The Wildlife Leadership Academy is pleased to welcome three new members to our board: Eric Beaver, Ammarava Mika-El, and Kala Davis. Each brings valuable experience and a strong connection to conservation.
Eric Beaver has been involved in environmental work from an early age. A graduate of Mansfield University with a B.S. in Fisheries Biology, he began his career with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, conducting stream and lake assessments. He later worked with the Potter and Lycoming County Conservation Districts, managing programs including Chapter 102 and 105 and the Dirt & Gravel Road Program. Eric went on to the private sector as an Environmental Scientist with Rettew Associates before joining PPL Electric Utilities as Manager of Projects & SIR. He was first introduced to the Academy by a colleague and was drawn to the energy of its students and staff. Outside of work, Eric enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with his wife and their dog, Roo.
Ammarava Mika-El’s connection to the Academy began as a field school participant in 2018. Since then, she has continued to build experience in environmental advocacy and community engagement. Ammarava is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability at Drexel University and has gained experience in corporate environmental compliance through her co-op with Dunmore International Corp. She is interested in a future in environmental regulation and sustainable city planning. In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, reading historical Chinese novels, and dancing at jazz lounges.
Kala Davis is a 2008 Bucktails alum whose career has taken her across North America, working with both terrestrial and aquatic species. She has worked with several environmental consulting companies in a project management capacity. Kala has remained actively involved with the Academy over the years as an instructor and aquatic curriculum coordinator. Her experience as both an alum and an instructor, along with her professional background, adds a valuable perspective to the board. Outside of her professional work, Kala enjoys camping, spending time with her two dogs, and collecting art from places she’s visited.
Together with the rest of the board, Eric, Ammarava, and Kala strengthen our ability to support and guide the next generation of conservation leaders. As the Academy continues to grow, their perspectives and experience will help shape new opportunities for students across Pennsylvania. We are excited to welcome them in this role.
Introducing WLA’s Newest Board Members
Posted: March 28, 2026 by Katie Mace
The Wildlife Leadership Academy is pleased to welcome three new members to our board: Eric Beaver, Ammarava Mika-El, and Kala Davis. Each brings valuable experience and a strong connection to conservation.
Eric Beaver has been involved in environmental work from an early age. A graduate of Mansfield University with a B.S. in Fisheries Biology, he began his career with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, conducting stream and lake assessments. He later worked with the Potter and Lycoming County Conservation Districts, managing programs including Chapter 102 and 105 and the Dirt & Gravel Road Program. Eric went on to the private sector as an Environmental Scientist with Rettew Associates before joining PPL Electric Utilities as Manager of Projects & SIR. He was first introduced to the Academy by a colleague and was drawn to the energy of its students and staff. Outside of work, Eric enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with his wife and their dog, Roo.
Ammarava Mika-El’s connection to the Academy began as a field school participant in 2018. Since then, she has continued to build experience in environmental advocacy and community engagement. Ammarava is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability at Drexel University and has gained experience in corporate environmental compliance through her co-op with Dunmore International Corp. She is interested in a future in environmental regulation and sustainable city planning. In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, reading historical Chinese novels, and dancing at jazz lounges.
Kala Davis is a 2008 Bucktails alum whose career has taken her across North America, working with both terrestrial and aquatic species. She has worked with several environmental consulting companies in a project management capacity. Kala has remained actively involved with the Academy over the years as an instructor and aquatic curriculum coordinator. Her experience as both an alum and an instructor, along with her professional background, adds a valuable perspective to the board. Outside of her professional work, Kala enjoys camping, spending time with her two dogs, and collecting art from places she’s visited.
Together with the rest of the board, Eric, Ammarava, and Kala strengthen our ability to support and guide the next generation of conservation leaders. As the Academy continues to grow, their perspectives and experience will help shape new opportunities for students across Pennsylvania. We are excited to welcome them in this role.
Category: Youth Blog Tags: board members, Board of Directors, featured