Meet the Staff

Laura Matzer, Executive Director, laura@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 245

Laura has extensive education and leadership experience in cultural and art museums in the United States and internationally. Spending ten years leading up to the 2020 pandemic in the Middle East, Laura developed the strategic plan for visitor engagement and interpretation in anticipation of the opening of Oman Botanic Garden. She also led in the development and opening of high-profile museums for Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi. The board and staff are very excited to have her and we’re looking forward to our museum members and community getting to know her and her work.

Lisa Commander, Director of Education education@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 209

Lisa Commander heads up our education team. She most recently worked as the Director of the Columbia Gorge Veterans Museum in The Dalles, and as a grant writer for the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River.  Lisa is a fifth generation Wasco County resident on her mother’s side, and enjoys talking about both the horse thieves and preachers that are part of her heritage.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Seattle Pacific University, specializing in adult education and curriculum development.  Lisa is a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle and a member of The Churchill Society, a group dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Sir Winston Churchill.

Morgan Olson, Raptor Education Coordinator morgan@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 210

With a love of birds and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from OSU, Morgan leads our Raptor Department. She oversees day to day care of our six educational birds while also giving talks about the importance of raptors and what these birds can teach us about our environment. While she spends most of her time outside the building, she’s happy to answer any questions about birds you may have.

Andrea McCravy, CPBT-KA, Raptor Care Specialist andrea@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 210

Born and raised in Alabama, Andrea graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management. There, she first started working with raptors, including the eagles that flew free in the stadium before Auburn football games. She moved to Tennessee to work full-time at the American Eagle Foundation, where she previously interned and held a seasonal position. Andrea jumped on the opportunity to join the Discovery Center to be closer to her partner and live and work in such a beautiful place with our beautiful raptors. She is excited to build new relationships with visitors and coworkers, both human and bird! In November of 2022, she became a Certified Professional Bird Trainer (CPBT-KA) after passing the exam offered by the International Avian Trainers Certification Board.

Susan Buce, Collections Registrar collections@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 242

Susan manages the vast collection of artifacts donated to the museum.  “I enjoy immersing myself in our Pacific Northwest history each day. Being a good steward of our cultural and historic resources through best practices is an honor. Helping researchers who share that passion is why we are here.”

Mikey Goyette, Marketing marketing@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 215

As an east coaster who is newer to the Columbia River Gorge, Mikey brings a fresh perspective to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center’s marketing department. Contact Mikey in marketing for info on what is going on, press releases, media images.

Tiffany Bates, Events, Café & Catering Manager events@gorgediscovery.org
Office: 541.296.8600 ext. 202

Reach out to Tiffany and our events team to help you coordinate your special event, large or small, from weddings to conferences to meetings.