I wanted to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Emily Heale for all her contributions to help provide and protect salmon and their habitat.
Emily’s journey with us began in 2013 as a Student Conservation Association intern working on an invasive northern pike project at Whiskey Lake. Fresh out of college and new to the state, she was quickly immersed in the rugged beauty of the field. In true Alaska fashion, her first day at camp included two curious black bears. Despite a healthy dose of nerves, Emily was hooked from that first summer. Alaska became home, and CIAA became the foundation for a career of hands-on science, education, and service.
Emily’s internship evolved into seasonal employment at Whiskey Lake, where she took the lead mentoring a new batch of interns. Boosted by a stint with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, she eventually worked her way through the ranks at CIAA to become our lead biologist.
Becoming a biologist
As our biologist, Emily oversaw field camps, trained new hires, coordinated data collection, wrote reports, and ensured CIAA’s field operations were both safe and scientifically sound. From Kasilof River to Paint River, she waded into cold, fast-moving waters and adapted quickly when equipment failed, or the weather changed on a dime.
Emily supervised field staff each season, often across multiple remote camps. She wanted to ensure staff were safe and successful.
Former staff member, Trent Schipper, shared this about working with her:
“Emily was my supervisor during my employment with Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association. I had many opportunities to work directly with her, enjoying them all! Emily always wants the best for the people that are around her! She loves to learn and also supports others to learn as well. She also has an intense competitive spirit!”
“I hope Emily the best in her future endeavors,” he added. “Hopefully she’ll still think about the fishes from time to time.”
Emily also excelled in public-facing roles, such as contributing to the Salmon in the Classroom program, leading community outreach events, writing newsletter and blog articles, creating fun activities, and speaking to students about the salmon lifecycle.
Partnerships
Over the years, Emily became more immersed in partnerships to address invasive species that are a threat to salmon such as northern pike and elodea. These partnerships help all of us to coordinate and share resources in the effort to preserve our salmon runs from the harmful effects of invasive species.
Nicole Swenson with Tyonek Tribal Conservation District shared this:
“I first met Emily in 2015 while testing an experimental method of eDNA sampling along Nikolai Creek in Western Cook Inlet. Since then, we have worked together annually on invasive species prevention and management both in the field, collaborating on grants, and in numerous Alaska Invasive Species Partnership committees. Emily has been a steadfast, calm, and effective leader in the invasive species management community, and her contributions will be sorely missed.”
I know I’m not alone in saying that Emily has an exceptionally positive outlook. Board members, staff, and partners have all remarked on this quality.
Former Executive Director Gary Fandrei expressed this sentiment well:
“While I didn't work directly with her before my retirement, I have had the chance to get to know her through the Shell Lake project. She is one of the most positive people to work at CIAA, and her enthusiasm for whatever issue she is confronted with is an asset that will carry her throughout life.”
Onward, with gratitude
Emily has taken a position with the City of Soldotna as its Field House Coordinator. With this position, she gets to combine her skills with her enthusiasm for sports (did you know that Emily is a member of the Kenai River Queens Hockey team?).
We wish Emily the best of luck in her next chapter. She will always be a part of the CIAA story—and yes, we’re confident she’ll still think about the fishes.
