Meet the Team

From seed to success, our team leads the mission to support pollinators and build healthier landscapes.

Peter Berthelsen

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As one of the co-founders, Pete has helped grow the organization from an innovative idea into a national nonprofit creating real, measurable impact for pollinators and the environment. With over 40 years of experience designing and managing diverse, high-performing habitats, he is driven by the goal of making every acre the best it can be. Pete is passionate about using innovative seed design to generate outcomes that benefit soil health, water quality, food sustainability, and more. In his free time, he helps landowners conduct prescribed burns and hand-harvests seeds from over 140 wildflower species for prairie restoration projects across the country.
Elsa Gallagher

HABITAT PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
Elsa leads our Seed A Legacy program and brings over 20 years of experience as a wildlife biologist creating partnerships that improve pollinator habitat. From state conservation agencies to national initiatives, she uses her passion to deliver high-quality habitat projects across the country. Elsa represents us at conservation meetings and beekeeping events and works to make habitat restoration more accessible to landowners. She believes every farm, ranch, and yard has room to support pollinators, and she’s committed to helping others make a difference. Elsa enjoys upland bird hunting, running bird dogs in field trials, and teaching others to connect with the land.
Lindsey Huber

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Lindsey leads BBHF’s marketing and communications strategy, shaping messaging, strengthening brand identity, and connecting audiences to the organization’s mission. With a background in founding and scaling a purpose-driven e-commerce brand, she brings experience in digital storytelling, campaign strategy, and audience engagement. Lindsey is passionate about turning complex conservation work into compelling narratives that drive awareness and inspire action. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, biking, and spending time near the water with her family.
Haylee Hall

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Haylee brings over 20 years of nonprofit experience in the environmental, arts, and health sectors. She has led award-winning, record-breaking fundraising events and thrives on building relationships that drive meaningful support. Most recently, she worked to protect clean water and river ecosystems in Tennessee. With roots in farming, gardening, and health advocacy, Haylee is passionate about the connection between pollinators, food systems, and ecosystem health. Outside of work, she enjoys trail running, skiing, fishing, and spending time with her black lab.
Bret Babos

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Bret has over 15 years of executive experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in building organizational capacity and leading strategic growth. As an experienced COO, he brings expertise in nonprofit leadership, including finance, planning, operations, and impact. He holds an MBA from Chapman University and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Business Honors Society. A lifelong conservation enthusiast, Bret developed a passion for biodiversity growing up near an old-growth oak forest in Southern California. When not working, he enjoys skiing, surfing, mountain biking, and passionately following international soccer.
Julie Knight

SOLAR PROGRAMS MANAGER
Julie leads the Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund’s Solar programs, helping expand partnerships with solar developers and advance habitat-focused solutions on solar sites across the country. She brings more than 10 years of experience in renewable energy, with a background in permitting, ecological assessment, and regulatory strategy. Julie managed multi-gigawatt renewable portfolios, led nation-wide environmental programs, and partnered with agencies, consultants, and communities to support positive ecological outcomes. She is passionate about practical, science-based solar development that supports pollinators, improves soil health, and strengthens landscape resiliency. Outside of work, Julie enjoys travel, bird watching, and spending time with her family.

Meet Our Board of Directors:

Zac is a fourth-generation commercial beekeeper and co-founder of The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund. He brings deep experience in honey bee forage initiatives and is active with national pollinator coalitions. Zac has held leadership roles with the American Beekeeping Federation and serves on several pollinator-focused advisory boards. He is dedicated to creating meaningful habitat solutions that benefit both managed and native pollinators. Zac is passionate about conservation efforts that strengthen pollinators and agriculture alike.
George transformed a small beekeeping hobby into a large-scale commercial operation managing thousands of colonies. He is a former President of the American Beekeeping Federation and has served on numerous pollinator health initiatives. George is committed to practical, sustainable solutions that support both honey bees and native species. He and his wife, Susan, enjoy gardening and exploring their creativity through outdoor design and painting.
John is a fourth-generation beekeeper who remains active in the industry through research, advocacy, and writing. He has held leadership roles with the National Honey Board and California State Beekeepers Association, and was profiled in The Beekeeper’s Lament. John believes that strong habitat and research-based approaches are key to the future of pollinators. He continues to write for Bee Culture magazine and is a proud grandfather of 11.
Brent is a third-generation beekeeper and owner of Barkman Honey, one of the largest honey operations in the U.S. He’s played a leading role in promoting honey purity through True Source Honey and has chaired the National Honey Board. Brent is passionate about combining sustainable beekeeping with habitat restoration. He remains dedicated to improving pollinator health and strengthening the honey industry.
Christine has proudly served on the board of The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund for the past four years, bringing a unique perspective as a California almond grower and conservation advocate. As both a farmer and scientist, she helps bridge the gap between agriculture, beekeeping, and the importance of pollinator habitat. Christine holds degrees in biology and fisheries and wildlife, and currently serves on the boards of Project Apis m. and the Almond Board of California. She believes the survival of pollinators and the security of our food supply depends on protecting and restoring healthy ecosystems. Outside of work, Christine enjoys gardening, cartooning, and occasionally playing the accordion.
Russ has restored over 1,000 acres of wildlife habitat on his family’s farm, blending conservation with smart land management. He brings 15 years of experience in marketing, fundraising, and communications to our board. Russ believes habitat restoration is essential for biodiversity and long-term ecosystem health. He’s passionate about helping others see the value in protecting the natural world.
Jill brings decades of honey industry experience and pollinator advocacy to our board. She has served in leadership roles with the National Honey Board and True Source Honey, championing quality and integrity in the industry. Jill believes we all share responsibility in supporting pollinators and wildlife through habitat. She enjoys working closely with beekeepers and contributing to honey bee health initiatives.