Staff Members
Abby Urbanek
Communications Manager
Abby grew up in southern Illinois near St. Louis. Growing up on a little lake, she was enthralled by nature from a young age – from watching turtles lay eggs in the garden, climbing trees, and catching turtles and snakes with her two older brothers. An appreciation for nature and duty to protect it was instilled in her as a kid. Abby also fell in love with writing early in life. Her passion for storytelling led her to earn her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism at Indiana University (Bloomington), where she also played collegiate field hockey.
After graduating, Abby headed west. She moved to Boise in 2019 to produce KTVB’s morning newscast, Wake Up Idaho. She joined the ICL team in 2022 as Communications Manager, and brings years of communications experience as an Emmy Award-nominated journalist. Abby’s passion for educating, empowering and mobilizing people around issues in their communities combined with her love for wild spaces attracted her to ICL.
Abby is thrilled to be a part of ICL’s quest to protect wild spaces in Idaho. Her favorite spots in the gem state include the Sawtooth Wilderness and the hidden oases in the desert landscapes of Southern Idaho. In her free time, you can find Abby running Boise’s foothills, hiking, camping, or paddleboarding. Likely by her side – her partner Ryan and their rescue pup Presley. Abby also serves on the Board of Directors for the Golden Eagle Audubon Society.
Phone: 208.345.6933 x 214