RGS & AWS is strengthening its habitat mission with the addition of two new forest wildlife specialists: Cindy Cifuentes in Kentucky and Marc Hershfield in Michigan.
Cifuentes, a lifelong Hoosier, holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental studies from Butler University. Her early career in ecological research took her to Panama, where she studied the behavioral ecology of bats and frogs. That global perspective eventually led her back to Indiana, where she served as director of natural resources and research for the nation’s largest urban old-growth forest.
This spring, Cifuentes completed her Master of Forestry at the Yale School of the Environment, further refining her expertise in forest management, conservation and community engagement.
“I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned to benefit Kentucky’s forests and wildlife,” said Cifuentes. “There’s real momentum here, and I’m proud to contribute to a mission I deeply believe in.”
Hershfield joins the Eastern Great Lakes conservation team and will support the Pere Marquette Collaboration, a long-standing partnership between RGS & AWS and the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
Originally from the Lake Michigan region, Hershfield earned a degree in natural resources and watershed management from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. His professional experience spans nonprofit, private and public sectors, where he’s restored streams and wetlands, created bird nesting areas, enhanced wildlife habitat and remediated contaminated sediments.
Most recently, Hershfield worked for the State of Washington restoring salmon habitat by removing fish barriers tied to transportation infrastructure. His work also involved building wildlife connectivity structures to support species diversity and improve highway safety.
“My approach is rooted in building strong partnerships and realistic goals,” said Hershfield. “I’m looking forward to applying that mindset in Michigan to benefit forest wildlife and our shared conservation goals.”
