The St. Marks Refuge Association, Inc. was formed in 1987. Profits from bookstore sales support refuge projects. Consider joining the refuge association. All members receive a 10% discount on bookstore purchases. You may also contribute by making a donation in the log cabin box inside the front door.

Current pending federal legislation will soon transfer ownership of the St. Marks Lighthouse to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The association will spearhead efforts to restore and open the historic lighthouse. We expect to raise most of the funds through matching grants but donations are gratefully accepted. Checks should be made payable to St. Marks Refuge Assocociation and mailed to:

St. Marks Refuge Association
Lighthouse Restoration
P.O. Box 368
St. Marks, FL 32355

GAIL FISHMAN, President – I'm a Florida native, but have lived in Arizona for several months when working for the National Audubon Society and a year in California working for a small computer firm. Have a Bachelor's degree in English Education from the University of West Florida (never taught), but I've worked as a bartender, a driver for a car dealer, a research analyst for the Florida Board of Bar Examiner, retail, Florida Defenders of the Environment, The Nature Conservancy, NAS, and now as the National Data Training Coordinator for the Association for Institutional Research (AIR). I am a founding member of St. Marks Refuge Association, Inc. and have twice served as treasurer on the board. I'm divorced with no kids but have two cats (Buddy and Pasquale) and two dogs (Smokey and Sierra). I like to read, travel and camp out west, and work way more in the yard than I want to but still can't keep up with it all. Have published one book, "Journeys Through Paradise" and other articles and essays.

BETSY KELLENBERGER, Vice President - I was born in Virginia, raised in Maryland and West Virginia, lived in Alabama for 26 years but have called Tallahassee home for 20 years. Husband Lou and I have four grown children and seven grandchildren who live in Florida and Alabama. As a stay-at-home mother, I spent many hours volunteering as Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, swim team driver and homeroom mom. While living in Dothan I served on boards of the Service League, Southeast Alabama Community Theatre and the Dothan Landmarks Foundation, a living history farm and science center. When we moved to Tallahassee I went back to school, first at TCC and then FSU where I earned a BA in English-Creative Writing. Upon graduating I took a part-time job at the State Library in the Bureau of Library Development and worked there for 12 years mostly dealing with library statistics and publishing the annual statewide library directory. Lou and I love the Refuge and spend many hours with our cameras prowling about looking for birds, wildflowers and changing light to photograph. As a volunteer I hope to join others in preserving our Refuge which is a natural gem in our area.

DEDE WELLS, Treasurer - Born in Indiana, I moved with my family to Cocoa, Florida in the mid-1950's, and I've lived in Florida since, except for a 6 year stint in California. I retired in 2004 after thirty years working with special education programs, first as a speech pathologist, then as a consultant with the Florida Department of Education, then as an administrator in local school district special education programs. My husband, Jerry, and I live at Shell Point, in the house we built in the 70's. We are a second marriage, and have 4 grown children and 5 grandchildren scattered around the country. We are both fond of the water and have fished and dived the local waters. We also enjoy kayak explorations around the Florida Panhandle.

BRUCE BALLISTER, Secretary -

JANIE NELSON, At Large - Janie Nelson and her husband, Ron, a former board member, live in Northeast Tallahassee with their dog, Mickey. She was an editor and reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat for almost 25 years and is now retired. She still freelances and manages the bookstore/giftshop at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

LOU KELLENBERGER, At Large – Lou was born and brought up in the Charleston, WV area but has lived in “the South” since 1962. He and wife Betsy lived in Dothan, AL for 26 years before moving to Tallahassee in 1988 after their four children had grown up. Lou has been in the financial services business for many years, the last fourteen years at Morgan Stanley in Tallahassee. He specializes in retirement planning and asset management. Lou enjoys being outdoors, mostly with camera in hand. His favorite subjects are the flora, fauna and landscapes of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. He loves watching the seasons change with all the amazing color provided by birds, wildflowers, insects, clouds and sunsets in this beautiful place. Lou hopes to be an asset to the Refuge Association and join the other volunteers in assisting the staff with ongoing projects to promote and preserve this special property that we are fortunate to have so close to Tallahassee.

TOM DARRAGH, At Large - I was born in Jenkins Kentucky, but spent my early years in Detroit Michigan. At age twelve my family moved to Mexico Beach, FL where I lived until 1979 when I moved to Newport FL to work with St. Joe Paper Company. I am currently employed with Leon County Fleet Management, as shop Supervisor. My wife Teresa and I have one daughter, Rebecca. I was actively involved in my daughter's school activities. This included holding the office of Band Booster Vice-President for two years and President for the following two years. Growing up I did a lot of hunting, which is where I gained my love for the outdoors. I have hung up my gun for a camera now, but still find great rewards in the hunt. I am currently President of the St. Marks NWR Photo Club. My goal is to get more families and youth involved in the outdoors. I want to help educate our youth in understanding and enjoying our refuge and instill a love for the great outdoors. I want us to leave our Refuge better than we found it; for we are truly blessed to have such a wonderful jewel in our own backyard.

CRAIG KITTENDORF, At Large - I was born in Miami, FL and lived there until I graduated from FSU. My wife Gayla and I lived in Tallahassee before moving to Wakulla County to raise our four daughters. Before retiring, I worked for the State of Florida for thirty-five years. The natural beauty of this area was an invitation to get into nature photography. The St. Marks NWR and especially the lighthouse have attracted my attention. In addition to being a member of the St. Marks Photo Club, I also serve as webmaster for the St. Marks Refuge Association and the Friends of Wakulla Springs, and past President of Capital City Carvers (woodcarving club).

DALE ALLEN, At Large -