Timothy Ingalsbee, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Home base: Eugene, OR
fire(at)efn.org
Timothy started his fire career as a wildland firefighter for both the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, and is now a certified senior wildland fire ecologist. He earned his Ph.D. in environmental sociology with a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Oregon where he is also an adjunct Instructor and Faculty Research Associate. He was named Oregon's Conservationist of the Year in 1993.
Emily Kostuch, B.A. (she/her)
Administrative and Outreach Assistant
Home Base: Eugene, OR
emily(at)fusee.org
Emily is originally from Wisconsin and has Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Gender & Women’s Studies as well as a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. She worked for several years in various mental health roles. She also serves as a Board Member of Walnut Street Co-op. Emily is passionate about a range of social justice issues, particularly gender and race equity, climate change, and food insecurity. When she’s not working, Emily enjoys reading, crafting, cooking, hiking, gardening, camping, traveling, and yoga.
Helena Virga, M.S., MNM (she/her)
Engagement Director
Home base: Eugene, OR
helena(at)fusee.org
Hailing from sunny Southern California, Helena now calls Oregon home and is a proud University of Oregon double duck. She graduated in 2023 with two graduate degrees in Nonprofit Management and Environmental Studies, with a focus in environmental advocacy, fire, and environmental education. Helena is passionate about supporting fledgling nonprofits in growing their internal capacity, facilitating environmental education and advocacy programs, and holistic community engagement. When she is not managing nonprofits, you can find her rock climbing, doing yoga, running rivers, or spinning fire.
Ryan Reed, B.S. (he/him)
FireGeneration Collaborative Program Director
Home Base: Somes Bar, CA
ryanrayme01(at)gmail.com
Ayukii everyone! Ryan is from the Karuk, Hupa and Yurok tribes in Northern California. In the Spring of 2022, Ryan received a Bachelor of Science Cum Laude in Environmental Studies at the University of Oregon. He will be pursuing his Master’s in Forestry at UC Berkeley in the fall of 2023. Ryan is an Indigenous Fire Practitioner, wildland firefighter, and pride’s himself as a Karuk Medicine person and is strongly connected to his cultural practices and Pikyavish (World Renewal) ceremonies. He prioritizes his inherent responsibility to center and elevate Indigenous Science and knowledge into fire policy and ecosystem management paradigms. Fun facts about Ryan: he loves to hunt, fish, play basketball, and has traveled to 3 different countries.
Kyle Trefny (he/him)
FireGeneration Collaborative Research Coordinator
Homebase: Eugene, OR
kyle(at)fusee.org
Kyle is a wildland firefighter, economics student, and award-winning organizer and artist, with work reaching millions of people, featured by Youtube Originals, Penguin Random House, the Getty Museum, Forbes, Amplifier Art and more. Behind what he does is the force of community, family, and other young creatives. He grew up in the Bay Area, where local disasters and ecological passions drew him to the element of fire. Kyle believes in solutions that work for most-impacted communities, the more-than-human world, and future generations. He’s also queer and prioritizes creating a fire space in which all people can belong and be their full selves.
Arielle Gardner (she/they)
Development Coordinator
Home Base: Eugene, OR
arielle(at)fusee.org
Arielle is FUSEE’s Development Coordinator. Arielle is PNW homegrown, growing up off the coast of the Puget Sound. Since moving to Eugene seven years ago, they have worked as a raft guide, wildland firefighter, and a conservation and outdoor school teacher. Their hobbies are many including mountain biking, rock climbing, making trash into art, pottery, home-brewing, and spending time with their dog.