurer for the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (FONC).  As a dedicated FONC volunteer since 2008, Geoff has a deep appreciation for the center's mission and the impact it has on the community.  He is committed to ensuring the financial health of FONC, allowing it to continue its vital work in supporting the Okeeheelee Nature Center. Geoff strongly believes in transparent financial practices and works diligently to maintain accurate records and provide clear financial reports.

Geoff’s knowledge and expertise comes from many varied and extensive sources. He received a B.S. of Electrical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering, and a M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Binghamton University, served four years with the United States Navy and 30 years with IBM. 

These experiences allow Geoff to bring valuable skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and project management to his role as treasurer, where he has implemented ethical and fiscal responsibility measures for the board of directors. He currently co-chairs the annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5K fundraiser.

In addition to financial expertise, Geoff is an avid outdoorsman.  His best days are with his beloved wife traveling the country in their 35-foot Class A motorhome, but if he is found at home in Lake Worth, FL, Geoff is often volunteering at the Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club, where he has served as president and treasurer and Palm Beach County Woodturners, serving as treasurer. 

Geoff is dedicated to and passionate about contributing to the Friends of Okeeheelee's success and ultimately to the Okeeheelee Nature Center’s mission of “…fostering an awareness and appreciation of the environment by providing enriching experiences and opportunities for personal encounters with the natural world.”

Denise Bassaline - Director 

Denise Bassaline is a dedicated community steward who has called Wellington, Florida home since 1984. A native New Yorker, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of Florida.

With a lifelong appreciation for the natural world, Denise found her calling in 2022 when she began volunteering at the Okeeheelee Nature Center. Her enthusiasm for the center and its mission inspired her to join the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center Gift Shop. In 2023, she furthered her commitment to preserving local wildlife and habitats by accepting a position on the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center board.

Robert (Bob) Schein - Director 

Bob Schein’s multi layered career in marketing, sales and recruiting has enabled him to channel these skills and expertise to the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (FONC) supporting the Nature Center.  His supervision of the gift shop and support of many Nature Center events like Earth Day, Raptor Day, leading nature walks and alligator feedings has been invaluable to the center.

His Bachelor of Science degree at Rochester Institute of Technology in Medical Laboratory Technology enabled him to position himself with many organizations over the years honing his managerial, communication and organization skills.  His calling for the Palm Beach County environment and wildlife began when he and his wife, Dell, relocated to the area from New York state in 2010.  Bob became a volunteer at ONC with Dell in 2016 and joined the FONC in 2018. Together they found a home with the ONC and gladly give much of their time and energy to the FONC.

Paul Cummings - Director

For over 50 years, Paul Cummings has been a champion for the South Florida environment. Since arriving in Palm Beach County in 1972, his passion for nature has led him to actively participate in numerous organizations including Boca Raton Audubon, the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Florida Trail Association. He is, of course, a dedicated member of the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (FONC). Paul's leadership is evident in his history of serving on boards and holding officer positions within these organizations. His commitment goes beyond participation – it's about making a difference. 

Paul's academic background strengthens his environmental advocacy. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Studies and a Master's degree in Industrial Personnel Management. Additionally, his 22 years in the Air Force instilled a sense of discipline and dedication that carries over into his environmental work. When Paul isn't advocating for nature, you might find him sculpting beautiful works of art from stone and wood. His passion extends to teaching sculpture classes, fostering creativity in others. His expertise is captured in his book, "Sculpture in Stone," a valuable resource for aspiring sculptors. Paul's talent is recognized worldwide, with his sculptures gracing private residences around the globe.

Paul's connection to the Okeeheelee Nature Center is particularly special. Since its opening in 1992, he has volunteered his time and expertise in various capacities. Currently, he serves as a board member for FONC and chairs the Building and Grounds committee. Paul's unwavering commitment to the environment has been instrumental in creating a haven for native wildlife and inspiring countless individuals. His vast experience and guidance are invaluable assets to the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center.

Alexandra (Alex) Lolavar - Director 

Alex's career in science and conservation makes her a great addition to Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center. As a Senior Associate at Isaacson, Miller, she specializes in providing strategy and recruiting diverse leaders in the STEM and conservation fields. She enhances the impact of organizations by using her expertise in scientific research and the conservation/preservation of animals and lands. Alex completed a PhD in Integrative Biology from Florida Atlantic University in 2019, studying the effects of moisture on sex ratios in loggerhead sea turtles and climate change on Florida sea turtle populations. She remains actively involved in local conservation efforts, having previously served as a member of City of Boynton Beach's Sustainability Advisory Team. 

Richard Gathright - Director

Rich Gathright is a dedicated community member with a lifelong connection to Palm Beach County. His unwavering commitment to preserving the local environment is evident in his role as a valued board member of the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center since 2013. Rich's consistent support and active involvement are instrumental in furthering the center's mission.

Jay Justin Goldberg - Director

Jay Goldberg is a dedicated volunteer who has called Boynton Beach, FL home since 1984. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, he graduated from Temple University.

Jay's passion for nature led him to volunteer at the Okeeheelee Nature Center in 2021. His commitment to the center and its animal care is evident in his continued volunteer work. Recognizing the center's vital role in the community, Jay joined the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center board in 2022, expanding his commitment to preserving local wildlife and habitats.