Engaging in Partnerships Training

Armando Quintero, Director—Director Quintero will provide opening remarks for the 2023 Engaging in Partnerships Training. The theme of this year’s training is Explore the Ecosystem of Partnerships: Connect, Innovate, and Sustain.

Understand what motivates your audience and brings them to your mission. Develop partnerships, advance philanthropy, and build coalitions by tapping into what matters to others.

Biography

Kim Tucker leads the Impact Foundry, northern CA's nonprofit resource center (impactfoundry.org). She spends most days building the capacity of social causes, helping them be more effective and impactful. Kim is from Alaska, where she grew up playing with bears and catching salmon with her bare hands. Most of the time she tells the truth.

 This panel brings together Park Operations leadership in an open forum to discuss topics impacting partners throughout the State. To have the opportunity of answering as many questions as possible within the allotted time, attendees were asked to submit questions in advance of the training. The goal of this session is to start conversations that will continue throughout the training around the break table or during a meal. Facilitated by Lisa Jaycox (CSP).

Speaker Biography’s

Matthew Bellah has served as the Central Division Chief since 2019 and enjoys working with State Park Districts throughout Central California on a wide variety of challenges and opportunities. Prior to that, Matt served as the Capital District Superintendent leading it through the Department’s Transformation and Reorganization efforts. Matt has a diverse background of working in the field of parks and recreation. He started working for California State Parks in 1998 as a Maintenance Aide, and since that time has worked for four different park agencies and worked in four different California State Park Districts. Matt enjoyed the diversity of his field experiences in maintenance, interpretation, public safety, and visitor service. Matt holds a BA in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego and a MS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration from California State University Sacramento. Matt also completed significant graduate coursework in Public Administration at San Jose State University. He lives in Roseville, California, with his wife, Amy, their two daughters, Sophia and Emerson, and their son, Nolan. He enjoys spending time playing outdoors with his kids.

Adrien Contreras began his career with State Parks in September 2001. He spent the first 14 years of his career working for the Acquisition & Development Division, then moved to Park Operations in March of 2016. Adrien has been serving as the Assistant Deputy Director of Park Operations since June 2021.

Greg Martin started with CA State Parks as a volunteer, which led to a seasonal job as a Park Interpretive Specialist. As a former high school teacher, Greg realized how much he missed working in the beautiful parks of CA. Returning to the Department as a State Park Ranger, Greg has worked in all aspects of park operations throughout the State Park System, including the Great Central Valley, the Sierras, the Central Coast, and now the desert as the Desert Division Chief.

Carlene Criosdale started with CA State Parks in June of this year as the Partnerships Division Chief. Carlene joined State Parks after starting her state career with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services in June 2020. Prior to joining the state, Carlene has served in various management roles in the hospitality and travel industry, which included sailing the world as hotel manager on expedition cruise ships and five years in operations at Asilomar Conference Grounds.

Earl B. Hunter Jr. is an authentic storyteller. He guides his audience to think from a solution point of view. He will present the three reasons why Black Folks have been left out of the life-giving power of nature and discuss the impact this has on our nation’s overall psyche: (1) Fear; (2) Knowledge; (3) Invitation. Earl will share ideas on how we can all help to improve the situation. His presentation will focus on how important it is to INVITE “more” folks into the outdoors industry and lifestyle. In addition, Earl will share how the Unity Blaze, which is the campfire in the center of Black Folks Camp Too logo is quickly becoming the symbol to help Increase Unity in the Outdoor Community and Beyond. The Unity Blaze means "You are Invited and Welcome".

Biography

The Earl B. Hunter, Jr story is powerful. After a high-flying career as an executive in global sales, Earl went camping for the first time in Western North Carolina and was suddenly “all in.” While working for Sylvansport RV & Camping Trailer Company as the Vice President of Sales and driving sales revenue from $815K per year to $17M in (4) years he took a cross-country camping trip with his son. After 20 states (plus 2 Canadian provinces) and 49 campgrounds, Earl was shocked (and a little appalled) at having encountered only ONE other Black family camping.

Black Folks Camp Too was launched October 10th, 2019, on stage at the Outdoor Economy Conference in Asheville, North Carolina where Mr. Hunter was the event’s Master of Ceremonies. Black Folks Camp Too is an internationally known company forging relationships and securing partnering with global outdoor industry companies, brands, and organizations...including several State Parks and DNR systems.

In this session, Justis will share the skills leaders utilize to get out of their siloes and work in partnership. Justis provides a roadmap to understanding your desired impact and how it fits into a larger picture, connecting your work to others and finding new collaborators, and bringing those collaborators together and moving them in a unified direction. 

Biography

Cleveland Justis, Ph.D. is the principal at Potrero Group, supporting innovators through rigorous organizational planning and effectiveness. Cleveland also directs UC Davis’s Executive Leadership program and teaches social entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley in the Blum Center Global Poverty Program.

He has served on boards of numerous community foundations, including when one established a FQHC. For over 30 years, he has led organizations in environmental and entrepreneurial arenas, and he consults widely with companies, philanthropists, nonprofits, and government organizations.

In this session, you will gain a deeper understanding of the fine line between efficiency and effective communication, learn to recognize your communication style, and develop the adaptability needed to be a successful partner. 

Speaker Biography’s

Erik Hernandez is the Concessions Program Manager with the Partnerships Division at HQ in Sacramento. Erik has been with the department for 18 months and worked previously for various local Parks and Recreation districts in Northern California. Erik served on the California Parks and Recreation Society district 2 board of directors assisting professionals with program development and career growth. He spends his free time outdoors with his wife and two dogs.

Emily Walsh has been with the State Parks Partnerships Division since January 2022, joining the team as the Cooperating Associations and Volunteers in Parks Program Manager. With a background as a Project Manager and Director of programming for a youth non-profit, Emily brings a wealth of experience in program development and partnership-focused initiatives to her new position. As an avid hiker and camper, Emily has a deep appreciation for the natural world. She is dedicated to preserving California's natural treasures and fostering partnerships with non-profit organizations for the betterment of state parks and the community.

Join us in this session where we delve into the vital intersection of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) with nonprofit organizations and programs within California State Parks. In an era where inclusivity is paramount, it's essential to provide and expand inclusive experiences and programs that resonate with underrepresented communities and populations. In this discussion, we will explore practical strategies for embedding JEDI principles into your planning, practices, and people. 

Speaker Biography’s

Sedrick Mitchell is the Deputy Director of Community Engagement, for California State Parks. Appointed by Governors Gray Davis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Edmund G. Brown Jr., and Gavin Newsom, Mr. Mitchell is responsible for overseeing the general operations of the Office of Grants and Local Services, and the Office of Community Involvement. Under Mr. Mitchell’s guidance, California State Parks has become the recognized leader in the development, implementation, and management of innovative park grant programs in excess of $3 billion. As a senior executive, he is a member of the State Parks Director’s Core Executive Team.

Prior to joining California State Parks, Mr. Mitchell worked for 15 years with the California Legislature where he served as the District Chief of Staff to State Senator Patrick Johnston and as a Senior Consultant to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Mr. Mitchell is a graduate of California State University, Stanislaus and the California Leadership Institute. He is the past chair of the National Association of Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers and has received numerous awards and honors, including recognition from the California State University System as one of their outstanding Alumni. Sedrick is married and has two children.

Sunny Chang (she/her) is the Youth Programs Senior Manager for Outdoor Outreach. A graduate of UC Santa Cruz, with a double major in Sociology and Experiential Education/Wilderness Therapy, Sunny has been a professional guide and instructor for youth and adults through various companies and non-profit organizations such as REI, Northeastern Center for Change, Camp Highland Outdoor Science School, and Outdoor Outreach, for the last 23 years. She has also worked within the Bay Area and San Diego school systems for over 8 years. Sunny is trained and certified in Mental Health First Aid, Restorative Justice, Restraint Training and Non-violent Communication, LifeGuard, Wilderness First Responder, American Canoe Association-level 2 Kayak and SUP, American Mountain Guide Association-Climbing Instructor. Sunny first joined Outdoor Outreach as an instructor in 2008, has moved progressively into higher level roles and is today a member of the organization’s leadership team. Over all the years and different roles, Sunny has continued to find joy in supporting youth to develop meaningful connections to nature, their community, peers and themselves.

Tara Lynch Participants of this session will learn the fundamental requirements and the process for capital improvement projects within the State Park System. Participants will receive an overview and a better understanding of the options for partnering with State Parks related to capital improvements, the mandatory requirements for construction projects on state property, and how to incorporate the capital improvement process into planning, timelines, funding development, etc., when considering capital improvements. 

Contracting Authority: All agreements should include Recitals, including the authority of each of the parties to enter into the agreement. What do the applicable Public Resources Code and Government Code sections mean for your agreement? What does it mean for State Parks and what does it mean for the partner? Let’s discuss the elements to choose what agreement is right for the intentions of the parties. Intended Audience: Any one who wants to learn about the various types of State Parks’ contracts and what the law allows. 

Biography

Tara E. Lynch works in her dream job of Chief Counsel for California State Parks. Tara started her career with State Parks in May 1999. She loves the mission and the people and the partners of California State Parks. She is also a long distance runner so she has lots of time to think about drafting that perfect contract.

Change management is the process of guiding organizational change to fruition, from the earliest stages of conception and preparation, through implementation and, finally, to resolution. As a leader, it’s essential to understand the change management process to ensure your organization/partnership can navigate transitions smoothly. Doing so can determine the potential impact of any organizational changes and prepare your board, staff and partners accordingly. When your stakeholders are prepared, you can ensure everyone is on the same page, create a safe environment, and engage the entire team toward a common goal.Speaker

Biography

Randy Widera (California State Parks Foundation) After graduating with a degree in Molecular Biology from the University of California, San Diego, Randy began his work in Outdoor and Environmental Education – founding the Web of Life Field (WOLF) School to provide residential environmental and science education programs. He went on to serve as the Executive Director of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, where he developed the nationally recognized “That’s My Park” campaign, an outreach program that dramatically built broader support for state parks within the local community and more significant funding for park programs. Later, Randy established Blue Oak Nonprofits, a consulting firm that worked exclusively with nonprofit organizations supporting state parks and environmental education. In 2019, Randy joined California State Parks Foundation to be a part of the dynamic team working for the future of all California state parks.

Although press releases still have value in the world of communications today, Sandoval will share how communications and marketing efforts can help Californians understand how State Parks and the public can protect natural and cultural resources and enjoy the benefits of spending time in the outdoors. Some of the topics she will cover include: Social Media as an Ally; Marketing the Benefits of State Parks; Being Culturally Aware; User-friendly Websites.

Biography

Gloria Sandoval (CSP) Since 2015, Gloria Sandoval has been Living the Parks Life as the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for California State Parks. She and her team, the Communications and Marketing Division, help department staff connect with their intended audience, whether it is internally or with the public or a partner. Sandoval was Associate Director of Communications at the California Natural Resources Agency from 2014 to 2015, Information Officer at the California Department of Parks and Recreation from 2013 to 2014 and Information Officer and Education Analyst at the California Department of Boating and Waterways from 2000 to 2013.

Come meet your concession specialist team as we dive into the inner workings of the RFP process to better understand how contracts are developed and managed throughout the State. You will engage in a group activity that allows your creativity to shine through! We will discuss the stages of project development and compliance management. But most importantly, we want to hear from you, so bring any questions or comments you may have about your districts.

Speaker Biography’s

Michelle Humphrey has been with CA State Parks since 2019, working in the concessions program for both Orange Coast District and Partnerships Division.  Michelle appreciates the value and benefit of our park partners and looks forward to continuing to grow the program and relationships.  As graduate from UC Davis with a BS in Regional Development, Michelle has a background in strategic planning, public policy, and organizational management.

Kevin White brings over 20 years of management, marketing, and operations experience to his role at California State Parks. His background includes serving as a Microsoft Partner in the Computer Software Technology sector and as the Publisher of reputable technology magazines like MacLife, DigitalFOTO, and Visual Studio in Print/Online Media.  Kevin has had the privilege of working on numerous high-profile Microsoft events, conferences, and tradeshows around the world as the key Platinum Sponsor. Through these engagements, he successfully organized some of the industry's most buzzworthy promotions, leaving a lasting impression. In addition, Kevin produced an award-winning industry cookbook featuring over 160 recipes, which received recognition for outstanding community engagement within the technology industry.  Kevin is also passionate about supporting small businesses in Sacramento, and deeply understands the challenges and demands of entrepreneurship. Early in his career, he owned an extremely popular coffeehouse, recognized as Sacramento's "Best New Coffeehouse" according to Sacramento Magazine's Readers Choice Awards.

Megan Boisvert: From organizing city-wide events with artists and communities to curating gallery exhibits, to now developing concession opportunities within CA State Parks, Megan Boisvert is a jack of all trades. Having worked in the visual arts industry for 10+ years, Megan has worked with arts organizations nationwide including Art Basel Miami, National Geographic, Art Galleries, Public Art, and more. She plays a leading role in the art scene in San Diego, as a board member for the Emerging Museum Professionals group. Megan has her BA in Art & Art History from Florida International University, Miami, FL, and a dual MA in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Los Angeles, and Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA. Megan is currently working for California State Parks in the Partnerships Division developing contracts and relationships between concessionaires and Parks throughout Southern California.

Stakeholder engagement is crucial for successful strategic planning. This session is for anyone wanting to develop and implement successful strategic plans with the ongoing support of external stakeholders and partners. Learn how to identify, understand, and engage those who have an interest in the outcome of your plan. Hear about effective strategies for stakeholder and partnership engagement that includes a comprehensive approach of effective communication and collaboration.

Biography

Alex Stehl is the Deputy Director of Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division for California State Parks. Alex has been with California State Parks for over 20 years, working with various partners and stakeholders on park unit planning and trail management efforts. Currently, she is overseeing the development of high- profile management plans engagement efforts throughout the Department.

Participants will learn about the various challenges that are faced when developing, executing and managing concession contracts in a variety of business sectors and settings. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of the dynamic world of concessions, how positive relationships are built, and real life examples of how one district has navigated through disagreements with our partners, challenges enforcing contract compliance, and solutions to these and other issues. State Parks staff will benefit from hearing examples of concessions program management, and park partners will gain a deeper understanding of the issues that parks staff face on the other side of the fence.

Biography

Kristan Robinson is the field (boots on the ground) Concession Specialist for State Parks, Central Valley District. As a self-proclaimed spreadsheets nerd, she loves geeking out on business data, learning new things, and engaging with the dynamically diverse population of concessionaires, local leaders and community members that surround our parks. She brings 19 years of experience in business ownership, non-profit and governmental work. 

Michael Keene resides in the town of Columbia, much of which is a state park, and has been involved in a number of park concessions for nearly 30 years. He is currently on the board of the Columbia City Hotel Cooperative Corporation, a pioneering patrons cooperative which operates the City Hotel Restaurant and What Cheer Saloon in Columbia State Historic Park.

This session will provide information on best practices for handling difficult and sensitive volunteer situations.  Attendees will learn about steps to follow when a difficult volunteer situation arises when to get someone higher up in their chain of command involved, and the department’s policy and procedures for separating/terminating volunteers.

Speaker Biography’s

Danielle Bronson has a B.S. in Environmental Management and Protection from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She started her career with California State Parks as a seasonal in 2007, working in all core programs areas at Oceano Dunes District. Danielle has worked her way to becoming a State Park Interpreter III, managing the Cultural and Interpretation programs at Oceano Dunes District. She takes pride in growing up visiting her park units and strives to preserve those experiences she was provided as a child.

Outside of work, Danielle loves keeping connected to nature when backpacking with family. Nothing gives her more joy than sharing the great outdoors with her kids and watching them learn through those experiences. 

Jeremy Lin is a park interpreter and outdoor leader with a strong focus on coordinating volunteers with California State Parks. He teaches natural and cultural history, leads snowshoe and mountain bike tours, and is a dedicated member of the California State Parks Scuba Dive Team. With an extensive background in leading conservation trail crews across Alaska, Maine, and California, Jeremy resides in Truckee, CA, with his wife Jasmine, their dog, and two cats.

Participants will learn about the department's efforts to advance California for All through the Reexamining Our Past Initiative and how partnerships lead the way. Park partners, including Cooperating Associations, Concessionaires, Co-managers, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California, and agreements with California Native American tribes are reshaping how the public connects with state parks. The public sees opportunities for communities to be welcomed and connect with a broader, more inclusive history being told with their direct involvement. New administrative policies regarding consultation with California Tribal Nations are adding deeper, more complex, and contextualized historical narratives to the work we do. As announced last year, significant one-time funding support for the suite of Culturally Relevant Parks Projects is making progress in developing tools, best practices, new research, and creative partnerships that will help State Parks deliver more inclusive and accurate stories that welcome and engage the next generations of diverse park visitors and supporters. 

Biography

Dr. Leslie Hartzell's nearly 25-year career delivering award-winning historic preservation projects, innovative exhibits, and interpretation master plans for California State Parks reflects not only her longstanding passion for historical research but also her drive to innovate ways to expand public engagement, most recently with the launch of the Virtual Adventurer mobile application. As Department Preservation Officer, she leads programs that support the mission to preserve and protect the department's historic structures, cultural and tribal landscapes, archaeological and ancestral sites, and museum collections, including prioritizing the repatriation of Native American ancestors and their belongings. Most importantly, she is leading change in how State Parks engage in partnerships with California Tribal Nations in developing agreements that are a model for other state and federal agencies. 

The discussion will be prefaced by reflecting on some of the laws and practices sponsored by the California and federal governments in establishing the state of tension that has existed between Indigenous peoples and state government in California, the relationship Indigenous peoples have to their Ancestral Lands, and navigating the exclusionary impacts that we try to re-dress today.

Speaker Biography’s

Victor M. Bjelajac, District Superintendent, North Coast Redwoods, California State Parks. Victor Bjelajac has been with California State Parks since 2007. His collaborative resource work and partnership focus for land management across jurisdictions began in earnest in 2008 and includes work with local tribes, federal, state and local agencies as well as non-profit organizations. He is a Registered Professional Archaeologist and has a B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology from San Francisco State University.

Rosie Clayburn - As a member of California’s Yurok Tribe, Rosie understands the importance of connecting history and community. Rosie has dedicated her life to the preservation and revitalization of Yurok Culture and is a key partner to the California State Parks North Coast District. She understands parks are not only a place to recreate but are ancestral lands many people call home. Rosie earned a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, with a concentration in Archaeology and Cultural Resource Management at the University of Oregon and a Master of Art in Museology from the University of Washington. She held multiple positions within the Cultural Resources Division before the Yurok Tribal Council appointed her to lead the department. For her master’s thesis, she collected data and analyzed Yurok objects held captive in institutions around the world. Her efforts helped return home thousands of cultural items. Overseeing the Chah-pekw O’Ket’- oh Visitor Center, Rosie was integral to the recent renaming of Patrick’s Point State Park to Sue-Meg State Park.

This session will explore how to collaborate with partners effectively, keeping both entities' goals in mind. This partnership has produced some great products, but this relationship has had its ups and downs. Discussion on how these two worked together to find common ground. 

Speaker Biography’s

Alicia Cox is the founder, CEO, and visionary behind PRJKT Restaurant Group, a collection of experiential recreation, live music entertainment, and culinary concepts at Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beaches. Through her pioneering partnership with California State Parks, she has transformed how people recreate with her soon-to-be eight beachside concessions, which have become vibrant tourist destinations for the city of Huntington Beach. She’s won various awards for her innovation and creativity, including the Los Angeles Times’ Inspirational Women Awards, California Small Business of the Year awarded by her Assemblyman, Entrepreneur of the Year by the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, and she was also named a Woman of Influence by the Greater Irvine Chamber.

Kevin Pearsall has been the Orange Coast District Superintendent for the past year. He began working for California State Parks in 2000 and has traveled the ranks of public safety and park management. Kevin has a bachelor's degree from UC Davis, and although a native Californian, he went to high school on the East Coast. Kevin also spent six years working in publicity in Hollywood, focusing on celebrity development and some film marketing.

Interpretation is changing to be more inclusive and diverse in the stories told within parks. Come learn the role interpretive planning plays in this process, how to stay relevant with current interpretation, and how partnerships are critical to this work. 

Biography

Heather Holm, the acting chief for the Interpretation and Education Division, Heather Holm has 22 years of experience in interpretation, having worked in various positions in California State Parks, including as the Interpretive Planning and Program Section Manager for seven years and as a statewide PORTS: Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students ® Program Coordinator for ten years. Heather is passionate about supporting front-line interpretive staff and volunteers in their work and coaching and mentoring interpreters. She has a Master of Arts in Public History from California State University, Sacramento.

Real life examples of a strong marketing partnership and how it can benefit both parties. Panel discussion of Partners who have established a successful marketing history with state parks. This session is intended for DPR staff and Partners. The audience will come away with specific tools that can be leveraged to maximize marketing efforts.

Speaker Biography’s

Alicia Cox is the founder, CEO, and visionary behind PRJKT Restaurant Group, a collection of experiential recreation, live music entertainment, and culinary concepts at Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beaches. Through her pioneering partnership with California State Parks, she has transformed how people recreate with her soon-to-be eight beachside concessions, which have become vibrant tourist destinations for the city of Huntington Beach. She’s won various awards for her innovation and creativity, including the Los Angeles Times Inspirational Women Awards, California Small Business of the Year awarded by her Assemblyman, Entrepreneur of the Year by the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, and she was also named a Woman of Influence by the Greater Irvine Chamber.

Lisa Cesaro has a 25+ year career in hospitality that started with operational roles at Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton before her career in public relations and marketing. A native of Michigan, Lisa moved to California in 1995, where she most recently lived a wonderful journey in Yosemite National Park as the Director of Sales & Marketing for concessioner operations. In her current position as Senior Director of Marketing, she is responsible for all aspects of Aramark Destinations' marketing and public relations efforts, from long-range planning, budgeting, revenue growth strategies, creative marketing initiatives, supervision of personnel, and cultivating key partnerships. Lisa has a passion for the travel industry and strategic partnerships. She recently served as a Board Director for Yosemite Gateway Partners and Visit California. Lisa’s passion for exploring national and state parks keeps her in awe of working for Aramark Destinations.

Jaime Purinton (she/her) is a marketing and brand expert passionate about weaving an organization's mission, values, and dreams together through brand storytelling and authentic connection. She has extensive marketing, branding, and communications experience from fifteen years in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Her career has expanded over several industries, including wine, events, outdoor media and clothing, and conservation/advocacy.

Fires, earthquakes, and flooding… are all threats to State Parks’ historic structures and museum collections. The Cultural Resources Division faces these threats with emergency preparedness initiatives and direct response to natural disasters. Participants in this session will learn about evacuating collections from a park during an emergency and how cooperating associations can assist with emergency preparedness and response. 

Biography

Nancy Jenner is a Museum Curator II at the Statewide Museum Collections Center (SMCC) in Sacramento.  Nancy is responsible for managing SMCC’s museum collections program and for assisting field units in planning, storing, and managing their collections.  She has been a curator for State Parks for 14 years; before starting at SMCC, she was the curator for the State Indian Museum and Sutter’s Fort SHP.  Over a career spanning three decades, Nancy has become an expert in collections management and preventive conservation.

This session will provide volunteer coordinators with information about the benefit of working with cooperating associations (co-ops), best practices for working with co-ops, and present department policies and rationale regarding the separation of these two related, but distinct programs.  Attendees will learn about the different roles of staff, DPR volunteers, and cooperating association volunteers and learn how to identify when work should and/or can be done by a department volunteer, a co-op volunteer, or both.

Speaker Biography’s

Brie Grossman has been a Partnerships Analyst with California State Parks since 2018, bringing her 14 years of additional CSP experience. Brie received a BA in Geography from CSU Sacramento and brings expertise in Cooperating Association support. Brie enjoys supporting our districts and partners to ensure they have the necessary resources to build and strengthen the CSP and cooperating association relationship.

Paige Haller is the Park Manager to lead the launch of California’s newest state park in more than a decade, Dos Rios Ranch. She has worked as a Public Engagement and Education Manager for the Sierra District and as a Nonprofit Program Manager for the Partnerships Division of California State Parks, where she facilitated nonprofit, corporate, and governmental partnerships. Paige is a native of Pasadena, a graduate of UC Santa Cruz, and a fierce Dodger fan. She also received a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. She has over twenty-five years of experience in community service, philanthropy, and nonprofit management, and in her free time, she enjoys hiking and kayaking with her teenage son, Luke. 

Terri Lopez holds an Associate of Science degree in Natural Resource Management from Reedley College, Reedley, and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Natural Resources Interpretation and Park Management from CalPoly and Humboldt State University, Arcata. After working with diverse nonprofit organizations and for the National Park Service for 18 years, Terri began working with California State Parks in 2000. Terri spent six years working out of the northern region field office before transferring to the Gold Fields District as the District Interpretive Specialist, working on many significant regional and statewide projects. She received two Special Commendations and the Resiliency Award from California State Parks’ Director and other accolades.

Terri now works as the Program Manager for Interpretation and Education in the Northern Buttes District, and her responsibilities include the supervision, management, and evaluation of the district-wide interpretive program planning and operation, serving as the Cooperation Association Liaison for four park associations, district-wide volunteer coordination, and collection manager.

Terri enjoys spending time with her 18 year old son, Eric, and they enjoy hiking, camping, and kayaking together. Her favorite places are along the ocean shores, among the trees of the Sierra Nevada, or exploring the high alpine deserts of the eastern Sierra.

Empower volunteer coordinators, staff, and partners with the tools and strategies necessary to effectively engage, recognize, and inspire our dedicated volunteers within California State Parks. By sharing best practices, successful case studies, and innovative approaches, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to create a rewarding and fulfilling volunteer experience. Together, we'll work towards achieving the shared goal of ensuring the continued success and preservation of our beautiful state parks through the support of our passionate volunteers.

Biography

Jeremy Lin is a park interpreter and outdoor leader with a strong focus on coordinating volunteers with California State Parks. He teaches natural and cultural history, leads snowshoe and mountain bike tours, and is a dedicated member of the California State Parks Scuba Dive Team. With an extensive background in leading conservation trail crews across Alaska, Maine, and California, Jeremy resides in Truckee, CA, with his wife Jasmine, their dog, and two cats.

Explore the effort between Save the Redwoods League and the Sonoma-Mendocino District to improve the park at Montgomery Woods through recreational and public access infrastructure upgrades, as well as in reaching out and building relationships with historically marginalized communities to provide educational programming and other opportunities to access and learn more about the park.

Speaker Biography’s

Matthew Gomez is the Senior Parks Program Manager with Save the Redwoods League. Prior to his current responsibilities, working to improve recreational amenities and public access on new and existing parkland, Matt has worked as a planner and project manager for the past 15 years, mostly in the recreational planning space. Matt worked for the Department of the Navy, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (in Chicago) before moving to California in the summer of 2022. During his free time, Matt loves spending time with his partner, Laura, and his two young children.

Leslie Parra is the Outreach Program Manager for Save the Redwoods League. She has garnered significant recognition for her leadership in community civic action, STEM and environmental education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion work over the past 15 years. Her professional calling is to cultivate enrichment programs with multicultural and international perspectives, driven by and in collaboration with communities. During her free time, she loves to go hiking with her partner Eric and their dog Mishqui (which means “sweet” in Quichua, the native language of Ecuador—a place she calls home).

Bill Maslach has worked with State Parks for 28 years, starting as an intern in Malibu Creek and currently acting as a sector superintendent for the Sonoma Mendocino Coast District. State Parks' partnership with Save the Redwoods League has been coded into our department's DNA from its inception. And so that the pace and capacity of our department can continue to evolve, we should never shy away from the agility, nimbleness, and dedication of our non-profit partners.

California State Parks’ valuable partners have played a key role in innovating interpretation throughout the decades. In this presentation, we will explore tried-and-true digital interpretation programs and peek into the future of interpretive technology. You’ll learn how the Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) ® Program has pioneered digital storytelling for K-12 education and discover all the products and services that have spun out of this award-winning “digital nucleus”. You’ll hear about current initiatives and opportunities for partners to engage in digital storytelling and learn how you can take interpretation to the next level at your park.

Speaker Biography’s

Brad Krey is a trailblazer, passionate educator, and a pioneer in leveraging technology to connect people with the wonders of California State Parks. As the Statewide Interpretation & Education Program Manager, he has redefined the way people experience and learn about the state's diverse ecosystems and cultural treasures. Through the PORTS (Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students) Program, Brad has harnessed the power of technology to bring State Parks directly into classrooms across California and beyond. Brad’s tireless dedication to merging technology with environmental education has not only transformed California's State Parks but has also set a remarkable example for the field of interpretation and education nationwide. 

Kayla Jones - From experiential outdoor education to innovative digital-based instruction, Kayla Jones has developed as an educator and strategist over the past decade. She has a passion for connecting people with natural resources and building shared experiences, all fueled by her studies in cultural anthropology and conservation leadership. She has implemented products to connect people through diverse, accessible, and creative platforms and continues to do so today with California State Parks’ Virtual Adventurer Application. Whether she's leading distance-learning programs, or collaborating on innovative technological solutions, Kayla Jones is a driving force behind the realization of California's accessible and inclusive vision for its state parks.

Participants will hear how a small community banded together to form a unique cooperative restaurant corporation to support their town and local community in Columbia State Historic Park. The Columbia City Hotel Cooperative Corporation (CCHCC) is comprised of more than 150 community shareholders who have organized to fund the reopening of the historic City Hotel Restaurant and What Cheer Saloon. Participants will walk away inspired by the CCHCC's story of how through creativity and determination, they formed a first of its kind business model that can be recreated in other state parks and communities.

Speaker Biography’s

Kristan Robinson is the field (boots on the ground) Concession Specialist for State Parks, Central Valley District.  As a self-proclaimed spreadsheets nerd, she loves geeking out on business data, learning new things, and engaging with the dynamically diverse population of concessionaires, local leaders and community members that surround our parks.  She brings 19 years of experience in business ownership, non-profit and governmental work. 

Michael Keene resides in the town of Columbia, much of which is a state park, and has been involved in a number of park concessions for nearly 30 years. He is currently on the board of the Columbia City Hotel Cooperative Corporation, a pioneering patrons cooperative which operates the City Hotel Restaurant and What Cheer Saloon in Columbia State Historic Park.

Better understand California State Parks’ Cooperating Association Program (CAP) and how this longstanding and highly successful community partnership program can best support parks stewardship. This session will briefly cover current laws, policies, and guidelines governing the CAP and how they apply to the partnership. This session will include a case study of how the Central Valley District of California State Parks collaborates with its local nonprofit associations. We will review the Cooperating Association Liaison's role with two of the district's parks. This presentation will review recent efforts by both State Parks and the associations to create and implement an Annual Partnership Plan to provide structure and transparency for the partnership.

Speaker Biography’s

Brie Grossman has been a Partnerships Analyst with California State Parks since 2018, bringing her 14 years of additional CSP experience. Brie received a BA in Geography from CSU Sacramento and brings expertise in Cooperating Association support. Brie enjoys supporting our districts and partners to ensure they have the necessary resources to build and strengthen the CSP and cooperating association relationship.

Mike Merritt - As the District Interpretive Manager for the Central Valley District, I oversee interpretation for multiple park units in our district. Since 2009, I have worked with non-profit associations that support interpretation within California State Parks to create a balanced and successful partnership. Currently, I serve as a CAL for two of our district's non-profit associations, representing some of our largest interpretive programs.

Following the wildly successful Adventure Pass pilot program, California State Parks is positioned to expand the number of parks that waive day-use entrance fees to parks for fourth graders and their families for a full year. Join the session to hear about the insights gained from the pilot program, partnership challenges, and success stories. But that's not all! Come hear about funding and marketing opportunities coming to cooperating associations in 2024.

Speaker Biography’s

Geoff Kish has led partnerships to enhance park conservation across all levels of government, from national park management to the revitalization of community parks. He was most recently the Principal of Ridgeline Management Consulting, where he helped nonprofit organizations build capacity. Previously, he served in leadership roles at the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy, the Santa Monica Mountains Fund, the Center for Park Management at the National Parks Conservation Association, and IBM Global Business Services. 

Daniel Williford

Richard Fink & Maria Mowery (CSP)With more than 80% of California’s population living in urban areas, it is critical that our city-based parks spark a lifelong love of nature and serve as a place to build community. In this dynamic session, we’ll dive into the transformative power of collaboration and community involvement in creating new programs and engaging neighboring residents in the park. Facilitated by Kindley Walsh Lawlor (Parks California). 

Identify ways to apply the leadership lessons of Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last to our everyday work lives. It is especially designed for attendees of the Engaging in Partnerships Training and will cover Simon Sinek’s Five Leadership Lessons and his Five Tips for Avoiding Abstraction.

Speaker Biography’s

Bob Waller works for the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Training Section. He is the instructor for a series of online classes called the Management Masterworks Series, based on some of the world’s most renowned books on leadership and team building. The most recent course in this series covers Simon Sinek’s Leader Eat Last.