El Cerrito, California, United States
Committed to advancing coastal ecosystem and river restoration, water policy, and conservation finance through collaboration and strategic grant management. 18+ years of experience securing and overseeing multi-million-dollar grants for high-impact environmental projects in California. Scientific illustrator and ACA-certified kayak instructor. Passionate about connecting people to nature through conservation, art, and recreation.
- Established and sustained interdisciplinary California river restoration, water policy, and hydrology program; grew program from annual budget of $1 million to over $10 million - Managed and/or supervised award process for over $40 million in federal, state, local, corporate, individual, and foundation grants - Built long-standing partnerships with state and federal agencies, local conservation districts, water districts, watershed groups, landowners, corporations and industry organizations, universities, and other stakeholders; chaired the 12+ year Russian River Coho Partnership; convened and served on multiple Technical Advisory Committees; member of the Sonoma County Center for Ag Sustainability - Managed interdisciplinary team of 5-8 people - Managed two of the highest priority fish passage projects in the region, which reconnected more than 15 miles of habitat for salmon, steelhead, and other species - Completed dedications of water rights to streamflow; piloted new approaches to improve flow for fish and other species in collaboration with water users; developed watershed-wide programs linking water conservation with drought and fire resiliency - Created and co-authored publications, fact sheets, websites, and other resources sharing approaches and lessons learned - Advocated for public grant programs and recommended grant reforms - Maintained database of grant opportunities; developed funding strategies for individual projects; created resources to aid grant submittal - Collaborated with national accounting, compliance, and legal staff to develop and refine policies and procedures; ensured compliance with laws, regulations, internal policies, and grant requirements; trained California and regional staff - Served on an interdepartmental committee that selected, tested, and implemented a new financial and grants management system and developed Standard Operating Procedures and processes - Served as Acting California Program Director during Director’s leave
- Managed all California coastal water programs and associated staff and sub-contractors - Fundraised for, secured, and administered grants; managed budget of approximately $1 million - Worked with partner organizations and state and federal agency staff on policy initiatives
- Established Water and Wine, a partnership program between TU and grapegrowers - Researched permitting and funding options, assisted with grant-writing, communication materials, and policy development
- Managed returns, orders, repairs, rentals, and course registration; protected assets against fraud; practiced conflict management while implementing REI’s policies - Prepared and led trainings for co-workers and managers; opened Cashier and Customer Service Departments at new store in Marina, CA - Led REI’s youth outdoor education programs; coordinated and assisted with volunteer service projects and other public outreach events
- Executed multiple independent and collaborative research projects, including research design, data collection, writing, editing, submission, and publication - Presented research at academic and professional conferences, meetings, courses, and talks