GBRW Team

Mary Gibson

Mary Gibson is a citizen of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone, Elko Band, Elko, NV. She is a semi-retired librarian, who is interested in the protection and preservation of Newe (Western Shoshone) language, culture and history. She has a Master of Science Library and Information Science (MSLIS) degree from Simmons College, Boston, MA. She has also served as a community advisory board member for the Western Shoshone Defense Project, a non-profit Native organization advocating for land and treaty rights and the environmental protection of Western Shoshone ancestral lands. Mary’s interest and concern for the environment stem primarily from witnessing the destructive and unhealthy impact that mining (and other extraction industries) holds over the land, people and entire ecosystems of the Great Basin. Much of the northeastern and central Nevada landscape is recognized as gold country but what is lacking from this narrative is that this land, Newe Sogobia, is also Western Shoshone ancestral lands, as accorded by the 1863 Ruby Valley Treaty. Culturally speaking, Mary says that the toxic processes of hard rock mining is in conflict with Newe (Shoshone) teachings and beliefs. That is, the world is connected to Newe culture through a belief of a living universe and a view of relationship, interconnectedness, respect and reciprocity with our earth mother. The essential elements of life that Newe use ceremoniously and in kinship, such as land, air and water, are important areas of concern that need to be addressed and people need to be educated about. I look forward to gaining and sharing knowledge about the negative effects and impacts of mining with Nevada communities and working toward solutions that will ensure Nevadans, and our living universe, a long and happy healthy life. Along with serving as GBRW board member, Mary is currently organizing a non-profit Native community library and archives to preserve Western Shoshone cultural heritage.

Monique Normand

Monique Normand is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada and holds a Masters degree in social work. She was previously a community organizer with the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, and gained interest in environmental issues while working on the Nevada clean power plan. Additionally, while working at PLAN, Monique also helped engage the community about water and mining issues. Monique also previously worked at the University of Nevada, Reno and is currently a licensed social worker and  the field supervisor for interns at RISE (Reno Initiative for Shelter and Equality).  Monique serves on the board of the Nevada Coalition Against the death penalty, and NNBCAS (Northern Nevada Black Cultural Awareness Society).   

John Hadder

Executive Director
John E. Hadder is currently the Director for Great Basin Research Watch.  His academic background is in physical chemistry with a MS from the University of Cincinnati.  In 1991 he first visited the Nevada Test Site and became involved with work around nuclear issues in Nevada.  Since that time he has been applying his knowledge of chemistry and science to public policy and environmental issues.

Over the years he has worked in areas of community planning, non-violence and peace work, energy, sustainable transportation, indigenous rights, and general environmental protection. He has developed skills in activism and organizing, and spent time traveling within the Great Basin learning about the land and its people.

John also teaches chemistry at Truckee Meadows Community College. He serves on the Steering Committee for the Western Mining Action Network. He has been a thespian, acting, writing, and directing projects with Theoretical Theatre, and with the Nevada Shakespeare Company. In addition, he loves cycling on the open road.

Maeve Moynihan

Program Support Contractor

Maeve is originally from Massachusetts, having moved to Nevada back in 2021 for an Americorps opportunity at the Walker Basin Conservancy in Yerington- traditional Numu and Wisiw lands, Once she got a taste of the desert, there was no looking back!  The timelessness and space of the desert was extremely healing for Maeve, and she quickly found her roots here.  While she was working at the conservancy, she caught wind of the Thacker Pass mine project, and went out on the land to see what it was all about.  Being on the land with the Native people who have such a sacred connection to the land and were trying to protect it, Peehee Mu’huh, and learning about the plethora of injustices going on, Maeve quickly fell passionate about being a part of the fight in protecting the land, air, water, and culture from unjust mining. Since then, Maeve has continued to listen and learn, finding out ways to help.  She wound up being gifted the opportunity of an internship with GBRW and has since been hired as an independent contractor for them.  For Maeve, it has been very natural to be doing this work, since the desert has been such a place of healing for her, and feels it is important to give back by trying to protect the sacred. 

Matthew Tanager

Technical and Research Manager

Matt joined GBRW as an intern in 2022, then worked as a part-time contractor focusing on Project Tracking and technical support for several years. He obtained his Master’s Degree from UNR in 2026 for thesis work focusing on mine water management outcomes and policy implications at long-term closure sites in Nevada. Since finishing his Master’s work, he has joined the organization in a full-time capacity. 

Matt moved to Reno in 2021 from Virginia, and calls the Great Basin his permanent home. In his spare time, he is an avid fly fisherman and cyclist.