District Manager

Jim Wallace

I returned to the Colonial SWCD in March 2016 after being away for several years. I have a solid background in district operations and program implementation, and I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of this organization as the District Manager. In my free time I enjoy fishing, gardening, and working in my blueberry patch.

‭(804) 654-1246‬

Conservation Specialist I

Logan Ellis

I am originally from Tappahannock, Virginia, and I am a fifth-generation grain farmer with my father and uncle. I earned both my associate degree in Agricultural Technologies and my Bachelor of Science in Crop and Soil Science from Virginia Tech. I am passionate about conservation, and I feel lucky to have been able to bring conservation Best Management Practices back to my own farm.

(757) 778-0119

Office Coordinator

Sheila Jaruseski

I joined the district in November of 2015.  I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I am originally from the Midwest, but I moved to Williamsburg in 2003 and worked previously in the Williamsburg-James City County school system. In my current role, I handle all administrative and financial tasks, and I help with Envirothon and other educational programs.

(757) 645-4895

Urban Conservationist

Robyn Woolsey

I am a native of Blacksburg, Virginia. I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2015 with a degree in Environmental Science. After graduating, I spent time in West Virginia on a forestry field crew, and in far Southwest Virginia working in environmental education and community outreach. I joined the Colonial SWCD in November 2017 to help inspire and empower local youth and community members to become stewards of their environment, while promoting sustainable, community-driven urban conservation opportunities. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, gardening, and spending time outside with my dog Clover. 

(757) 778-1216

Conservation Specialist I

Emma Rich

I joined the District in January 2023. I am a New England native, but I moved south to assist with the administration of the Virginia Agricultural Cost Share program and to provide additional support to the district’s urban conservation programs. In 2019, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Maine. I am looking forward to using my education and experience to serve the communities within the Colonial District.

(757) 778-0631

Turf Love Program Assistant

Bob Winters

I assist with managing the Turf Love program. I am one of the founders of Turf Love, and I have played a vital role in its success over the past 20 years. As a Certified Nutrient Management Planner, I bring my extensive of knowledge of turfgrass management and conservation to the district. 

Conservation Specialist II

Tabea Zimmermann

I joined the Colonial SWCD in 2019 as part of the agricultural programs team. After studying Environmental Science at Dickinson College, I worked on a biological research station in Costa Rica and collaborated with farmers in Zambia to promote Conservation Agriculture techniques that improve food security. These experiences strengthened my passion for community- and partnership-driven conservation work, which so often intersect with social, economic, and cultural dynamics. I continue to enjoy integrating my professional skills and values into day-to-day work and relationships here in Virginia. When I’m not working, I enjoy running and biking outside, and cooking meals with friends.

(757) 634-6676

Education and Outreach Specialist

Amanda Whispell

I joined the District in February 2023. I am originally from Maine, but I just moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia to work at CSWCD. I have my Bachelor of Science in marine biology and my doctorate in entomology. After completing my PhD, I spent a few years teaching organismal biology courses to undergraduate students. It was while teaching where I learned how much I love science outreach and public education. I am also the editor-in-chief of a small journal for the Dragonfly Society of the Americas, as my research is on dragonflies. I love insects (invertebrates in general), photography, and artwork and I use the latter two to help me educate the public about the first. When I'm not working I enjoy hiking, photography, baking/cooking, and looking for wildlife.

(757) 778-5348

Urban Agriculture Technician

Samantha Periera

I’m the farm manager for Williamsburg Community Growers which helps me actively purse my passion for agriculture and being involved in the community.