Board & Staff
Our organization is led by passionate individuals with deep connections to the American River Canyon and extensive experience in conservation, science, and community engagement.
Leadership Team
Executive Director
Leads organizational strategy, program development, and stakeholder relationships. Oversees conservation project implementation and community outreach initiatives.
Conservation Program Manager
Coordinates field projects including invasive species management, habitat restoration, and volunteer training. Manages partnerships with land management agencies.
Education & Outreach Coordinator
Develops and delivers educational programs for schools and the public. Creates interpretive materials and coordinates volunteer engagement activities.
Operations & Development Specialist
Handles fundraising, grant writing, financial management, and organizational operations. Coordinates board relations and donor stewardship.
Board of Directors
Our board brings together diverse expertise in conservation science, policy, business, and community leadership to guide organizational strategy and ensure accountability.
Board Chair
Retired National Park Service superintendent with 30+ years in public lands management and Sierra Nevada conservation.
Vice Chair
Environmental attorney specializing in water rights and endangered species law, with extensive American River advocacy experience.
Treasurer
CPA and financial consultant with nonprofit expertise, longtime canyon recreation enthusiast and conservation supporter.
Secretary
Retired educator and naturalist, former Auburn State Recreation Area volunteer coordinator with deep canyon knowledge.
Science Advisor
UC Davis watershed ecologist specializing in Sierra Nevada hydrology and climate change impacts on river systems.
Community Representative
Local business owner and Auburn area resident, active in regional tourism and outdoor recreation communities.
Tribal Liaison
Nisenan tribal descendant and cultural educator, ensuring indigenous perspectives in conservation planning and cultural site protection.
Youth Representative
Environmental studies student and outdoor recreation advocate, representing next-generation conservation perspectives.
Advisory Council
Our advisory council includes additional experts who provide specialized knowledge and strategic guidance on specific conservation issues.
Fire & Forest Management Advisor
CAL FIRE battalion chief (retired) and fire ecology specialist
Water Resources Advisor
Former Placer County Water Agency engineer and Water Forum participant
Recreation & Access Advisor
Professional river guide and outdoor education program director
Wildlife & Habitat Advisor
California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist specializing in Sierra foothill ecosystems
Join Our Team
We periodically seek additional board members, volunteers, and seasonal staff who share our passion for American River Canyon conservation. Board members serve three-year terms and meet quarterly, with additional commitment for committee work.
Current needs: We particularly welcome candidates with expertise in fundraising, marketing/communications, or government relations, as well as diverse community representatives who can help expand our reach and effectiveness.
Get Involved
Interested in serving on our board or joining our team? We'd love to hear from qualified candidates who share our conservation mission.