EIP 2025 Speaker Bios

Armando Quintero was named Director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation on Aug. 18, 2020. Quintero has a degree in environmental science and biology. He was Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada Research Institute at the University of California (UC), Merced, from 2014 to 2020, and served as Director of Development from 2008 to 2014. Quintero was also an elected member of the Marin Municipal Water District from 2008 to 2020. In 2014 he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as a member of the California Water Commission and served as chair of that Commission from 2015 to 2020. Quintero held multiple positions at the National Park Service (NPS) from 1976 to 1998, including Chief of the Special Park Uses Group, District Ranger at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Personnel Staffing Specialist, and both Park Ranger and Supervisory Park Ranger at multiple sites. Following his career at the NPS, he was an independent environmental educator and trip leader for a decade, from 1998 to 2008.

Wade Crowfoot has served as California’s Natural Resources Secretary since 2019 and advises Governor Newsom as a member of his cabinet. Secretary Crowfoot oversees an agency of over 25,000 employees spread across 26 departments, commissions, and conservancies. His agency is charged with stewarding California’s forests and natural lands, rivers and water supplies, and coast and ocean. It also protects natural places, wildlife and biodiversity, and helps oversee the state’s world-leading clean energy transition. Previously, Secretary Crowfoot served in Governor Jerry Brown’s Administration as Deputy Cabinet Secretary and Senior Advisor to the Governor, driving climate action. He also led the non-profit Water Foundation to build water resilience across the American West and spearheaded efforts to establish and defend California’s landmark climate change policies as West Coast Regional Director for the Environmental Defense Fund.  As an environmental advisor to then-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, he helped establish many first-in-the-nation urban environmental policies. Secretary Crowfoot received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics. His first time in the redwoods at Big Basin State Park is still one of his defining California moments and says his best days as Natural Resources Secretary are spent outdoors with local groups that are conserving land and connecting people to nature.

Christina Snider-Ashtari serves as Tribal Affairs Secretary to Governor Newsom. In her role, Secretary Snider-Ashtari oversees effective government-to-government consultation between the Governor’s Administration and California tribes; informs, develops and implements policy directives related to tribal governments and Native American communities; leads the California Truth & Healing Council and California Indian Heritage Center Task Force and oversees the Tribal Nation Grant Fund Program. Snider-Ashtari also held this position under the Brown administration, previously served as Executive Secretary of the California Native American Heritage Commission, and is an enrolled member of the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians.

Secretary Snider-Ashtari also serves as a member of the California Broadband Council, the Judicial Council Tribal Court-State Court Forum and is an ex officio member of the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names. Secretary Snider-Ashtari received her law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2013 and is licensed to practice law in California and the District of Columbia. She has extensive experience in tribal law and policy, having worked with the United States Department of Justice Office of Tribal Justice, the National Congress of American Indians, the California Native American Heritage Commission, and several tribal governments and organizations across the nation.

Carlene Croisdale started with California State Parks in June of 2023 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.

Austin Nicassio is the Executive Director and Founder of Accessible Off-Road (AOR), a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers to outdoor access for people with mobility disabilities. With a Master’s in Astronautical Engineering, Austin has spent nine years at Boeing as a Lead Systems Engineer, managing the integration of complex space systems.

In 2022, Austin became disabled and experienced firsthand the exclusion many face at trailheads. After testing an all-terrain track chair, he rediscovered the freedom of the outdoors and knew he had to share it with his community.That vision led to Accessible Off-Road, which is already working in partnership with California State Parks and Los Angeles County Parks to launch the first track chair program in Southern California. Austin’s leadership, featured by outlets like the LA Times and CBS News, combines technical expertise with lived experience to drive a powerful movement: ensuring that everyone belongs outdoors.

Newland started his career as State Historian for the Southern Service Center, working his way up to Manager of the Cultural and Natural Resources and Interpretation Sections and overseeing numerous historic preservation projects including his role as the Project Historian and Project Manager of the Crystal Cove Historic District Rehabilitation project since 2003. Jim earned his Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (history and geography emphasis), and a Master’s degree in Public History, both from San Diego State University. Jim is very involved in community-based history, historic preservation and planning, having published four books on local history and serving several terms as a Planning Commissioner and Historic Preservation Commissioner for the City of La Mesa.

Denise has been in the insurance industry for over 35 years, starting out as a Policy Typist, moving upward to underwriting, and eventually becoming an Account Executive. During her tenure with InterWest, Denise has held a variety of claim-focused positions that have allowed her to develop technical expertise in handling the majority of claim-related situations that InterWest clients will unfortunately experience.

Denise is an active member of the Institutes Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (CPUC) Society serving on Leadership Council and the Board of Ethical Inquiry. She also serves on the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) Board, Finance Sub-Committee for the Risk and Insurance Education Alliance. Her volunteer service includes mentoring students as well as producing and presenting technical educational seminars and webinars.

Kevin Higgins began his career with InterWest Insurance Services in May 2017 as a participant in the company’s inaugural college internship program. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from California State University, Sacramento, he officially joined InterWest in January 2018. Since then, Kevin has built a strong foundation in insurance and risk management, combining analytical expertise with a passion for safety and innovation. Kevin currently serves on InterWest’s Risk Management team, where he helps clients identify and mitigate workplace hazards.

Kevin's approach is rooted in data-driven analysis and a deep commitment to building safer, more resilient organizations—particularly in the outdoor recreation space, where he blends professional insight with personal passion.

Jay leads a team of professional scientists and land managers responsible for the natural resource protection and stewardship programs, policies, and budgets for the State Park System. He has been in this role since 2010. Prior to his work with State Parks, Jay led an ecosystem restoration program for the California Department of Water Resources and served as Deputy Assistant Secretary at the California Natural Resources Agency in addition to serving in a variety of roles in conservation non-profit organizations. He holds a BA from UC Berkeley and an MS from the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment.

Sharon’s work focuses on strategic planning; partnership development, diagnostics, and sustainability; landscape scale stewardship and conservation, and collaborative capacity projects and programs nationwide. As the former Executive Vice President of Projects, Stewardship and Science with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Sharon has worked for more than 40 years as an ecologist, park and community planner and project manager. She has a background in vegetation management, restoration ecology, and landscape-scale natural resources planning. Prior to working with the Parks Conservancy, Sharon was the Executive Director of the Watershed Project where her work included capacity building for “Friend” groups. She also worked as an ecologist with the National Park Service, a resource planner with the Presidio Trust and an environmental consultant. Sharon was also a founding board member for Parks California and serves on the Advisory Committee.

Becky works closely with California State Parks to design initiatives that enhance climate resilience and foster partnerships for landscape-scale stewardship. She holds 15 years of experience at the intersection of resource management, partnership development, and education. In prior roles, Becky has focused on groundwater sustainability planning for basin-scale conservation, urban water conservation program management in California, and the development of watershed education programs in northern Idaho and southern California. She holds a Ph.D. in Watershed Science and Management from the University of Idaho and a B.A. in Environmental Science from Colorado College.

With 12 years of experience working in partnership for California's largest state park, Bri has extensive on-the-ground training developing innovative solutions for the unique challenges park partnerships face. As CALPA President, Bri has championed peer-to-peer learning initiatives, recognizing that partnership leaders are often the best resources for each other in navigating this specialized field.

With a background in cultural anthropology and extensive experience in human resources, Carolyn has developed multicultural wellness programs for corporations. Since 2003, she has been deeply involved with the California State Parks nonprofit community. As past President of CALPA (2009-2017), she played a pivotal role in the grassroots movement that helped prevent the massive closure of California State Parks. Over the past four decades, Carolyn has served on numerous nonprofit boards and successfully managed large-scale public and member events, including fundraisers, conferences, and festivals.

Prior to working with the California Parks Hospitality Association, Ruth served as Executive Director of Sustainable Growers, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the livelihoods of over 30,000 low-income women coffee farmers from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. From 2002 to 2012 she served as Director of California State Parks. Earlier in her career she worked for the California Legislature as a fiscal analyst, a natural resources policy advisor and a legislative director.

Cyndy has been with State Parks for 26 years, during which time she worked for the Northern Service Center in Sacramento on a range of resource management projects and park planning efforts up and down the state. She has been in the Bay Area District for the last 20 years, leading and growing the Natural Resource program. She worked through the Nuns and Tubbs Fires of 2017, and the Glass Fire of 2020, incidents which heavily impacted State Parks in Sonoma and Napa County. Following those incidents, Cyndy led the scaling up of the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Program in the Bay Area District, including re-building a local prescribed fire program that had stopped in the early 2000's, and helping to build and engage in partnerships to support fire resilience work.

Anne began her legal career at the Oregon Attorney General’s Office, among other things, advising natural resource agencies in the state. On returning to California, she worked in private practice, specializing in land use and natural resources management. She has served on various commissions and committees including the Napa County Planning Commission, the Napa County Local Food Advisory Council, the Housing Element Advisory Committee, and the Watershed Information and Conservation Council. Anne also co-chaired St. Helena’s steering committee to update its General Plan, served on the Napa Community Wildfire Prevention Plan Core Team, and was a director on the boards of The Vine Trail, Nimbus Arts, and the Napa County Land Trust.

Christopher is also the Co-Director of Deer Park Fire Safe Council and a member of the Board of Directors of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in Scottsdale AZ, where he chairs the committees of Licensing, and Preservation. Christopher is self-employed and works as a consultant and electrical engineer, with projects throughout the world, and offices in the Bay Area and LA. He holds a BFA, and a BS in Electrical Engineering. He is an honorary member of the British Society of Interior Designers and a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and the International Association of Lighting Designers.

Kevin is an attorney specializing in financial restructuring law and business bankruptcy in cases across the United States. He has been actively involved in promoting public awareness of fire safety issues and has served on the Steering Committee for the Diamond Mountain Fire Safe Council since 2018, joining its Executive Committee in 2023. He also is on the board of the Cameo Cinema Foundation, where he served as President from January 2020 through April 2024.

During her career, Cathie has worked for four California Governors, served as US Senate staff, run her own PR firm (the CBW Group), and worked on teams producing large scale events to support public policy objectives. Cathie worked on the teams that produced the 100thAnniversary of the Pan Pacific International Exposition; 150th Anniversary of San Francisco Parks; and 2020 National AIDS Memorial World AID’s Day Summit (the team winning an international Webby Nomination during COVID for their work), all of which brought her a deeper respect for the value of public parks. Under Cathie’s leadership, the Napa Valley State Parks Association continues to support State Parks and the Napa Open Space District to champion conservation efforts, educational initiatives, and sustainable development. She especially cherishes how the Bale Grist Mill continues to bring history, nature, science and outdoor learnings to the community and to those from around the world who want to experience its story.

Emily Walsh is a Nonprofit Program Manager with California State Parks’ Partnerships Division, where she supports collaboration between parks and partner organizations across the state. She brings extensive experience in nonprofit volunteer programming, event and project management, workshop facilitation, organizational change, and logistics. Outside of work, Emily enjoys hiking, trail running, and spending time at the gym.

Robyn joined State Parks and the Partnerships Division in November 2021. She supervises the Park Impact Partners Program, guiding the development of public and nonprofit operating agreements, JPAs, Proud Partner and donor agreements, and working with our statewide partners on different types of agreements and ways to partner. She collaborates with districts to problem-solve the best authority and/or agreement type to work with our partners to achieve the department’s mission. Before joining State Parks, Robyn worked at the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy developing their Proposition 68 program, which supports the economic viability of Delta communities. Robyn came to state service after years in the nonprofit sector, where her main focus was on increasing access to healthy foods in underserved communities by creating and supporting multistakeholder, collaborative efforts. Robyn enjoys hiking with her dog Kasha, kayaking, and camping.

Daniel has been a cultural, environmental, and social sector leader for over fifteen years and brings a unique cross-section of creative and business strategy to his work. He has built expertise on leading through partnership inside and across organizations and sectors and co-authored Don’t Lead Alone: Think Like a System, Act Like a Network, Lead Like a Movement, published in 2023. Notably, Daniel led Potrero Group’s engagement through Resources Legacy Fund to provide program management to the development of California Natural Resource Agency’s 30x30 strategy to conserve thirty percent of the state's lands and coastal waters by 2030. He has also presented at EarthX, the Unite For Sight Global Health and Innovation Conference, Public Lands Alliance Conference, the Land Trust Alliance’s Rally Conference, and was the closing session co-keynote for the California League of Park Association’s Conference and Training. Daniel received his MBA at UC Davis Graduate School of Management, where he was the recipient of the Newberry Distinguished Fellowship Award for Leadership, the largest privately funded fellowship awarded to two Full-Time MBAs who exhibit long-term CEO potential, as well as the Brad Atwood Scholarship for Social Responsibility.

Dr. Leslie Hartzell serves as Department Preservation Officer and Tribal Liaison for California State Parks in her role as Cultural Resources Division Chief. She has over 40 years of experience in cultural heritage preservation and exhibition development in California, Australia, and Hawaii. Dr. Hartzell co-leads the Reexamining Our Past Initiative. Projects that received legislative support include Tribal Lands Acknowledgements, and Interpretation, and Exhibits Improvements; African American History and Engagement; and Arts in California Parks. The Virtual Adventurer mobile application is her passion project with its AR/VR experiences designed for visitors to explore, interact, and bring stories to life for all 280 state parks.

Ms. Garcia is recognized as a leader in Tribal Historic Preservation and for her approaches grounded in Indigenous archaeology and heritage management. She has extensive experience in consultation and education with the public, agencies, institutions, and academic societies on ethics in archaeology and historic preservation. Ms. Garcia has been a longtime advocate of community collaboration, inclusivity, and co-creation in archaeology and heritage management.

Dena supports the Department’s State Parks Tribal Affairs Program assisting in developing agreements between State Parks and California Native American Tribes as well as helping the Tribal Affairs Program with trainings and the implementation of State Parks Initiatives.

Phil Sandoval is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who practices in Northern California. Phil has post-graduate training in crisis management and over 15 years of experience training and supporting first responders, including law enforcement, city and wildfire firefighters, hospital and military personal, and various government organizations. He has also taught at local colleges. Prior to this work, Phil spent over two decades in high-tech computer chip design.

Erik is the Senior Concessions Program Manager with the Partnerships Division at HQ in Sacramento. Erik has been with the department for 3.5 years and worked previously for various local Parks and Recreation districts in Northern California. Erik comes from a long background in Program Development, Partner Relations and staff development. He spends his free time outdoors with his wife and dogs.

Sasha Tokas started her career with California State Parks in 2011 as a Student Assistant in the Photographic Archives while pursuing a BA in Anthropology at CSU Sacramento. Following graduation, she moved abroad to Spain and ventured into the wine industry with a position as the National Sales Manager for a Spanish Wine importer bringing her back to the US. After gaining valuable insight into the world of sales, marketing, small businesses, and private industry, Sasha enthusiastically found her way back to California State Parks through the Concessions Program in 2020. Sasha recently graduated with her Master of Business Administration from CSU Sacramento and spends her free time rock climbing, hiking, and enjoying time with friends and family.

Bob Waller is the Lead Training Consultant of the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Training Section. He has been teaching customer service and other communication-related classes for state employees since 2008.

Jakob (Jake with State Parks) has been with California State Parks since 2015 and has worked at multiple levels of visitor services, park operations, and administration, leading him to the Partnerships Division. He has previously worked within the Orange Coast District as their Field Analyst for contracts and concessions, and he always enjoys helping others. He loves to go camping on the weekends with his fiancée in their Lance camper or on long motorcycle adventures along the coast and alpine canyons.

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 San Diego Museum Council and San Diego Emerging Museum Professionals. Megan has her BA in Art and 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.

Nicole Spaulding is a Concessions Specialist supporting six districts in the Northern Division area of California State Parks. Prior to her work in the Partnerships Division, she was an operations and program management professional with over a decade of organizational leadership, program development, and partnership collaboration.

Brenda joined Mountain Parks Foundation as its Executive Director in 2011. Mountain Parks Foundation is the Cooperating Association partner of California State Parks at Big Basin Redwoods and Henry Cowell Redwoods and also operates the Nature Store Concession at Henry Cowell. Brenda's prior career includes a long list of leadership positions in both corporate and nonprofit arenas ranging from Adult Education Advisor in the Peace Corps to President of Calco Medical Management Corporation. Brenda, who is a certified Integral Life Coach and Ecotherapist, grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains before moving away for college and career responsibilities. She returned to the Santa Cruz area in 2003 and has dedicated herself to stewarding our local redwood forests ever since.

Juan has been working in the land management field since 2006 and has been with California State Parks since 2009. He is currently the District Administrative Chief for the Santa Cruz District and has been the Cooperating Association Liaison (CAL) with Mountain Parks Foundation for the last 3 years. His background in trail work, conservation work, prescribed fire, facility maintenance and administration all give him a unique perspective on what it means to manage our State Parks. When he’s not working, he enjoys collecting vinyl records and listening to music, playing and watching basketball, backpacking and car camping, birdwatching, and raising his baby boy Arroyo with his wife Lilia.

Greg Martin initially worked with California State Parks as a volunteer, which led to a seasonal job as a Park Interpretive Specialist. During his time as a high school teacher, Greg realized how much he missed working in the beautiful parks of California and decided to return to the Department. Returning 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.

Matt Bellah started with California State Parks as a seasonal maintenance aide. Matt has enjoyed working in all aspects of park operations throughout the state including the Inland Empire, Santa Cruz, Gold Fields, and Capital Districts, and now serves as the Central Division Chief.

Peter is a 13-year employee of California State Parks. He has worked for Angel Island, Hungry Valley SVRA, Monterey State Historic Park, Prairie City SVRA, Headquarters, and is now the Visitor Service Manager of the Bay Area District overseeing Park Operations and Interpretation. Other jobs he has held have been with the History San Jose and the Golden Gate National Park Conservancy working on Alcatraz Island. He prides himself being a long-time public servant and always wants to see the parks he is at succeed. Outside of work he loves to be with his family, try and get physically fit, and enjoys tasting at local breweries.

Leslie has achieved recognition for her leadership in community civic action, STEM and environmental education, and DEI initiatives for over 15 years. Her professional calling is building enrichment programs with multicultural perspectives to expand inclusive public access to nature for all. As Save the Redwoods League’s Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Parra ensures that people of all backgrounds can not only benefit from the outdoors but also feel welcome in the natural spaces many take for granted. Immediately after joining the League, Parra began cultivating relationships with community groups and tribes to understand their interest in the redwoods. Since then, she has led the League’s strategic outreach to forge relationships and programmatic partnerships with community-based organizations, public lands managers, and leaders within these diverse networks to connect them to coast redwood and giant sequoia forests.

Karla has lived in Humboldt County for over 10 years and started a career in parks while pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and Management at Humboldt State University (Cal Poly Humboldt). Karla is interested in creating inclusive and welcoming parks and park experiences for diverse audiences, and in her free time, enjoys documenting nature through photography and nature journaling.

A Cal Poly Humboldt graduate in Environmental Management and Protection, Erika is passionate about engaging Latine, local, and underserved communities in outdoor experiences. Erika focuses on inclusive programming that fosters greater access to nature while sharing her love for the redwoods with visitors. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skating, and cooking with loved ones.

As District Services Manager, Jared supports 15 parks with planning, partnerships, grants, and real property actions. Jared oversees the partnership agreements for the marinas, aquatic center, and glamping concessionaires at Lake Oroville SRA; a restaurant at Shasta SHP; the camp store, cabins, and marina concessionaire at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial SP, and the City of Colusa’s operation of Colusa-Sacramento River SRA. Since joining the Department in 2008, Jared has worked in various capacities within the Off-Highway Vehicle Division and Division of Boating and Waterways; served as part of the inaugural leadership team that stood up the Partnerships Division following his work on Department’s Transformation Team, and served for five years as the Concessions Program Manager. Jared holds a Bachelor and Master of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration.

Deborah joined the League in 2013 and has 20 years of experience bringing youth out into nature. At the League, Deborah manages a regional school redwood program focusing on access and creating experiences in redwood forests. She also spearheads all the interpretive components to the League’s park projects including managing the content and designs for interpretive panels, visitor centers, and interpretive planning documents. Deborah first became interested in environmental education after working in the rainforests of Ecuador as a forest guide. She has an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Oregon and a Masters of Science from Southern Oregon University. Deborah is a Bay Area native and grew up hiking among the redwoods in the East Bay hills.

Jeanne began her role as Education Director at the Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association in January 1995 after completing her Master of Science degree in Education from Northern Illinois University. As Education Director, Jeanne oversees the education programs at the park with a focus on the Mendocino Outdoor Science School (MOSS)—where the goal is to help create good citizens of our planet, our communities, and our classrooms. Jeanne is an avid birder and a certified yoga instructor and has been known to stop class during a downward dog to look at an upward flying bird!

Michelle has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit collaboration and heritage interpretation, serving as a front-line interpreter, Certified Interpretive Trainer, volunteer coordinator, and District Interpretive Programs Coordinator. Beginning her State Parks career as the Interpreter I and Cooperation Association Liaison (CAL) for the Chaw’se Association at Indian Grinding Rock SHP and she went on to work closely with Friends of Columbia SHP, instilling an early understanding of the importance of partnerships in achieving collective goals. She currently serves as the CAL for the Mendocino Area Parks Association and regularly partners with Save the Redwoods League on interpretive projects and an annual redwood park community event in celebration of California State Parks Week.

Richard Fink II is a parks and conservation leader with more than 20 years of experience overseeing public lands, historic sites, and large-scale recovery projects. He currently serves as District Superintendent II with California State Parks, where he directs operations of the Angeles District including 23 State Park units across Los Angeles County.

As a key member of the organization’s leadership, Kelly works with generous people to inspire charitable giving that strengthens the region. Prior to joining the Foundation, Kelly served as Director of Development for Sacramento State, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, was on the governing board of the California 4-H Foundation, has held multiple leadership positions for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, CA Capital Chapter, and currently serves as a board member of the Wildlife Care Association. She proudly represents Leadership Sacramento Class of 2020 and a senior fellow for American Leadership Forum, Class XXVI. Kelly enjoys time volunteering as a sustainer of the Junior League of Sacramento, the organization that founded the Foundation 40 years ago. Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from University of California, Davis, a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University, and is a Certified Fundraising Executive.

Shannin is a key leader at the Alchemist Community Development Corporation, where she works to connect communities to land, food, and opportunity. Drawing on her extensive background in hospitality, project management, and nonprofit development, she specializes in managing complex projects that promote food security and economic resilience. Currently, Shannin is instrumental in the development of the Alchemist Public Market, an innovative hub designed to support food entrepreneurs, provide workforce training, and create a vibrant community gathering space in Sacramento’s River District.

Paige serves as the Rivers Sector Manager for five park units in the Central Valley, including California’s newest state park, Dos Rios in Modesto, which opened in June 2024. Previously, she was the Public Engagement and Education Manager for California State Parks' Sierra District, overseeing the interpretation program, fostering community partnerships, and acting as the district’s public information officer. Her work in the Sierra District was preceded by a role as Nonprofit Program Manager in the Partnerships Division, where she facilitated partnerships between California State Parks and nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies. Before joining California State Parks in 2017, Paige led the Anza-Borrego Foundation as its Executive Director, guiding the foundation's work as the cooperating association and land trust for Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Originally from Pasadena, Paige is a UC Santa Cruz alumna and holds a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Tara has been Chief Counsel for California State Parks since December 2013. While she provides legal advice to the Department in all areas of law, Tara’s favorite assignment at California State Parks is providing training to Department staff on matters of statutory authority, contract issues, personnel law, liability, and various other subjects. Tara is a graduate of Chico State and McGeorge School of Law. California State Parks is a dream job for Tara because her Dad was a State Parks Ranger and she grew up loving State Parks and the outdoors. In her spare time Tara is a long distance runner!

Brian previously worked as a Principal Program Budget Analyst in the Capital Outlay Unit for the California Department of Finance. He also served as the Deputy Director of the California State Public Works Board from 2006-2014.

Joel Krupa supports organizations in enhancing visitor engagement as Chief Administrative Officer at Agents of Discovery. His career spans leadership roles in government, business, and non-profits, starting with an internship in the office of former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Joel collaborates with partners across North America and Australia to make learning more playful and accessible. He completed Postdoctoral Fellowships at Harvard & UBC after earning degrees from UBC, Oxford, the London School of Economics, and the University of Toronto.

Anna is passionate about getting kids learning about the indoor and outdoor environments around them. Anna works closely with the CEO and CAO of Agents of Discovery, who bring diverse backgrounds to the team: the CEO is a former interpreter, schoolteacher, and science textbook writer, while the CAO is an energy and environment researcher.

As the Director of Access and Belonging programs for Parks California, Fernando works closely with California State Parks to support and co-design programs and initiatives that advance equitable access to parks and create welcoming, inclusive and resilient outdoor spaces for all. Before joining Parks CA, Fernando worked for over 25 years with the National Park Service, where he served in a variety of roles. For nearly two decades, he worked as a conservation biologist, integrating youth and community engagement initiatives. His most recent role was the regional youth and volunteer programs manager, where he supported national park sites and built communities of practice in developing inclusive and meaningful youth development and volunteer programs across the Pacific West. Originally from East Los Angeles, Fernando holds a B.S. in Wildlife and Conservation Biology, a minor in Chicano/a Studies, and a M.A. in Native American Studies — all from UC Davis

Chris has worked as a Risk Analyst with Department of General Services Office of Risk and Insurance Management (ORIM) since July 2015, handling insurance policy procurement on behalf of state departments and contract insurance compliance. Prior to the state, Chris worked for a national insurance company in processing, rating, commercial underwriting, and commercial product departments. Before the national insurance company, Chris' insurance career started at an independent insurance broker agency handling new business development and policy management. He graduated from California State University Sacramento in 2009 in Finance, Risk Management, and Insurance.

Rachel has worked in VIPP for over 7 years, focusing on improving communication and resources provided by Headquarters to park staff. She is working on updating the VIPP Guidelines and DOM section, has expanded the volunteer recognition program, and obtained additional volunteer uniform items. Rachel’s favorite part of her job is the opportunities it gives her to interact with and support the park staff who work with volunteers. Rachel graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a degree in History, and came to California State Parks in May 2018 to work in the VIPP. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, traveling (photo is from a 2022 trip to Edinburgh, Scotland), hosting fun parties for friends and family, and photography.

Mike Gleckler has served as a State Park Peace Officer for over 20 years. Much of his career was spent working in the field with two K9 partners trained in patrol and explosives detection. He is a POST K9 Committee Subject Matter Expert and POST certified K9 Evaluator. Asst. Chief Gleckler is a regular instructor at Hounds at Hearst and Reno K911, both explosives detection K9 training conferences. With 17 years involved in the State Park K9 Program, he serves as the program’s coordinator overseeing its statewide operation.

Sasha Wessitsh has served as a State Park Peace Officer for over 18 years. Fifteen of those years were in the field with 8 years as a K9 handler. He handled one K9 partner who was trained in patrol and narcotics detection. Captain Wessitsh was trained as a DRE (Drug Recognition Expert) through CHP and has an extensive background in DUI and drug investigations to include co-instructing the State Park Peace Officer Academy on Controlled Substances and DUI for 5 years. Since 2022, he has been assisting in managing the State Park Canine Program as the representative who oversees the required monthly canine training for the department’s law enforcement K9s.

With over two decades of dedicated service to the Department, Brie brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering successful public-private partnerships. In her role, Brie provides statewide leadership and support to the network of nonprofit cooperating associations that are essential to the mission of State Parks. Drawing on her previous experience as a Partnerships Analyst, she focuses on equipping park districts and their partners with the necessary resources to thrive. Brie is passionate about strengthening these collaborative relationships to enhance visitor experiences and protect California's invaluable natural and cultural resources for future generations.