Local Leadership, Global
Legacy
Diverse and skilled directors, advisors,
and staff support the conservation work of the Sequoia
Riverlands
Trust (SRT). They bring decades of knowledge and experience
to guide the organization in its land protection, restoration
and education goals. By viewing our vast landscape as a
whole,
SRT recognizes that balance between community needs, economic
livelihood and natural habitats allows all systems to flourish.
Board of Directors
Julie Allen, Secretary
Julie brings over 25 years experience in the southern Sierra
Nevada, where she works as a land management planner for the
Sequoia National Forest and manages her small ranch. She brings
considerable knowledge and expertise in land and biological
resource planning in both the public and private sectors of
California, along with strong skills in negotiation and facilitation.
Julie values conserving healthy natural systems across public
and private lands, an interest and dedication she brought to
SRT's Tule Oaks chapter in 1994. She joined the board in 2002
because
she believes that land trusts are an important, non-regulatory
way to protect conservation values on private land. Julie and
her husband Jim live in Springville.
Jill Cherneff
After serving for several years on SRT's development committee and
hosting events to introduce new donors to the organization, Jill
joined the board in 2005. She brings a passion for integrating the
needs of individuals, community and the natural world to create a
sustainable environment. Jill, a self-employed anthropologist, holds
prestigious positions as a research scholar with the UCLA Center for
the Study of Women and as a research associate in the anthropology
research and collections department at the Natural History Museum of
Los Angeles County. Jill and her husband, Rocky Laverty, reside in
Manhattan Beach and visit their Doyle Springs home in the foothills
above Springville as much as they can.
Bill Christian
Bill joined the board in 2002, bringing diverse expertise as
a lawyer, lobbyist, business manager and political analyst.
His incredible skills in environmental law and government regulations
coupled with his passion for our local land and waters provide
invaluable support to SRT's land protection and stewardship
efforts. He believes SRT is preserving a unique way of life
by allowing for ranching while stewarding sensitive habitats
and conserving Tulare County's magnificent landscape. Bill currently works
for The Nature Conservancy as Director of the Amargosa River
Project near Death Valley. He and his wife Barbara Zimmermann
live in South Pasadena and have a home in Springville.
John Colbert
John, a long time supporter of Sequoia Riverlands Trust's Kaweah
Oaks Preserve, joined the board in 2005. He is currently the
President of Greenleaf Farms in Kingsburg, where he manages
almond, walnut, citrus and plum orchards. As a part of his job,
John is constantly involved with land acquisition, title issues, easements
and land stewardship. John also has a strong personal interest in land
use issues, so he joined the board because SRT is an organization
that breaks down the barriers between farmers and environmentalists,
developers and civil servants. He believes everyone living in
the Valley or doing business here can appreciate the benefits of
open space, natural habitat and wild places, when the land is
acquired voluntarily. John and his wife, Nan Mensinga, reside
in Visalia, where they have lived for 25 years.
Joseph Cusenza
Joe brings decades of experience in land acquisition, sales and development to assist Sequoia Riverlands Trust in its conservation efforts. He joined the board of directors in 2007, and in addition to his broad professional experience, he also contributes a strong volunteer service background. Joe, a Visalia native who has fond memories of hiking in this area as a kid, hopes to help SRT foster collaboration from all sectors to help preserve the natural and agricultural landscapes of the southern Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Valley for everyone's benefit. Joe is Managing Partner of CBD Partners, LLC.
Karol Aure Flynn
Karol brings many years of agribusiness experience along with her deep appreciation of the unique San Joaquin Valley-- historical, present and future. She
is Executive Director, Food and Agribusiness Resarch and Advisory Group with Rabobank International, headquartered in New York, New York.
Rabobank, established as a farmer-owned cooperative bank more than 100 years ago, maintains a AAA credit rating and specializes in servicing agriculture and agribusiness at all points of the value chain from producer to retail. Karol's research emphasis is the grains and oilseeds sector. Raised on a table grape farm in Earlimart, Karol returned after Stanford University and an MBA from UC Davis to work for a large fig and almond farming company outside of Fresno. She co-founded one of the first full-service precision farming companies in 1997, introducing GPS/GIS applications across the agricultural sectors in the western United States. Karol resides in southern Tulare County on the Flynn Ranch (est. 1874), which her husband Matt manages for the fourth generation.
Rob Hansen
Rob has spent a lifetime studying the natural world around
him
and brings to SRT a solid big-picture view of the status, type,
location and amount of habitats in our area of influence.
He
has brought his skills and talent to local land conservation
efforts since before the protection of Kaweah Oaks Preserve
in 1983. He believes the volunteers, members, partners and
staff
of SRT, through their common interests and dedication, can
and
do affect positive change in the arena of open space and wildlife
habitat protection in our community. He previously worked
as
a land steward in charge of five Nature Conservancy preserves
in Tulare and Kern Counties. Currently, Rob owns and is the
principal biologist for Hansen’s Biological Consulting
and teaches biology, human ecology and botany at the College
of the Sequoias. Rob and his wife Debra live in Visalia.
Barbara Kidd, Treasurer
Barbara, a Visalia native, became involved with the Four Creeks
chapter of SRT two years ago at the urging of her cousin Susan
Silva-Treadwell, an SRT volunteer, because she believes that
we all need to start taking responsibility for our environment
and its resources. Barbara brings extraordinary business and
accounting skills to assist with the financial management of
SRT's funds and resources. She believes in caring for the people
and space around her as positively as possible and enjoys working
with all of the dedicated people at SRT who conserve our local
lands. Barbara, a C.P.A., has owned and managed Accounting Services
in Visalia for over 20 years. She and her husband Donnie reside
in Visalia.
Terry Manning
Terry's involvement with SRT began 10 years ago with an invitation
to get involved from neighbor Elli Norris, whose donation of a conservation
easement was the catalyst for the open space conservation
movement
in the Tule River area. He has since served
on the steering committee of SRT's Tule Oaks chapter in the
Springville/Porterville area, promoting conservation of the
lands and waters along the Tule River. Terry’s passion and strong commitment
to volunteerism, member support and local conservation assist
SRT in fulfilling its mission. He believes the quality of
our
lives is closely bound to the quality of our environment, and
that local people who care deeply about their lands and heritage
can leave the world better than they found it. Terry, a retired
English teacher and track coach, and his wife Carol have
lived
in the rolling blue oak foothills above the North Fork of the
Tule River since 1989.
Brian Newton
Brian has a strong and deep connection to the lands and waters
cared for by SRT. He brings devotion, longevity, stability
and
a 10-year history of commitment to the organization. Brian
was
a founding member of the Four Creeks Land Trust, now a chapter
of SRT, and has served on its steering committee since 1993.
His personal mission statement is "to save the world's
environment two or three local projects at a time." He
appreciates being part of an organization that is making a
huge
positive difference in the local quality of life. Brian is
a
fourth grade teacher at Woodlake Elementary School. He and
his
wife Judy have lived in Visalia for over 20 years.
Mike Olmos
Mike brings incredible knowledge and skills in planning,
growth
management and community and regional economic development
to
assist SRT in its conservation work. He joined the board in
2002, with decades of experience in city and county planning
in Tulare County. Mike brings a steady perspective and key
assistance
to SRT’s community outreach committee. He currently works
as a Community Development Director for the City of Visalia
where he oversees city planning, engineering, economic development
and historic preservation. Mike and his wife Gail reside in
Visalia.
Cliff Ronk, Vice President
Cliff, previously an Advisor to SRT, brings a broad base of
experience in land acquisition and development to the SRT board.
He believes the organization has a unique opportunity right now
to influence politicians and builders about the value of our
natural heritage in the San Joaquin Valley. By finding the means
and methods of incorporating this heritage into development
projects, we can optimize conservation of the natural landscape.
As a Board member, Cliff hopes to help build bridges that give
residents high-quality housing, maintain viable agriculture and
protect the priceless character and quality of the natural
environment. Cliff is the Director of Forward Planning for
Centex Homes, where he has also held positions as a Land
Development Manager and Land Acquisition Manager. Cliff and
his wife, Cathy, live north of Elderwood, where they have
farmed citrus for almost 30 years.
Scott Spear, President
Growing up, Scott lived in several areas in California, Nevada
and Arizona where he witnessed first hand the change of the
American west as it began its rapid development. This shaped
his views on smart growth and open space, guiding his dedication
to conservation throughout his life. Scott helped found the
Four Creeks Land Trust, now a chapter of SRT, and currently
serves as SRT President, which he has done since 2000.
Scott brings extensive knowledge of agriculture as well as concerns
related to loss of farmland and growth of the southern San Joaquin
Valley. As President, he brings leadership skills in consensus
building and problem solving and a vision for an enhanced quality
of life by including natural, wild and agricultural lands in
community values. Scott farmed table and wine grapes for 20
years and later planted almonds, which he has farmed for the
last 10 years. Scott and his wife Annette have lived in Visalia
for over 25 years.
Advisors
• Gorden Bergthold
• Mike Chrisman
• Dan Dooley
• John Grant
• Russell F. Hurley
• Jim C. Johnson
• Dennis R. Keller
• Rick Lagatella
• Philip B. Laird
• Ronald L. Olson
• Jane T. Olson
• Amy Pack
• Ron Paregien
• William Tweed
Staff
Sopac McCarthy Mulholland, Executive
Director
Soapy joined SRT as the first paid Executive Director in March 2002. She brings to SRT a unique history with experience in ranch management, land development and agriculture that guides her conservation vision. Since 1989, she has served as the general manager of River Valley Ranch in Springville, CA which her family has owned for more than 40 years. She has owned and operated the McCarthy Creek Ranch in Porterville for 15 years. Through her sole proprietorship, Sopac and Associates, she actively engaged in the field of real estate entitlements and government and agency land use. Soapy currently sits on the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Stewardship Council Board and is a member of the state-wide Blue Print Committee. She previously served as interim President of the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation and as Director of Development for the California Agricultural Education Foundation. Soapy lives in Springville.
Jane Allen, Education Director
Jane
joined SRT in July 2003, bringing extraordinary skills in computers, project management, operations, and creating training programs. She is currently an adjunct faculty member at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia, where she teaches cultural and physical anthropology as well as archaeology. For many years, Jane utilized her cultural resources background as an archeologist for the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. Most recently, she was employed as the customer resource center department manager for a local software company. Jane lives in Three Rivers.
Hilary Dustin, Land Steward
Hilary
has a lifelong interest in practical, sustainable relationships between people and their natural habitats. She has enjoyed exploring this in academia, government, private business and now, with SRT, the private non-profit sector. Prior to joining SRT as the Lead Land Steward in December 2003 she received degrees in biology and range management; spent 15 years with the U.S. Forest Service as a range conservationist, timber sale planner, district ranger and public affairs officer; co-owned a medium sized architecture and planning firm; and recently got some hands-on experience with the food system as a grocery stocker with a whole foods co-op. Hilary's work has allowed her to live in rural communities in Central California, Upstate New York and Montana, giving her a great appreciation for the diversity and productivity of the landscapes she is privileged to care for through SRT. Hilary lives in Three Rivers.
Nathan Higgins, Land Steward
Nathan
joined SRT in January 2004, eager to involve himself in community-based conservation endeavors. Nathan has lived the majority of his life in the southern Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Valley , building personal interest in and involvement with conserving the natural scenic beauty and sustainable land uses of the place he calls home. Nathan brings nine years experience with the National Park Service at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks , where he worked as a lead field technician in the restoration of Giant Forest and pioneered an exotic plant management program. Now, he serves SRT as a Land Steward, managing the preserves and conservation easements
in a variety of capacities. Nathan lives in Three Rivers
with his wife Dayna and son Skyler.
Mark Millard, Land Protection Coordinator
Mark, born and raised in Tulare County , joined the SRT staff in April 2008. He brings more than seven years of experience in real estate and banking to Sequoia Riverlands Trust's growing land protection program. Prior to his real estate career, Mark spent 15 years working full time in local law enforcement. Mark and his wife Sandra Millard, a Porterville realtor, have four children.
Rita O'Brien, Information Technologist
SRT's resident tech expert, Rita holds multiple degrees in Computer Information Systems, including certification as a Novell Administrator and a Masters in Web Application from UCLA Extension. Rita's critical role at SRT centers on resolving and troubleshooting issues with the SRT network, updating the SRT website and maintaining the SRT database. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Rita spent 15 years as a software developer in Los Angeles , moved to Visalia in August 2005 and joined SRT in September 2005. In keeping with her personal mission statement to “Enjoy life and keep an open mind”, Rita enjoys a diverse range of activities outside of her time at work, including gardening, Irish music and dancing, Japanese drumming, Chinese acrobatics, and watching major tennis tournaments on TV. Rita lives in Visalia with her husband Bob.
Daniel O'Connell, Farmland Conservation Director
Daniel joined the SRT staff in May 2008 to foster farmland conservation efforts throughout the region. He has broad experience partnering with rural and agricultural communities from subsistence farmers in southern Africa to Central Valley growers. He has an M.S. degree from UC Davis in agricultural and community development and is currently working on his doctoral degree in education at Cornell University . The focus of his scholarship has been on community problem solving and collaboration. He brings a highly diverse professional background to the Trust having worked as an applied academic, project manager, educator and naturalist, park ranger and within the non-profit sector.
Amy Silveira, Development Director
A native of the Central Valley , Amy Silveira joined SRT as Development Director in May 2007. Amy's prior experience includes four years as Development Director at Pro-Youth/HEART, a Tulare County based not-for-profit organization. While at HEART, Amy developed and managed an annual, comprehensive fundraising plan accounting for approximately $1.3 million of $4.1 million annual budget, created and managed implementation of an annual marketing and public relations plan; and served on the Executive Management team . Also at HEART, Amy developed and wrote grant proposals, receiving grant awards from organizations such as United Way , the Gannett Foundation, the Alcoa Foundation, Altria, SCE, UPS and local Rotary Clubs. Prior to returning to Visalia in 2001, Amy worked in New York 's publishing industry for Bantam Doubleday Dell and the Brockman, Inc. literary agency. Amy holds an MBA from the Fresno State Craig School of Business.
Erica Tootle, Communications Coordinator
Erica joined the SRT staff in June 2007. A native of Ohio , Erica recently relocated to Visalia with her husband Steve, a Visalia native, and they are both looking forward to establishing Central Valley roots. Erica has extensive experience in media relations and graphic design. Her prior work included coordinating all marketing, communications, and public relations activities for a school employee credit union. Erica graduated magna cum laude from Ohio University with a B.S. in Journalism and was also awarded the Outstanding Graduating Senior award. Erica's additional work experience includes serving as Public Information Assistant at the PBS/NPR affiliate in Athens, Ohio.
Frances Tweed, Executive Assistant
Frances brings many years of administrative experience to SRT, from professions as varied as the garment and travel industries, cargo shipping, food processing, and architecture. Since moving to Tulare County , she has become exposed to the world of environmental non-profits and appreciates both the hard work involved and great satisfaction derived from this important effort. Frances lives in Three Rivers with her husband Bill.
Teri Van Huss, Director of Finance & Administration
Teri happily joined SRT in August 2004 as its first Financial Administrator. She gained great respect for farming operations during her first accounting position with a group of agricultural chemical companies in Arizona . Since 1979, she has worked as an office administrator and report production manager for archaeology and environmental consulting firms in New Mexico and California and has been a partner in a small environmental consulting firm for the past 10 years. Over the past three years, she added the experience of financial administration with a local non-profit organization under a large grant from First 5. Through that grant, she presented many workshops on non-toxic homes to families and daycare providers throughout the county, giving them practical alternatives to using chemicals. Teri and her husband Thomas reside in Visalia with their daughter M.E.
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