Meet the TU team
GETTING THE WORK DONE WHEN
PASSION MEETS PURPORS
GETTING THE WORK DONE WHEN
PASSION MEETS PURPOSE
WITH OVER 300 DEDICATED STAFF MEMBERS WORKING in the field, research labs, and the halls of Congress, our team is committed to protecting and restoring watersheds nationwide. We fix damaged rivers, link arms with a strong national grassroots network, inspire students to connect with nature, and foster partnerships across states and political divides. Every day, the TU team brings heart and grit to the work of protecting coldwater streams, driven by a shared passion for making a difference.
“If you make the right partnerships in Wyoming, there’s a chance to reconnect entire watersheds that have been disconnected for 50 or 60 years.”
– Cory Toye
CORY TOYE
MAKING POLICY PROGRESS IN MUCK BOOTS
For 17 years, Cory Toye has advanced coldwater conservation through his work at TU. Born in northern Wyoming, Cory knows trust with local agricultural producers is critical when pitching stream restoration, irrigation improvements, and water leasing. He has built a foundation of trust with communities, strong relationships with partner agencies, and a proven track record of successful projects across the state. Now serving as TU’s Wyoming Water Policy Director, Cory creates momentum for strong water policy, making critical inroads through collaboration, showing up and listening (also known to lend a hand with cattle branding and fixing fences). His connection to Wyoming runs deep: he and his wife Morgan are raising their feral boys, Joe and Ike, in the same streams they grew up fishing.
“The TU Costa 5 Rivers program serves as a gateway to conservation. There’s a space for everyone within flyfishing.”
– Cliff Watson
CLIFF WATSON
STOKED TO PROMOTE YOUTH EDUCATION
As TU Costa Youth Fly Fishing Program Manager, Cliff Watson partners with Costa Sunglasses to empower a new generation of conservationist anglers. In this role, he advises 65 college fly fishing clubs, engages 2,500+ current students, and maintains a connection with 17,000 program alumni. Cliff’s passion for connecting people to the joy of fishing has been a hallmark of his career: from guiding Alaskan fishing expeditions to hosting TU’s Emerging podcast, Cliff has seized every opportunity to advocate for coldwater conservation. Equipped with a background in leadership and event management (and an active U.S. Coast Guard Captains License just in case), Cliff says he’s stoked to shape the next generation of anglers and conservationists.
“While it often takes years of planning to design, permit, and fundraise for these projects, it’s always gratifying to celebrate the final projects and spark enthusiasm for the next projects.”
– Amy Wolfe
AMY WOLFE
LEADING THE PACK FOR NORTHEAST CONSERVATION
Amy Wolfe started out at TU as the Kettle Creek Home Rivers Initiative Coordinator over 26 years ago, and she’s been advocating for coldwater conservation in the northeast ever since. Today, Amy directs the Northeast Coldwater Habitat Program. Her team helps clean up abandoned mine drainage, restore instream habitat, and reconnect rivers and streams. Amy and her team provide technical assistance to partners, enabling them to get more work done on the ground, and they lead collaborative projects that benefit the community. Her work touches the full spectrum of TU’s conservation model, knitting together advocacy, engagement, restoration, and science.
“Science plays a key role behind the scenes at TU, building trust with our partners and giving decision-makers the tools they need to plan for a future of effective coldwater conservation.”
– Matt Mayfield
MATT MAYFIELD
BEYOND THE LAB: MAPPING THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATION
Since TU‘s inception, science has played a fundamental role in shaping advocacy, funding, and restoration outcomes. Matt Mayfield continues this legacy of data-driven conservation – but his work isn’t confined to a traditional laboratory. Instead, Matt uses the Geographic Information System (GIS) to build powerful tools that inform TU’s work in the field, guide policy in the halls of Congress, and map the future of conservation across the country. From illustrating the magnitude of the national abandoned mine crisis to engaging local communities in conservation, Matt uses GIS technology to bring science to life through spatial data, cartography, and data visualization.
“For me, success is 10 years down the line when I am watching a little kid fly fish out on the rivers where we work — that’s my success story.”
– Ellie Miller
ELLIE MILLER
SECURING WIN-WIN WATER SOLUTIONS
Ellie Miller infuses energy into everything she does – and there’s plenty to accomplish as TU’s Colorado Northwest Project Manager. Armed with experience at the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, Ellie works closely with water users, private landowners, and agency staff to identify opportunities to improve streams and implement cooperative agreements with irrigators that benefit agricultural operations and fish habitats. Ellie’s energy and expertise keep the momentum up to drive tricky projects to win-win solutions. Recently, Ellie stepped in to help facilitate a temporary water lease agreement through the Systems Conservation Pilot Program to conserve 43 acre- feet of water in the Yampa River.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to find common ground on challenging topics like mine cleanups, drought, and water resources, as well as hook and bullet issues.”
– Kate Miller
KATE MILLER
BUILDING BRIDGES TO CAPITOL HILL
Since 2006, Kate Miller has been hard at work for TU, but she’s a bit further from the water than the rest of the TU staff. As Government Affairs Director, Kate advocates for coldwater conservation policy in the halls of Congress, putting her J.D. and undergraduate degree in political science to work for healthy water. With a bipartisan approach, she amplifies the voice of TU members, chapters, and councils from across the country. By serving as a bridge between TU’s grassroots and legislators, Kate’s advocacy fosters support for policies that provide the essential framework for TU to secure funding and implement on-the-ground projects.