Coby Gierke, Executive Director
Coby Gierke brings over a decade and a half of experience in executive leadership and environmental conservation as well as a proven track record in program development, implementation, and evaluation, coupled with strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement to the Flathead Lakers. Coby's career highlights include transforming organizations from narrowly focused entities to entities boasting expansive programmatic reach, scientific expertise, and large communications platforms. His leadership has been instrumental in passing legislation, protecting public lands, amplifying marginalized community voices, and improving public health outcomes across diverse landscapes.
He is dedicated to fostering collaboration across disciplines while advancing organizational priorities and goals. With a strong background in grantmaking, fund development, and operational management, Coby excels in supporting organizational growth and success through strategic partnerships with federal agencies, corporations, and associations.
Coby's professional journey includes roles as the Executive Director of multiple organizations, where he significantly increased annual revenue and advocated for the causes they support. Coby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development and Social Science from Portland State University. Passionate about environmental stewardship, he is poised to bring visionary leadership to the Flathead Lakers to ensure the protection and preservation of Flathead Lake and watershed.