Caroline Nilsson Troy, Executive Director of Development
Leading our team, Caroline brings a great passion for and experience with agriculture and Extension work. Caroline spent her childhood in southern Africa where her father managed the agricultural research farm for the Botswana College of Agriculture. Caroline was a 4-H member, was an employee of Idaho 4-H, and is now a 4-H parent. She attributes her success in production agriculture to breakthroughs in research and to the help of dedicated extension faculty. She has been involved in development work since 1992. Caroline received her bachelor’s degree in communications in 1984 from the University of Idaho. She resides on a small farm in Genesee, Idaho, with her husband, David Troy, two daughters, two “bonus” daughters, four dogs, two horses, and a cat.
Linda Bailey, Assistant Director of Development
As a former 4-H member, junior leader and leader, Linda knows the benefits of 4-H leadership and credits 4-H with developing many skills she still uses today. Linda joined the CAHNRS Alumni and Friends team in 2007 as Development Coordinator and has served as Assistant Director of Development since 2010. She is also part time Executive Director of the Washington State 4-H Foundation. Linda is married to Gary Bailey, they live and farm in St. John, where they raised their three sons, two of whom are Cougs. Before coming to WSU, Linda served as Administrative Director of the St. John-Endicott Schools’ Foundation. During her spare time Linda’s hobbies include reading, walking, snow skiing, wine tasting, gourmet cooking, traveling and spending time at the lake with family and friends. Linda holds a degree in communications from Eastern Washington University.
Melissa Bean, Assistant Director of Development
Melissa grew up in Stevenson, Washington, and is proud to be a 1994 WSU graduate. After working 12 years in development for non-profits, she began work in development for higher education in 2008. She joined the WSU CAHNRS Alumni and Friends team in May 2011. Growing up in rural Washington she learned to love the outdoors. She is married to Mike, a professional fly-fishing guide, and is the mother of Karly and Bobby. Melissa is an avid angler and enjoys biking, running, and swimming with her family. Melissa is committed to education and to ensuring that higher education remains accessible. “As a development officer, I’m really working for the future — of our children, our land, and our legacy,” she says. In addition to her degree from WSU, Melissa also holds a Master’s degree from Idaho State. “I know that WSU is No. 1,” she says. “Go Cougs!”
Ben McLuen, Assistant Director of Development
Originally from the Spokane and Cheney area, Ben relocated to the Palouse in 2003. After working for five years in the private sector in finance, marketing, and account management, Ben began his development career with Washington State University in 2007. In March of 2010, Ben joined the CAHNRS and WSU Extension Alumni and Friends team where he thoroughly enjoys working closely with alumni, friends, industry leaders, and community members to support the fantastic students, faculty, and programs of CAHNRS and WSU Extension. Outside of work, his personal interests include golfing, fly fishing, camping, woodworking, landscaping, and spending time with his wife and two beautiful daughters. Ben holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University in Business Administration, Marketing. Go Cougs!
Mary-Kate Murray, Development Coordinator
Mary-Kate Murray may hail from the land of peanuts, peaches, and pecans, but she’s proud to now call Pullman home. She has spent 12 years volunteering and working for youth leadership camps serving the state of Georgia. Mary-Kate also worked for a local transitional housing program near the University of Georgia, as well as for a domestic violence shelter. After completing her Bachelors of Social Work, she returned to the Atlanta area, where she spent seven years as director of youth leadership & engagement for a substance abuse prevention agency. During that time, Mary-Kate served as lead consultant, curriculum writer, and state-wide trainer for the Georgia Afterschool Institutes and for Camp Horizon, a program for children who have been neglected and abused. She holds a Masters of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from Georgia State University. Mary-Kate spends her free time reading, hiking and camping, and trying to teach Indie, her sweet yellow lab, how to fetch.
Britta Nitcy, Office Management and Stewardship
Britta has been with WSU since 1990, and in 1994 started with CAHNRS’ Alumni and Friends office. Britta’s experience and knowledge help keep the office running smoothly. Personal interests include gardening, reading, and hiking with her husband and dogs. Britta keeps involved in the Pullman community by serving on the Whitman County Humane Society Board of Directors.
