About & Governance >Governance & Documents
Leading with Transparency and Expertise
The Martes Working Group (MWG) is a global wildlife nonprofit organization guided by an elected Executive Committee of dedicated experts in conservation, research, and community engagement.
Meet our Executive Committee (2024–2026)
Below are the elected and acclaimed leaders serving MWG through 2026:
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Joanna Burgar
PRESIDENT
Joanna is the Carnivore Conservation Specialist with the Province of British Columbia in western Canada. A recent convert to the joys of working with the Guloninae, Joanna can unfortunately be found tied to her desk trying to help others do fun research. Joanna is looking forward to planning the 9th International Martes Conference in 2026.
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Rich Weir
PAST PRESIDENT
I had the great pleasure of being the President of the Martes Working Group since 2018 and am pleased to be handing over the reins of the organisation to Joanna Burgar. Working with a great team to organise the 8th International Martes Symposium in Scotland, and the positive feedback from the attendees, was the definite highlight of my term as President. You all can now look forward to fewer harassing emails from me!
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Sandra Frey
SECRETARY
Hi everyone, I’m Sandra and I like weasels. I currently work as a carnivore biologist with the Province of British Columbia, Canada, where I have the profound joy of spending most of my time working on fishers. I’ve been enthusiastic about Martes since I first laid eyes on the unbearable cuteness (and ferocity) of a marten, although I am still waiting for a wolverine sighting.
I look forward to working with the MWG community to share our research, knowledge, and ideas to help protect and enhance Martes populations and their habitats across the globe.
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Rory Fogarty
TREASURER
Rory is a wildlife biologist from central British Columbia, Canada, who still gets to go into the field on occasion. Rory has had fun with Pacific martens in the past, but his true passion is helping to conserve fishers in central BC. As the next MWG treasurer, Rory looks forward to receiving your membership dues, coordinating the financing of MWG events, and getting to see you all at the next Martes symposium.
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Amy Fitzmaurice
OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
My background is in conservation science, where I am always wearing two hats, the ecological and the social, which has led me to a focus on human-wildlife conflict and coexistence. I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of countries collaborating with a range of people on different projects.
More recently, living back in the UK, working on British wildlife and recovering nature, where managing a pine marten project led me to join the Martes Working Group and promote landscape scale nature recovery that includes species recovery and reintroductions in collaboration with local people and communities. Martes are a fascinating group of species, adaptable, caring, and funny – charismatic, so being part of the Martes Working Group to learn and collaborate with people around the world is inspiring. My vision for MWG is to create a shared vision for Martes species globally and to support us all achieving that vision, which is inclusive, collaborative and sustainable, ensuring the future of Martes globally.
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Alexia Constantinou
STUDENT DIRECTOR
Alexia is a PhD student in the Applied Conservation MacroEcology Lab led by Dr. Jason Fisher at the University of Victoria. She is working on a collaborative project with Alkali Resource Management and Esk’etemc Nation, sponsored by Francis Johnson. Their work focuses on monitoring fishers (Pekania pennanti), mesocarnivores in general and wildlife of interest for the community, mainly through a lens of how wildlife respond to prescribed and cultural fire. The Mesocarnivore Team at the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, led by Dr Joanna Burgar, are providing additional support to expand the monitoring power of the project. This project and the budding relationships are the joyful highlight of Alexia’s professional career thus far.
When not in PhD mode, you might find Alexia teaching in the Department of Renewable Resources at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, paddling, or trying to stay upright on a mountain bike. Alexia is looking forward to serving in the Student Director role for MWG.
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Bryn Evans
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
Hi! I’m Bryn, and from my first encounter with the Best Species Ever™ as an intern on the Kings River fisher project, I was hooked on Martes for life. I meandered through some radio tracking and scat dog work on fishers in the Sierras, some large carnivore and ungulate projects as a scientific aide with California Fish and Wildlife, and an MSc on awesome-adjacent species in Wisconsin (otters are just wet martens, really…). In late 2021, I finished with a PhD from the University of Maine, conducting camera surveys for mesocarnivores at al., including American marten and fisher.
Since then, I’ve pivoted to teaching (though some of the same skills apply – young humans are actually more likely to bite than the fishers ever were!) and day-dreaming of ways for the MWG to expand and support Martes enthusiasts at all career stages and in all corners of our global distribution.
I envision the following as a few concrete ways I’d use my almighty power as a member of the MWG executive: 1) facilitate Zoom workshops and mini-symposia to share skills, update members on ongoing research, and foster socializing between in-person meetings; 2) reach out directly to researchers in under-represented regions to identify ways that MWG can better serve them and encourage increased membership; and 3) work alongside the board to implement some of the suggestions brought forward at the 8th annual meeting in Scotland (e.g., establish a sliding scale fee system to support student members and provide a website/listserv for members to contact each other).
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Angela Fuller
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
I am the Leader of the U.S. Geological Survey New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and a Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University. I engage academic, state, provincial, federal, NGO, and international government partners in research to inform conservation and management.
While my research encompasses a diverse array of mammal species, as we all know, Martes reign. I’ve conducted research on American marten, fisher, tayra, and yellow-throated marten. I’m running for director-at-large of MWG to help infuse some large-scale, collaborative thinking to advance Martes conservation and management and to explore ways to increase engagement with early career professionals. I also have expertise in decision science, which is informative in setting working group directions.
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Jenny MacPherson
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
I am based in the UK, where I have spent the last 25 years working on pine marten conservation, restoration and recovery as well as advocating for them in various fora. I have been a member of the MWG since 2014 and really enjoyed being part of the organising committee and chair of the scientific committee for the most recent Symposium in Aviemore, Scotland. I love the range and diversity of the Martes species and the MWG membership.
Our Sub-Committees
MWG’s subcommittees are where much of our focused work takes place. They connect members across regions and disciplines, creating opportunities for collaboration, problem-solving, and action.If you are interested in joining a subcommittee, please email us at info@martesworkinggroup.org.
We currently have seven sub-committees:
Monitoring and Methods – Develops standardized tools, protocols, and best practices for tracking and studying Guloninae species.
Biogeography – Focuses on the distribution, habitat mapping, and ecological patterns of Martes complex species worldwide.
Symposium Committee – Plans and delivers MWG’s international symposiums, ensuring they are inclusive, impactful, and scientifically rigorous.
Guloninae Action Plan – Coordinates global strategies and priorities for conserving all 11 Martes complex species.
Martes Meets – Organizes virtual events to share research, foster connections, and maintain engagement between symposiums.
Student Group – Provides mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities for early-career members.
Advocacy and Policy – Develops science-based policy recommendations and advocates for the protection of Guloninae species and their habitats.
Bylaws & Governing Documents
As a wildlife nonprofit organization committed to accountability, MWG operates under Interim Bylaws adopted on April 12, 2024. These bylaws guide our operations, elections, financial practices, and committee structures.
Bylaws of the Martes Working Group
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SECTION 1 – Name: The Martes Working Group (MWG)
SECTION 2 – Area: Worldwide – where species of the Martes Complex occur and those who study them.
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SECTION 1 – Objective: Promote communication among scientists with a common interest in Martes research, conservation, and management.
SECTION 2 – Implementation: To aid in the achievement of these objectives, the MWG proposes to:
Organize and implement the MWG symposium on a 4-5 year schedule, with optional interim virtual and in-person opportunities for member collaborations;
Produce a book, publication, or other community-relevant resource from symposia and/or other events; and
Maintain communication with current and prospective MWG members via such tools as a website, social media accounts, and/or digital newsletter
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The MWG operating and fiscal year shall follow the calendar year.
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SECTION 1 – Voting member: Voting membership in the MWG shall be available to any person who has paid the appropriate MWG dues for the fiscal year in which the voting is conducted. Any person who has an interest in martens and their allies may become a MWG member.
SECTION 2 – Dues: Annual MWG dues, as determined by the Executive Board, shall be paid directly to the MWG Secretary-Treasurer.
SECTION 3 – Resignation: Members may resign at any time by giving notice to the MWG Secretary-Treasurer or will be considered to have resigned if annual MWG dues are not paid.
SECTION 4 – Reinstatement: Persons who are dropped from the rolls of the MWG for nonpayment of dues may be reinstated into membership in the MWG upon payment of appropriate dues.
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SECTION 1 – The Executive Board of the MWG, shall prepare a slate of candidates, preferably two each, for President, Secretary, Treasurer, Outreach & Communications Director, and three Directors-At-Large, from the Chapter’s voting membership periodically (1-2 years). In addition, a Student Member may be elected or acclaimed annually to the position of Student Director.
Clause A – All candidates must be voting members of the MWG.
Clause B – Prior approval shall be obtained from said candidates.
Clause C – A slate of candidates (including biographical sketches) for President, Secretary, Treasurer, Outreach & Communications Director, and Directors-At-Large, and a Student Director [if available], shall be submitted to the membership at least 30 days prior to the election.
Clause D – Additional nominees may be added to the Executive Committee slate provided prior approval has been obtained from each candidate.
Clause E – A member may be elected for no more than two consecutive terms in the same position.
Clause F – The Executive Board shall strive to select candidates that represent a cross-section of the MWG membership.
SECTION 2 – Voting: The Executive Board shall collect votes via an on-line mechanism to ensure that all MWG members can vote remotely without the need for a physical ballot.
Clause A – The candidate receiving the largest number of votes on the on-line ballot shall be declared elected. No one may hold more than one elective position simultaneously.
SECTION 3 – Officers: Officers of the MWG shall consist of a President, Secretary-Treasurer, Outreach & Communications Director, Past President, and up to 3 Directors-At-Large (and Student Director if available). Their duties are:
Clause A – President: The President shall have a general supervision of the MWG officers. They shall appoint, with the advice of the Executive Board, leaders of all regular and special committees, and they shall preside as chair at meetings of the Executive Board and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. The President shall establish an International Symposia organizational committee and a science committee, whose responsibilities it shall be to organize the next Symposium.
Clause B – Secretary-Treasurer: The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for the files, records, funds, and maintaining the membership role of the MWG; and they shall submit complete financial reports annually. Their duties shall also include the receipt and disbursement of funds, the recording of minutes of all meetings, correspondence, and the issuance of meeting notices and reports.
Clause C – Outreach & Communications Director: The Outreach & Communications Director shall be responsible for facilitating, coordinating and maintaining active communication with and among the MWG membership and public. In addition, the Outreach & Communications Director, in conjunction with the others on the Executive Board, will direct production of biannual Newsletter, upkeep of the MWG web site, and will work with any committee developing social media outlets.
Clause D – Past President: The Past President will provide historical context on previous Symposia and events, ensure a smooth transition among Executive Boards, and provide support to the President and the rest of the Executive Board as needed.
Clause E – Director-At-Large: Up to 3 Directors-At-Large may be added to the Executive Board to provide additional leadership and support in accomplishing the objectives of the MWG.
Clause F – Executive Board: The above-named officers shall make up the Executive Board, which shall act as the governing body for the MWG.
SECTION 4 – Term of Office: The Executive Board officers must be Voting Members of the MWG. Elections for the officers of the Executive Board shall be held immediately following the International Symposium (see below). Their terms shall end immediately following the subsequent International Symposium. No more than two consecutive terms may be served in the same position.
SECTION 5 – Vacancies: All vacancies in any unexpired term of an elective office shall be filled through appointment by the Executive Board. All appointees must be voting members of the MWG.
SECTION 6 – Remuneration: Executive Board offers shall not be paid for their services.
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SECTION 1 – International Symposia: The MWG will organize and implement an International Symposium on a 4 to 5 year schedule. The purpose of this symposium is to bring together the MWG membership to share research findings, develop collaborative relations and to renew friendships. Typically, these symposia occur between North America and other continents with active membership and sufficient staff to organize the meeting. Our goals are to expand the geographic placement of such Symposia over time.
Clause A – Membership Meetings: Regular membership meetings shall be held in conjunction with each International Symposium.
SECTION 2 – Executive Board Meetings: Executive Board meetings may be called by the Executive Board at any time and may be conducted via conference call or other appropriate mechanism.
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SECTION 1 – Executive Board: The Chapter shall be governed by an Executive Board composed of its officers, and a Student Director [if available] duly elected to the Board.
Clause A – Conduct: The Executive Board shall conduct its affairs in conformance with the provisions of these Bylaws. The Board is authorized to act for the MWG between meetings and shall report its interim actions to the members at each succeeding membership meeting and at least annually in the newsletter.
Clause B – Attendance: Members may attend Executive Board meetings but may not vote at such meetings.
SECTION 2 – Finance: Funds of the MWG shall be under the supervision of the Executive Board and shall be handled by the Secretary-Treasurer. The financial records of the Chapter shall be examined annually and before the incoming Secretary-Treasurer assumes responsibility, by the Executive Board.
Clause A – The Secretary-Treasurer need not be bonded.
Clause B – Funds shall be derived from registration fees, dues, any special assessments, work projects or contributions. For the purpose of carrying out its objectives, the MWG may borrow or raise or secure the payment of money in such a manner as it thinks fit.
Clause C – Funds shall be placed in an insured bank or savings and loan association.
SECTION 3 – Reports: The Secretary-Treasurer shall report the status of the MWG finances at least annually via the newsletter. The President shall submit an annual report of MWG activities via the same newsletter. The Membership Director will submit a membership status report at least annually to the Executive Board.
SECTION 4 – Files: The MWG shall maintain a file containing: Bylaws of the MWG, minutes of all regular and special meetings of the membership and of the Executive Board; correspondence pertinent to MWG affairs; all committee reports; financial statements and records.
Clause A – International Symposia records: Following each International Symposia the Symposia committee chairs shall submit reports on the budgeting and financing of the Symposium and well as details related to the arrangements (i.e., location, speakers, program etc.)
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SECTION 1 – Appointments: The MWG President shall consider suggestions of the Executive Board in appointing persons to chair committees. Committee Chairs shall complete their committees with assistance of the President. All committee Chairs shall submit a written summary of committee activities to the President and Secretary-Treasurer annually.
SECTION 2 – Duties of Standing Committees:
Clause A – International Symposium Science Team. This committee shall be responsible for organizing the content and presentations of the International Symposium. The team will develop the symposium theme and solicit and select presentations from the submissions. In addition, the Science Team will be responsible for producing the publication that traditionally follows the International Symposium. The MWG president whose tenure resides concurrent with the symposium shall serve as the chair of this team.
Clause B – Symposium Arrangements Committee. This committee shall be responsible for arranging for location and other details related to the International Symposium.
Clause C – Social Media Team. This committee shall be responsible for developing, maintaining and modernizing the MWG social media accounts. The Outreach & Communications Director of the MWG executive board shall chair this team.
Clause D – Standing Committees. Additional Committees shall be formed as needed to provide services to the MWG membership under the direction of the Executive Board.
Clause E – Sub-working Groups: The Executive Board encourages members to form Sub-working Groups to facilitate communication and collaboration on specific topics in Martes research, conservation, and/or regional issues. Sub-working groups shall be open to all voting members with an interest in their focus, shall meet on a schedule of their choosing, and shall provide an update to the Executive Board and to the membership annually.
SECTION 3 – Accountability: All committees shall be accountable to the Executive Board under general supervision of the President. Before correspondence from the Martes Working Group are made publicly or to the membership, the documents will be seen and approved by the executive board.
SECTION 4 – Tenure: All committees shall serve until new committees are appointed in their stead or until the duties assigned to the committees have been discharged.
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Procedure: Bylaws may be altered, amended or added by a special resolution passed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the MWG members voting during any election if due advance notice of the proposed special resolution of these Bylaws is followed (e.g., 14-30 days notice).
Stay Informed & Get Involved
We encourage all members to review our governance documents, participate in elections, join sub-committees, and share their expertise. By taking an active role in the governance of our global nonprofit, you help ensure that MWG remains inclusive, effective, and responsive to the needs of our global conservation community.
