Moraine Preservation Fund provides services to the park and community thanks to the generous support of our members, and the dedicated efforts of our volunteers. We'd like to especially thank our boat captains and mates for keeping Nautical Nature "sailing!"
Captains: Mike Brady, Howard Graham, Ray D'Angelo, Mark Draskovich, Paul Kaczmarek, Bill Moutz, Leo Sestini, Marlene Tomasic, Ed Unks, Dick Weber, Kurt Jackline, and David White.
Mates: Carol Bickel, Joanne Kapp, Lori Young, Lauren Martin, Cherry D'Angeleo and Dorothy Weisberg.
Want to join them? Sign up now!
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Ron Boltey, President - A 20 year career banker, Ron currently works for Northwest Savings Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from Clarion University as well as a Master's degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris University. As a lifelong resident of Butler County and an avid outdoorsman, Ron immediately appreciated the efforts of MPF both for Moraine State Park as well as the community. He could see the determination of this organization to contribute to the long-term preservation and conservation of Moraine State Park's pristine attractions as well as entertain and educate its visitors. He is honored to serve on its Board.
Mary Alice Cobbett, Secretary - Mary Alice Cobbett is a Slippery Rock University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and a Masters in Education. She worked as a Spanish teacher and Reading Specialist at Gateway School District in Monroeville. A former Peace Corps Volunteer, she lived four years in Central and South America. Currently she is an instructor/facilitator for the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Slippery Rock University and a member of Earlybird Toastmasters in Butler. She and her family were involved in the reintroduction of the osprey at Lake Arthur. Her goal is to expand volunteer opportunities and community involvement.
Jack Cohen, Treasurer - As executive director of the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Jack oversees operations for its 200 members. In addition to promoting tourism, he serves on the County Park Board, and has been on the Cranberry Twp. Park Board since 1994. He is also a member of the Cranberry Sunrise Rotary. Butler County has so much to offer visitors, but as Jack says, "We need members like Moraine Preservation Fund to help us tell compelling stories to attract them. Undoubtedly, Moraine State Park has a lot to offer visitors, mostly due to the volunteer efforts of Moraine Preservation Fund. I am honored to be a board member and consider it a priority to share the group’s important environmental messages."
John E. Hutchison, Jr., Vice-President - From an early age as an Eagle Scout, John has had an appreciation for nature and a strong conviction for environmental conservation. He attended Penn State University and holds an Associate Degree in Architectural Technology, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Structural Design and Building Construction and Graduate Level course study in Environmental Management. He has held various Engineering Project Management, Environmental Management and Technical Sales positions during a 27 year career in the Steel Industry. He has worked closely with the New York State Adirondack Park Agency over the past 6 years to design a conservation-minded, low-density residential housing development offering rural forest home-sites in harmony with the natural resources of the Adirondack Park. He is an historic preservationist and craftsman, who currently builds and restores award-winning classic wooden sail boats as a hobby.
Heather Jerry - Heather has been a member of MPF since 1993. She has been on the Board of Directors since 1996, holding positions of Treasurer, Vice President and President in recent years. She is currently employed by Marshall Township as the Parks and Recreation Director. She is usually accompanied by her son Chance and daughter Coleen. In Heather’s spare time, she enjoys nature, and camping with her husband Jim and their children. Heather holds a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Penn State University.
David P. Johnston has 33 years of work experience in both county and municipal government with the last 16 years as the Planning Director for Butler County. Born and raised in Butler, David is a 1974 Butler High School graduate. While attending Slippery Rock University, he played four years of football and in 1978 graduated with a degree in geography with a concentration in Rural and Urban Planning. He is a past board member of Butler County YMCA and Butler Area Chamber of Commerce. Currently David serves as secretary of the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame Committee. Golf and fishing are David’s hobbies. He lives in the Meridian area and has two children, Michael and Gayle, and one grandchild, Isaac.
Bill Kuban is President of the Kuban Agency Inc., an insurance brokerage in Pittsburgh that specializes in employee benefits, personal lines of insurance, and financial services. Bill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing with a concentration in marketing from Point Park College. He is married and lives with his spouse Jennifer and two daughters, Leah 5 and Cara 2, in Emsworth. He and his family spend their summer weekends at Slippery Rock Campgrounds and enjoy the many outdoor activities available in the area. Throughout his career, Bill has been active in the community as a volunteer for youth sports, coaching baseball and football.
Ruth Roperti has been involved with Moraine Preservation Fund for over 17 years. She first became involved with planning environmental education programs offered aboard Nautical Nature and on shore at the park. Shortly after joining MPF, she became a board member, and has served on the board multiple times during her 17 years here. Ruth continues to direct the school field studies. She was an elementary teacher in the Riverside School District for 37 years, and now teaches graduate courses for teachers. She is currently the president of the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, a statewide professional environmental education organization.
Elizabeth Wilson - Elizabeth is a Registered Nurse and has been a member of Moraine Preservation for 8 years. She has served as past President and Vice President on the Board of Directors and co-chaired the education and species preservation committees. She is a current member of the Board of Directors for the Bartramian Audubon Society, serving as the Education Committee Chairperson. Her involvement and experiences with environmental organizations and Scouting have enabled Elizabeth to educate and inspire all people to discover, experience, and connect with nature. Her dedication and enthusiasm is evident. Elizabeth lives on a dairy farm in Portersville with her husband David and five children.

