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Updated: November 3, 2025

Downeast conservation group hires its first chief of staff

By Alexis Wells

The Downeast Salmon Federation has hired Carla Ganiel as chief of staff to help boost the group’s conservation efforts.

In the newly created role, she will work closely with the leadership team to enhance internal systems and ensure effective coordination across conservation hatcheries, dam removal projects, land trust holdings and habitat restoration efforts.

Photo / Courtesy Downeast Salmon Federation
Carla Ganiel

“This organization is doing remarkable work to restore our rivers, strengthen our fisheries and support the communities that depend on them,” said Ganiel. "It’s a privilege to help build the systems and partnerships that make that work possible.”

Founded in 1982, the Downeast Salmon Federation is a nonprofit dedicated to conserving wild Atlantic salmon and sea-run fish — which migrate between freshwater and saltwater habitats — and ecosystems.

The nonprofit is based in Columbia Falls, Washington County. 

A native of nearby Harrington, Ganiel brings nearly two decades of experience in philanthropy, nonprofits and government. She has held leadership roles with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, AmeriCorps and the U.S. Department of Energy. 

“Her depth of experience in strategy, evaluation and organizational learning will help us strengthen and sustain our work for healthy rivers, thriving ecosystems and resilient communities," said Dwayne Shaw, executive director of the Downeast Salmon Federation.

Ganiel earned a bachelor's degree in English, writing and secondary education at the University of Maine; she holds a master's degree in public policy and management from the University of Southern Maine.

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