Staff

Ruskin Hartley

CEO & Executive Director

Ruskin champions equitable access to dark skies and quality lighting for all through DarkSky’s award-winning programs. He works closely with volunteer leaders and donors to secure increased support for our priorities around the world. Ruskin believes that experiencing a dark sky, and appreciating quality lighting, are essential to DarkSky’s mission.

Before this position, Ruskin directed and managed conservation programs that protect land, water, and ocean resources. He served as executive director of Save the Redwoods League, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the redwood forest. He also served as the president and CEO of Heal the Bay in Los Angeles and as vice president of resource development at Fair Trade USA, an award-winning social enterprise seeking to alleviate poverty worldwide.

Originally from the United Kingdom, Ruskin holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cambridge and a master’s degree from The University of East Anglia. Ruskin loves to head out on the trail with his wife and kids or cook under the stars.

Find Ruskin Hartley on LinkedIn.

Nicole Rose

Chief Financial Officer

Nicole has a career focus in nonprofit organizations and brings extensive experience in nonprofit finance to our team. For over 17 years, she worked in financial management with the Ridhwan Foundation, a global, membership-based nonprofit operating in 53 countries. Her background includes leading IT system implementations, HR administration, payroll coordination, and talent management.

Nicole’s early career as a registered nurse in Switzerland provided a foundation in service and team leadership. This background ultimately led her to her passions: nonprofits and accounting. She holds a Canadian bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in accounting.

Originally from Europe, Nicole has a great affection for the natural environment and loves gardening, skiing, hiking, and most outdoor activities. She currently lives with her husband and daughter on a small island near Vancouver, Canada, where she enjoys the dark night skies and the occasional aurora borealis.

Find Nicole Rose on LinkedIn.

Sarah Martin

Chief Development Officer

With over 15 years of nonprofit experience, Sarah brings a passion for fundraising, communications, and strategic program development to the DarkSky team. Her background in environmental geography, project leadership, and systems thinking has supported her success leading programs at The Nature Conservancy, the Center for Biological Diversity, the Sonoran Institute, and the University of Connecticut Foundation.

Her work and values are informed by a global perspective shaped by a childhood spent living abroad, service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador, and a lifelong love of international travel.

Before shifting her career to philanthropy, Sarah worked as a pastry chef—a craft that continues to be a creative outlet and source of joy. Lately, she’s been working to perfect homemade donuts and recreate the raisin babka from her husband’s childhood.

Brian Liebel, PE

Chief Program Officer

Brian Liebel develops long-term educational, technical, and advocacy programming and implementation planning for DarkSky. His objectives are to elevate the Five Principles of Responsible Outdoor Lighting to be a central tenet for outdoor lighting design and to develop further collaborations with the lighting community to promote DarkSky’s objectives of reducing light pollution. Brian first started collaborating with DarkSky through his previous position as the Director of Standards and Research at the Illuminating Engineering Society, working closely with DarkSky to achieve the first DarkSky/IES MOU and the successful passage of the joint Five Principles. This partnership led to successfully integrating DarkSky as an organizational member in IES technical committees, ensuring that DarkSky’s perspectives are represented in the IES standards development process.

Throughout his 35-year career, Brian has dedicated his efforts to balancing the human need for light with environmental concerns, and always with a reliance on solid science. His career in lighting started with the University of Kansas Architectural Engineering program, after which he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and became an established lighting designer, electrical engineer, lighting educator, and energy conservation advocate. Brian’s private consultation practice has kept him independent while receiving significant appointments such as the Lighting Program Director at the Pacific Energy Center and the Principal Investigator for the U.S. Department of Energy in assessing the effects of light spectrum on vision. In his last position at the IES prior to joining DarkSky, Brian was the chief architect in modernizing the IES’s standards development process and in expanding collaborations with international organizations.

Brian comes from a small town in the mountains of California, where he grew up gazing at the stars, unfettered by light pollution. To this day, he makes an annual trip from his home in Florida to backpack in the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada mountains to get his “fix.”

Find Brian Liebel on LinkedIn.

Callie Blake

Engagement Manager

Callie graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a Bridging Disciplines Programs Certificate in Environment and Sustainability. Her passion for the intricate relationship between animals and humans coexisting with nature has been a driving force in her life.

These experiences ignited a commitment to wildlife conservation and dark sky protection. Callie has had the privilege of working with several environmental nonprofits, including Save Barton Creek Association, Environment Texas, Tracy Aviary, and now, DarkSky International. Each role has deepened her understanding and dedication to advocating for a sustainable future.

Growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, Callie found it challenging to connect with the natural world due to the city’s dazzling lights. It wasn’t until she moved to the quieter city of San Antonio, Texas, that she truly appreciated the beauty of dark skies and the impact of artificial light on our environment. This shift opened her eyes to the importance of preserving our natural spaces, inspiring her to explore the outdoors through hiking, camping, and kayaking.

James Brigagliano LC, LEED Green Assoc.

Lighting Program Manager

Active in the lighting community for 20 years, James brings a unique blend of technical knowledge, real world experience and a passion for dark sky preservation. James champions the development of existing and new DarkSky Approved Lighting programs for luminaires and sports lighting applications.

James began his career in lighting working in the Planning, Design & Construction Dept. at Cornell University. In his time at Cornell James gained experience measuring and photographing built projects, collaborating with professionals on master planning, and creating site lighting standards for the campus. Dedicating himself to lighting, James continued his career at Selux Corporation in Highland, New York, where James wrote multiple continuing education articles, developed award winning dark sky luminaires, and gained a strong appreciation for environmentally friendly lighting.

Being able to utilize his expertise in lighting to support environmental stewardship is extremely exciting to James. Outside of work he loves adventuring with his family and pursuing his interests in nightscape / landscape photography, rock / ice climbing, mountain running, and ski / mountaineering.

Natasha Chortos

Communications Associate

Natasha is a seasoned traveler, astrophotography enthusiast, and passionate advocate for the natural world. Her love for stargazing began on a childhood road trip to Nova Scotia, where she first saw the Milky Way.

She holds a Combined B.A. in Fine Art and Art History from McMaster University, a Diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design from Humber College, and a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Visual Communication from Fleming College. This diverse educational background gives her a unique blend of creative talent, technical design skills, and a strong foundation in environmental storytelling.

At DarkSky, Natasha develops innovative designs and social campaigns that inspire people to protect and celebrate the night sky. She combines her love for conservation photography with a commitment to storytelling that connects people to the nighttime environment. She lives in Essex County, Ontario, at the very southern tip of the province, with her husband and dog.

Find Natasha Chortos on Instagram.

Megan Eaves

Editor, Nightscape (Contractor)

Megan is the editor of DarkSky’s quarterly magazine, Nightscape. She first got involved with DarkSky as a Delegate for London, U.K., and in addition to producing Nightscape, she now writes Monthly Star features spotlighting the work of DarkSky’s incredible network of advocates around the world.

Megan originally hails from New Mexico but has been a Londoner for more than a decade and founded Dark Sky London, a community group dedicated to restoring the night in the British capital.

By day, Megan is a freelance travel journalist for publications like the BBC, the Independent, CNN, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet, where she previously served as Destination Editor for North and Central Asia.

Find Megan Eaves on LinkedIn, Instagram, & Mastodon.

Bettymaya Foott

Engagement Associate

An avid astrophotographer, you can usually find me out under the stars with one of my three cameras battling off mosquitos. My photography has been featured in Sky and Telescope, National Geographic, and the Los Angeles Times. My dark sky advocacy efforts have reached TedX Kansas City and the New York Times.

Growing up in picturesque Moab, Utah, and spending summer nights sleeping on the trampoline under the stars, I fostered an early appreciation for the night sky. My childhood was filled with hiking, camping, boating, and wandering in the desert, both below the hot sun and under clear, dark skies.

I graduated from the University of Utah Honors Program with an H.B.S. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and a Minor in Spanish Language and wrote a thesis entitled “Light pollution hazards within ecosystems and mitigation strategies for the future.”

My dark sky career began working for Utah State Parks, starting 12 International Dark Sky Park applications across the state. I then worked as a Coordinator for the Colorado Plateau Dark Sky Cooperative and the Consortium for Dark Sky Studies at the University of Utah before making my way to DarkSky International. Preserving dark skies is my life goal, and I find that astrophotography is an incredibly effective way to connect people with the beauty and value of a dark sky.

Find Bettymaya Foott on LinkedIn, Instagram, & bettymayafoott.com.

Julie Greene

Lighting Program Associate

Julie earned her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Central Michigan University. She spent more than 20 years working in the site furniture industry, helping customers better utilize their outdoor spaces. As part of the lighting program team at DarkSky, she is excited to help manufacturers implement outdoor lighting that still allows people to appreciate the night sky.

When not reviewing outdoor luminaires, Julie spends time hiking the nearby Michigan State Park trails with her husband, two kids, and dog or enjoying some ice cream at beautiful Lake Michigan.

Amber Harrison

Dark Sky Places Program Manager

Amber grew up in Wichita, Kansas, where she spent most of her time riding and caring for horses. She received her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Anthropology with a focus on bioarchaeology at Wichita State University.

Amber worked in the field of cultural resource management for several years before becoming a Park Ranger and Interpreter at Big Bend Ranch State Park — the largest, most remote, and darkest park in Texas. Being a Ranger allowed Amber to share her knowledge and experience with the public through outreach and education programming focused on the natural and cultural resources of the park and the greater Big Bend region. Her focus on dark sky conservation developed during her time as a Ranger, where she incorporated dark sky education in her programming and community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of natural dark skies on the natural world and the human experience.

Amber has completed successful applications to the International Dark Sky Places program for public lands in the Big Bend of West Texas and is active in dark sky advocacy throughout the region. In her free time, Amber enjoys photography, hiking, mountain biking, and spending time with friends and dogs (one and the same).

Gretchen Hayes

Accounting Manager (Contractor)

As DarkSky’s Accounting Manager, Gretchen is responsible for day-to-day financial services. Gretchen has provided consultant bookkeeper services to both nonprofit and for-profit companies for 21 years and joined DarkSky in early 2022.

She previously served as the Administrative Services and Grants Manager for the Santa Clara County (California) FireSafe Council for five years. Before the birth of her twins, Gretchen worked for the County of Santa Clara Green Business Program for six years. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a B.A. in Environmental Studies.

Gretchen moved to north Idaho three years ago and loves enjoying all the outdoor activities and nature that are now in her backyard. Gretchen enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. She recently started a new homesteading business where she grows and sells microgreens and enjoys learning and sharing her knowledge with others.

Find Gretchen Hayes on LinkedIn.

Monique Jones

Development Manager

Monique Jones, based in her hometown of Portland, OR, is a well-being and fundraising development leader with over 13 years of experience designing programs that enhance employee engagement, resilience, and inclusion. She has led global well-being initiatives, secured major grants and donations, and developed leadership training that drives organizational change.

Monique’s background spans donor relations and event planning for mission-driven organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A certified facilitator and active community leader, she is passionate about creating environments where people and organizations can thrive.

Outside of work, Monique enjoys spending time in nature with her daughter, Amari, and their Springerdoodle, Diego. She is excited to join the DarkSky team and looks forward to helping advance the organization’s mission.

Brooke Nelson

Development Associate

Brooke is a proud Tucson native, raised in the heart of an astronomy hub—home to Kitt Peak National Observatory and DarkSky International’s global headquarters—where she developed a deep, lifelong appreciation for the night sky.

She brings a unique blend of hands-on industry experience and data-driven public health expertise. Brooke began her career in the fermented beverage industry, holding nearly every position in breweries and bars before transitioning into academic research. At the University of Arizona’s Department of Public Health, she served as a Research Professional for the Safer Bars Study—an initiative aimed at reducing sexual violence by training bar staff to recognize risk, respond to safety concerns, and de-escalate situations without law enforcement intervention.

A committed volunteer both locally and abroad, Brooke is passionate about service, community, and continuous learning. She’s excited to bring her diverse skill set and curiosity to the astronomy and dark sky communities. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, gardening, and spending time with her wife, two dogs, and two cats.

Dan Oakley

Policy and Destination Senior Manager

Dan has been active in night sky protection for over 15 years and now works to manage and certify dark sky destinations around the world. A graduate of the University of Surrey with a degree in Physics, Dan transitioned from systems engineering in the defense industry to become a countryside ranger for the South Downs National Park in southern England. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Environmental Policy and a foundation degree in Wildlife Management.

After helping the South Downs achieve DarkSky Reserve status, Dan collaborated with the lighting industry, conservation organizations, and other protected areas across the UK to establish the UK Dark Sky Partnership and was a founding member of DarkSky UK. Following his time with the South Downs, he founded Darkscape Consulting, where he specializes in developing technical guidance and policies for sustainable development planning. Dan continues to work closely with lighting professionals and institutions to champion dark sky protection through policy and new opportunities for DarkSky certification. He also volunteers with the South Downs Planetarium.

Dan currently lives by the sea in Portsmouth, UK, and is a keen fair-weather road cyclist. When it’s rainy or windy—which happens often by the coast—he enjoys sitting at the piano, playing jazz, blues, boogie, and classical tunes.

Drew Reagan

Senior Communications Manager

Drew has a passion for understanding our shared connections to the cosmos. He served as an Interpretive Ranger for the National Park Service for over ten years, working at a number of parks and monuments.

Drew remains mostly deeply connected to Mesa Verde, where he worked on the park’s certification as the 100th International Dark Sky Park, designed a mobile visitor center and dark sky laboratory, and helped to establish Mesa Verde’s first Indigenous Ranger Internship Program — a program designed to create new pathways into cultural stewardship and land management careers for Indigenous community members.

Drew received his B.A. in Anthropology from UC Berkeley and has a strong background in community outreach and engagement, environmental education, and graphic and information design. When not behind his DarkSky laptop, you can find Drew out and about in the desert with his husband and dog, identifying and illustrating birds, bugs, and cacti.

Michael Rymer

Dark Sky Communities Program Manager

Michael Rymer was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where he seldom saw the night sky in its natural state. Later in his life, though, he came to discover a love for astronomy and astrophotography, searching for dark skies and how he can help protect them.

Michael enjoys hiking in the mountains and deserts of the Western U.S., and he loves to spend time with his camera and telescopes, capturing the beauty of the cosmos. He joined the DarkSky Advocates Network in 2021 and has continued to learn how he can talk with others about the dangers of light pollution to us and our world.

Michael has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in Recreation and Tourism Management from the University of Northern Alabama. He now lives in Denver, Colorado, where he not only can enjoy the beautiful night skies of the Rocky Mountains, but also cultivates native plants to enhance the beauty of nature during the day.

Find Michael Rymer on Instagram.

Ruoyu Li

Engagement Volunteer

Ruoyu was born and raised in China and is currently studying M.S. Applied Urban Science and Informatics at NYU. Before returning to school, he was the Information Technology Manager and Regional Engagement Associate at DarkSky. He graduated from the University of Arizona with majors in Mathematics and Information Science & Technology, minors in Statistics and Data Science, Computer Science, and Finance, and a certificate in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Development. He also received a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Business from Columbia University.

Initially motivated by his enthusiasm for astronomy, he joined DarkSky Beijing as a volunteer in 2015. Since then, he has become a Dark Sky Delegate, a core member of the DarkSky Beijing chapter, and a founding member of the “Dark Sky Defender” team that advocates the dark sky movement in China. He also volunteered for the China Dark & Starry Sky Committee under the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation.

Since he participated in China’s dark sky protection work, he has been in charge of international networking and communication; presented in, helped plan, and hosted DarkSky global conferences; promoting the idea of dark sky in China; and is helping multiple sites build and apply to become an International Dark Sky Places and successfully made Shenzhen Xichong Community the first International Dark Sky Community in China.

Find Ruoyu on LinkedIn.