Meet the Team

Jon Mobeck

Executive Director

Jon is an experienced organizational leader, having directed two wildlife nonprofits in Jackson Hole, Wyoming prior to assuming the National Loon Center’s Executive Director role in January of 2021. He’s a native Minnesotan who eagerly returned home to build conservation support for the loons and lakes he has loved since childhood.

From 2009-2020, Jon served first as Executive Director of The Murie Center in Grand Teton National Park and then in the same capacity for the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. He also spent a year in Boulder, Colorado with the WILD Foundation – an international conservation organization – as its Director of Partnerships. Jon has contributed to community development in Jackson Hole, WY and Park City, UT while directing communications and membership for their Chambers of Commerce from 2001-2004. Throughout his career, Jon has combined hands-on work with science-based policy recommendations to benefit wildlife, ecosystems and people. He has worked extensively with public agencies, private citizens and other organizational partners to advance conservation ethics and actions.

Jon grew up in Ham Lake, Minnesota, where he developed a passion for nature and a love of outdoor adventure. He graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN with a B.A. in Professional Writing. Jon spends much of his free time hiking, biking, trail-running and playing hockey. His family knows him as “Jeep” as he was named after the late Minnesota North Stars hockey player J.P. “Jeep” Parise.

David Nielsen

Director of Operations

David spent 35 years at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Business Administration, with his last role as Assistant Dean. Throughout his career, he played a key role in managing multi-million-dollar budgets, overseeing technology infrastructure and facility operations, and leading administrative and Operations staff for Mammel Hall. He also initiated efforts to enhance the student experience and increase the college’s community impact. Additionally, he served as project manager for several major construction projects, helping to turn new academic and research spaces from concept to completion.

Nisswa has been a part of David’s life for over four decades. Since 1981, he and his family have spent their summers at their cabin on the lake, creating countless memories and strengthening their love for the natural beauty of northern Minnesota. That lifelong bond made the move to the Brainerd Lakes area a natural next chapter.

David and his wife, Beanie, are now proud to call this community home. Beanie shares his passion for the outdoors and is an accomplished nature photographer. Together, they spend much of their free time exploring the lakes, capturing wildlife through the lens, and connecting with others who share their appreciation for Minnesota’s landscapes and wildlife. Their son, Steven, also loves spending time in the Lakes Area, where the family enjoys discovering the region’s unique restaurants, stores, craft breweries, and spending time on the water. In every season, David enjoys exploring nature year-round—running local trails, snowshoeing through winter landscapes, and ending many evenings with a paddle at sunset.

Natasha Bartolotta

Science & Stewardship Manager

Natasha joined the National Loon Center in the fall of 2021. Prior to her role with the NLC she worked in various wildlife research and conservation roles. Natasha has a degree in Biological Sciences, graduating with Distinction in Research from Cornell University. As the Science & Stewardship Manager, Natasha coordinates community science and on-water programs like the Loon Research Tours. Natasha also manages research partnerships and engages with the NLC’s Scientific Advisory Council. In the summer, you’re likely to find Natasha on the water, whether she’s out loon-watching or kayaking for fun! Natasha also enjoys hiking, reading, and going on road trips with her husband across the Midwest and beyond.

Mike Pluimer

Content & Design Specialist

Mike is a Minnesota native with strong roots in the Brainerd Lakes Area, joining the National Loon Center shortly after graduating from the University of St. Thomas in 2021. With a creative background in writing and graphic design, he works with the National Loon Center to write content and design materials that share a conservation centered message on behalf of our treasured and vulnerable loons and lakes. Outside of work, Mike is a triathlete, musician, outdoorsman, and disappointed Minnesota sports fan.

Maddi Nistler

Education & Outreach Manager

Maddi is originally from Loveland, Colorado and moved to Minnesota in 2019 to attend Bemidji State University. Having lived in Northern Minnesota for several years, her love and appreciation for nature and wildlife, including loons, has grown substantially. During her time in the North Woods, she has come to understand the ecological and cultural importance of loons and she is excited to become a part of an organization that emphasizes this importance. 

Maddi’s educational background in Environmental Studies has prepared her for the challenge of reaching out to the Crosslake community and beyond to advocate for the protection of local wildlife. Since joining the team in 2023 as a MN GreenCorps member, she has continued to share her passion for wildlife and the outdoors with the Crosslake area and beyond through outreach and NLC programs. Aside from loon-watching, Maddi can often be found off the grid with a canoe and fishing rod, or talking to trees and local squirrels.

Olivia Guenzel

Visitor Services & Operations Coordinator

Olivia grew up in the Twin Cities with a cabin up north that she would return to every summer with fond memories and a love for the ample nature and wildlife found in the northwoods. 

Olivia graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Studies and Spanish. Her experience and love for working with animals grew even further through internships and a manager position at the Minnesota Wildlife Rehabilitation Center during her college years and after graduation. Olivia joined the National Loon Center in the spring of 2024 as a programs intern and in the fall became a part of the team full-time as the Visitor Services and Operations Coordinator.

In her free time she loves spending time with her 4 cats, gardening, hiking, exploring Minnesota state parks, birdwatching, and taking photos.