Stewards has an active 8-15 member Board of Directors comprised of long-time volunteers, community members, local business professionals and leaders in the field of environmental education and restoration. All share a love of nature and a commitment to the preservation of the area's natural resources.

Board members are recruited on an ongoing basis for their expertise in pre-determined areas of expertise needed to provide for the strategic planning goals of the organization.

Stewards' governing documents and conflict of interest policy are available upon request. Email mluna@mcn.org

Personal Profiles

Jo Anne Ackerman: Jo Anne was elected to the board in 2010. She brings nonprofit special event planning experience to the board as well as experience working abroad with nonprofit organizations in many capacities. She currently works in the health industry.
Committees: Outreach and Fund Development Committee
Volunteer work: Special Events

Bill Bambrick: After a career developing and implementing computer applications for manufacturers, Bill moved from Silicon Valley to Sonoma County in 2001.  He happily exchanged the “cubicle hell” of modern office life for the sylvan beauty of our county's open spaces.  Bill is very active in many of the programs Stewards supports including the Armstrong trail crew, Willow Creek watershed program, Tidepool program, Armstrong Tour program, Environmental Living program, Seal Watch and Whale Watch. Bill was instrumental in starting the Sonoma Coast trail crew and acts in the capacity of coordinator, by far his favorite volunteer activity. He is currently serving as Board President.
Committees: Executive Committee (President)
Volunteer work: Sonoma Coast trail crew Coordinator, Armstrong trail crew, Willow Creek watershed programs, Citizen Action Team Coordinator, Tidepool program, Armstrong Tour program, Environmental Living program, Seal Watch, Whale Watch, Special Events

Hollis Bewley: Hollis was appointed to the Board in 2010 and has been theTidepool Coordinator since 2008. She works in the field of medical administration. She is an avid birder and been monitoring Sonoma Coast birdlife for many years. Her love of the coastal ecosystem has made her a huge asset to the environmental education programs that Stewards supports.
Committees: Outreach and Fund Development Committee
Volunteer work: Tidepool Coordinator, Special Events, Docent and Community Education Program

Bob Caricato: Bob was appointed to the Board in 2006 and has been the Seal Watch Coordinator since 2005. He is an architect by profession and is a semi-retired adjunct faculty member at Santa Rosa Junior College. Besides Seal Watch, he participates in Whale Watch and assists with Special Events. Bob's favorite activity is working on the Sonoma Coast Trail Crew whenever possible. Bob serves as Board Treasurer.
Committees: Executive Committee (Treasurer), Finance and Fund Development Committee
Volunteer work: Trail Crew, Seal Watch, Whale Watch, Special Events

Jan De Wald: Jan was appointed to the Board in 2009. She has many years' experience managing non-profit organizations in Sonoma County and being an advocate for the under served citizens of Sonoma County. Jan currently sits on the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women and is the board chairperson for Community Housing Opportunities West (CHOW). Jan is dedicated to keeping Sonoma County State Parks open and accessible to the public.
Committees: Marketing and Outreach Committee
Volunteer work: Special Events       

Gregory Fearon: Gregory was appointed to the Board in 2010. As the president of Coastwalk California, he brings networking opportunities to the board as well as a good understanding of the environmental and advocacy issues Stewards faces. Gregory has extensive experience working in the nonprofit sector as a board member and in an advisory capacity
Committees: Outreach and Fund Development
Volunteer work: Special Events          

Rich Lawton: Rich joined the Stewards Board upon retiring as Supervising State Park Ranger: Sonoma Coast State Park in 2005. He spent 30 years working for State Parks, with the last 17 in the Russian River District.  He has a BS and MS in Criminology: Law Enforcement from Cal State University Fresno.  Rich also serves as Treasurer of the North Bay Regional Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Rich’s special concerns include training, education, public awareness, interpretation and trail work (especially mapping and signage).
Committees: Executive Committee (Vice-President)
Volunteer work:  Special Events, Volunteer Training, Trail Crew

Elizabeth Vega: Elizabeth was appointed to the board in 2011. She holds a Masters Degree in Education and Curriculum Development, and numerous certifications in music instruction. Recently she was honored by Senator Michael Thompson for her work in Environmental Education. Her work with students began as a music specialist and presently she teaches multiple subjects at Fitch Mt. Elementary School. She is a published author and a musician. Her projects on behalf of students at the Fitch Mt. Campus include spear heading a campaign for the school garden, and planting redwoods in the Friendship Grove. As an advocate for the planet, she is dedicated to fostering the creative and life affirming elements of the public education experience.
Committees: Outreach and Fund Development Committee
Volunteer work: Special Events, Docent and Community Education Program

Mike Von Der Porten: Mike and his wife, Elaine, have been active volunteers for Stewards since 2008. He is a Cost Accounting Manager for Jackson Family Enterprises. Mike brings tremendous leadership skills to Stewards having served the boards of:  American Red Cross - Sonoma and San Joaquin Counties, Health Plan of the Redwoods, and the Center for Well Being. He has an AS and BS in Engineering and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Mike enjoys event planning and giving presentations.  
Committees: Finance and Fund Development
Volunteer work: Special Events