It takes a stellar team to restore and protect rivers and streams in Washington. Our people are how Washington Water Trust has made such an incredible impact for more than 25 years! They build relationships and trust in communities so that we can work hand-in-hand with diverse partners to craft a sustainable freshwater future for our state.
We’ve welcomed three new fantastic staff members to WWT in the last year. Let’s meet Solvei Metcalf, Gabriela Dunn, and Matt Coomer!
Solvei Metcalf, Project Associate
Solvei Metcalf was born in Seattle, raised in Poulsbo, and graduated from Western Washington University in 2017 with a B.A. in Urban Planning & Sustainable Development and a minor in Disaster Risk Reduction. Solvei is passionate about protecting salmon, building resilient communities, and stewarding the land for future inhabitants.
We recently caught up with Solvei in our Seattle office and asked her a few questions…
What brought you to WWT?
I care a lot about our State’s waterways and the life they support. I worked for Whatcom Land Trust in Bellingham for six and a half years, starting in the Conservation Department and ending in the Stewardship Department. Salmon habitat protection was a major component of my work, and I knew I wanted to continue that work when I moved to Seattle.
What’s your focus at WWT?
Managing the Dungeness Water Exchange is my primary focus at WWT, though I hope to support other projects in the near future.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
Hiking (of course), swimming, reading, drawing, and adventures with my dog.
Why do you think WWT’s work is important?
At the risk of sounding corny, water is life. If we don’t mitigate our impacts, we’re setting up future life for catastrophe.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have an 8-month-old Catahoula-Australian Shepherd-Border Collie puppy, so raising them consumes most of my free time.
What are you enjoying so far about your role at WWT?
Learning about the Dungeness watershed and playing a part in the protection of its future.
FUN FACT: Solvei’s happiest in saltwater!
Gabriela Dunn, Project Manager
Gabriela “Gabi” Dunn brings 8+ years of interdisciplinary experience to WWT, ranging from work in ecotourism, high school science education, environmental consulting, and public service.
After earning a B.A. in Biological Sciences from UC Santa Barbara in 2013, Gabi pursued opportunities where she could advocate for the needs of both people and the planet—on fishing, diving, and whale watching boats; in classrooms; and on construction sites.
Her 5-year career at the National Park Service (NPS) began in 2016, as a Mosaics in Science Intern in Yosemite, restoring lakes and streams. For the next 4 years at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Gabi held a dual role as Operations Manager and Aquatic Ecologist for the Cultural & Natural Resource Divisions—supporting western pond turtle reintroduction, coho salmon jumpstart, and creek restoration programs.
As a member of the American Fisheries Society’s Climate Ambassador Program and NPS’ Allies for Inclusion, Gabi collaboratively developed public and internal workshops centered on equitable climate solutions and organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Gabi completed a cross-disciplinary master’s degree at the University of Washington’s School of Environmental Affairs in 2023, gaining a more holistic understanding of environmental law, economics, coastal ecology, and Indigenous data sovereignty. As a Pathways Program Intern with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Gabi conducted Environmental Assessments for Southern Resident killer whale recovery actions.
Her love of water sprung from childhood family trips to California rivers during hot Sacramento summers.
FUN FACT: Gabi hosted and DJ’ed a radio show in college (KCSB-FM 91.9)!
Matt Coomer, Development & Communications Associate
Matt Coomer moved to Seattle in 2017 and fell in love with Washington’s landscape and rivers. He earned B.A.’s in Journalism and Environmental Studies from the University of Montana and an M.A. in International Environmental Policy from The Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
Matt’s worked in communications and fundraising for conservation, community development, and animal welfare-focused non-profits for more than five years. He served as an environmental Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo from 2012 to 2014. He enjoys hiking with his partner, reading, tasting local ciders, and spending time with their beloved tuxedo cat. He’s thrilled to join WWT in protecting and restoring our freshwaters.
FUN FACT: Matt has visited 48 states and can’t wait to finish his journey in Michigan and Alaska!
Interested in joining Washington Water Trust? Explore WWT career opportunities today!
