Staff and Board Changes (Winter 2024)
WELCOME JERRY MARYNIUK, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jerry hails from Michigan but fell in love with California when he came here to complete his Emergency Medicine residency training at USC. After his training, he worked for over 30 years in the Emergency Department at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura. Enjoying almost any activity that involves being outdoors led him to join and become the Medical Director of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Medical Team, which staffs the Sheriff’s helicopter. After retirement, he continues to be an avid cyclist, hiker, skier, and bird watcher. Jerry’s love of hiking, mountain biking, and backpacking introduced him to our various habitats and taught him the importance of preserving these lands in perpetuity. His volunteer trail work taught him the complexity involved in maintaining these trails and the importance of balancing recreation with preservation. Jerry is a passionate advocate for continually improving the excellent stewardship of OVLC lands and in supporting the organization’s goals of land preservation within the context of our changing climate.
BRET BRADIGAN RETURNS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Welcome back, Bret Bradigan! As editor and owner of Ojai Quarterly and Ojai Monthly, Bret brings rich experience and deep community ties. With a diverse background spanning from gathering herbs in New York to journalism in various publications, including the Kern Valley Sun and Ojai Valley News, Bret boasts a remarkable track record. His leadership at Ojai Quarterly has garnered national and statewide accolades, showcasing Ojai’s culture and global ties. Beyond journalism, Bret is an avid outdoorsman and active community member, with involvement in organizations like the Rotary Club of Ojai and Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce. We’re excited to have Bret’s expertise and passion back on the board, driving our mission forward.
BOARD MEMBERS TERMING OFF
Left: Bill Brothers, Right: Phil Moncharsh
As Bill Brothers and Phil Moncharsh conclude their terms on the board, we extend our sincerest appreciation for their dedicated service and invaluable contributions over the years. Their guidance and commitment have been instrumental in advancing our organization’s mission. Thank you Bill and Phil!
Vivon Sedgwick, Rhett Walker, and Michelle Gaston bringing in the big grants!
RHETT WALKER PROMOTED TO GRANTS MANAGER
We are thrilled to announce that Rhett Walker has been promoted to the position of Grants Manager! With this promotion, we want to recognize the incredible contribu-tions Rhett has made to all of OVLC’s programs—from his formative days caring for restoration sites as a Field Crew Member, to more recently supporting our wonderful volunteers and docents in his successive role as Development Associate. During his time as Development Associate, Rhett played a critical role in planning a diverse array of volunteer opportunities and events, helping schools arrange student service days, helping plan events, and reporting on restoration grants to government agencies, which is where Rhett’s strengths truly shine. We are so grateful for all Rhett’s work thus far, and we can’t wait to see what he will achieve in this new role!
WELCOME CLAIRE WOOLSON,REWILD OJAI & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
We’re excited to introduce Claire Woolson, our new Rewild Ojai & Volunteer Coordinator! Claire’s conservation journey began right here in Ojai, where she planted native trees and shrubs at the Ojai Meadow Preserve as a Girl Scout. With a background in Human Biology and Global Health from UCLA, and her experiences teaching abroad in Japan, Claire brings a unique blend of local insight and global perspective to OVLC. In her role, Claire will be coordinating our Rewild Ojai efforts, focusing on promoting native flora in our community’s landscapes. Additionally, she will be facilitating all volunteer efforts. With Claire’s coordination, we aim to harness the power of community engagement to further our conservation goals, from maintaining our trails to restoring our natural habitats and working with the community to rewild their gardens. Join us in welcoming Claire as she begins this important work with us!
WELCOME TYLER WILLIBRAND, RESTORATION FIELD CREW
This past month OVLC’s restoration team has had the pleasure of welcoming aboard our newest member, Tyler Willibrand! His passion and experience in working around native ecosystems has seamlessly translated positive influence to the efforts of restor-ing the Ojai Valley’s conglomerate of riparian, upland and urban sites. Tyler brings a unique lens to our team and is refining the ways we think about our sites in terms of understanding wildlife diversity and how we can implement strategic action to improve the suitability for wildlife. From the smallest tracks along the silted streambed to listening carefully to bird calls, Tyler’s connectedness to the environment propels us forward into new facets of restoration!