Cope Environmental Center Staff

Marcy Crull

Executive Director

Marcy has over 20 years of leadership and nonprofit experience. Her passion for the Wayne County community, the planet, and education led her to CEC. Marcy has worked for several nonprofits locally, serving as the executive director for Junior Achievement and Girls Inc. of Wayne County. Marcy has led teams, developed, and executed fundraising strategies, supported board members, and designed and implemented strategic growth plans. She currently completed in the Red-Tail Conservancy Master Naturalist Course.  Also, Marcy enjoys hiking and camping with her family.

Email: Marcy@VisitCope.org

Jeremy Proeschel

Program Coordinator

I grew up in Liberty Indiana and graduated from Union County Highschool in 2015. I Graduated from Indiana University East in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Minors in Environmental studies and Chemistry. I have been involved with youth outdoor and environmental education now for 11 years. I was very active in the BSA and worked as a camp counselor and Program Area Director for 7 years. I worked as an Interpretive Naturalists for Indiana State Parks for 5 years, @ Brookville Lake and Whitewater Memorial State Park. Through IDNR I got my Certified Interpretive Guide Certification through NAI (National Association of Interpretation) in 2019.  I completed the master naturalist course at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary last year and became a member of the Indiana Audubon Society and the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary committee this year. I am an avid birder in the Wayne, Union, and Franklin county areas, and other outdoor hobbies include wildlife photography, mycology, and Paleontology. 

Email: Jeremy@VisitCope.org

Brent Evans

Facilities and Grounds Coordinator

Brent is the Facilities and Grounds Coordinator. He received his Associate’s Degree in Conservation Law from Vincennes University and his Bachelor’s Degree in General Science from Indiana University East. He has taken classes in forestry through Purdue Extension and is well-versed in the care and development of natural areas. Before becoming a year-round employee, Brent served as a summer intern and has now worked at CEC for over 15 years. His knowledge of natural resources and equipment maintenance makes him an invaluable addition to the team. Brent lives in Centerville with his wife Courtney and their two children.

Email: Brent@VisitCope.org

Dawn Weiss

Reservations Specialist

Dawn has been our Reservation Specialist for over a year now. She enjoys meeting all our clients with each reservation. She works hard to ensure each event at Cope is stress-free and enjoyable. Dawn has also been a part of Cope’s cleaning crew for over 3 years. She loves our Living Building and the fantastic views!

Grace Dodson

Public Engagement Specialist/Invasive Removal

Grace, originally from Richmond, IN, enlisted in the military in 2012, leading to a stint in central Texas that left a lasting impression. Returning home in 2021, she remains an avid reader of romantic fantasy and self-development literature, a dedicated vegetarian, and passionate advocate for mental health, animal welfare, and environmental conservation. In her free time, she enjoys foraging, hiking, and indulging in horror movies, all while pursuing continual personal growth and knowledge.

Becca Vance

Registrar and Volunteer Specialist

Becca is a long-time resident of Centerville, living in the community for over 30 years.  Within the community she has volunteered for many different non-for-profit organizations.  She also has her degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision from Purdue Polytechnic.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time outside with her family and pets.  She is looking forward to working with all our volunteers, as well as, scheduling events for those in our community!

 

Email: Becca@VisitCope.org

Sharon Oler

Senior Outreach Program Assistant

Sharon is also the owner of Hannah’s Creek Farm in Union County, Indiana, a Monarch sanctuary and Airbnb. Sharon’s past accomplishments include being a long-time lead teacher for St. Paul’s preschool and founder of Hannah’s Creek Farm Camp, enjoyed by many over the last 20 years. Sharon is a cheerleader for children, animals, and our planet. Sharon enjoys spending time as a grandmommy to twins, exploring Maine, and researching ways to get rid of bush honeysuckle. Sharon is excited to join the cope team and all the possibilities it will bring.

Cope Environmental Center

Board of Directors

Cope Environmental Center has an amazing volunteer Board of Directors! They work well with the staff and are passionate contributors to the community and the programs of CEC.

Board Member Roster

  • Angela Burke - Dr. Angela Burke, DDS

  • Gail Connerley - Earlham College

  • Ed Cope, Ex-Officio - Retired, Cope Family Member

  • Marianne Cope - Retired, Cope Family Member

  • Eric Dimick Eastman - Green Filing, LLC.

  • Claudia Edwards - Artist

  • Ted Gilman - Retired, National Audubon Society

  • Kim Goble - Retired Librarian

  • Ginger Gray - Ginger Gray Productions

  • Thomas Hill - City of Richmond

  • Pam Merchanthouse - Retired, Friends Fellowship Community 

  • Marie Cope Nicholson - Retired, Cope Family Member

  • Kim Reid - Earlham College

  • John Robinson - Friends Fellowship Community

  • Tracie Robinson - Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate First Realty Group

  • Marcia Stiens - Stiens Property Management

  • Jackie Vanderpool - Retired, Hill's Pet Nutrition

  • Kelly Witte - Golden Engineering

  • Chris Campbell - Blue Buffalo

  • Doug Borgsdorf - Primex Plastics

  • Rae Buchholz - Indiana University East

  • Adam Duke - Bader Mechanical

Lifetime Trustees