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The Irvine Ranch Conservancy works hand-in-hand with a wide range of partners including city, county and state governments, academics, landowners, and non-profit organizations. We were founded with the initial resources and capacity necessary to develop supportive partnerships with other landowners and managers by providing complementary and specialized expertise. Our staff is guided by a broad vision to work together to transform the wildlands and parks into a nationally acclaimed treasure of conservation management and recreational enjoyment.
Michael O'Connell - Executive Director
Michael oversees all aspects of stewardship, public programs and business operations for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. He has approximately 20 years of experience in land protection and conservation science including senior positions with The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund. He has served on the Board of Governors of the Society for Conservation Biology and co-authored two books and a number of scientific and popular articles. Michael has a bachelor's degree in Geology from Carleton College and a Master of Environmental Studies in Conservation Biology from Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
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David Raetz - Deputy Director
Dave is responsible for strategic planning and project management for multiple departments. He oversees the administration of IRC’s budget and the management and evaluation of staff, volunteers and public programs. Dave directs and participates in the regional publicity for the organization and its various programs. In addition, he establishes and maintains community partnerships and partnership programs. Before coming to IRC, Dave spent 13 years in a number of positions with Inside the Outdoors, Orange County Schools’ award-winning environmental education program, most recently as manager of school and field programs. Dave has overseen the naturalist program for ITO, and been a leader in the development of programs, outreach, fundraising and strategic planning for the organization. He has also served as a field naturalist and educator. Dave has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
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John Graves - Director of Planning and Field Operations
John oversees all of the planning, public access infrastructure and land operations for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. He has 25 years of experience in land planning, environmental management and design, including nine years as senior development manager for Walt Disney Imagineering. John is a registered architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects. He has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley.
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Cecile Wight - Director of Business Operations
Cecile directs all operations and business functions for the organization. She has more than 16 years of experience managing all aspects of daily business operations and planning and implementing long-term operations projects, including two years as associate director of operations for The Nature Conservancy of California and seven years as operations manager for an Irvine-based computer memory manufacturer. She was also assistant director of Summerbridge San Diego, a non-profit mentoring program for at-risk youth. Cecile has a bachelor's degree in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California, San Diego and a fully-employed Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine, both with honors.
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Megan Lulow, Ph.D. - Co-Director, Science & Stewardship
Megan co-manages the science and stewardship team and their activities. In particular, she focuses on the development and implementation of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy's restoration strategy, and the implementation and facilitation of applied research to inform best management practices and our knowledge of the ecological health and status of the Natural Landmarks. She received her doctorate in ecology from the University of California, Davis, with an emphasis in restoration, plant ecology, and plant-soil relations, and her bachelor's in biology and environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has published several articles on restoration in peer-reviewed journals. Prior to joining the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Megan worked as a restoration technician with Hedgerow Farms and Audubon California on large scale grassland restoration projects and was the assistant director of the Sweeney Granite Mountains Desert Research Center, a biological field station in the University of California Natural Reserve System.
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Jutta Burger, Ph.D. – Co-Director, Science & Stewardship
Jutta co-manages the science and stewardship team of IRC. Her expertise is invasive species control, developing local genetically representative native seed for restoration, and using passive restoration to improve habitat. She also leads the volunteer land stewardship program, which assists with restoration and invasive species control. Prior to joining IRC, Jutta completed a post-doctoral research program at the University of Georgia, studying associations between cultivated and wild plants. She has a Ph.D. in plant biology and invasive plant evolution and ecology from the UC Riverside, an MS in biology studying plant-insect interactions from the University of Nebraska, and BS in Biology from Washington State. Jutta has published broadly in peer-reviewed scientific journals and is a member of the Society for the Study of Evolution, the Ecological Society of America, and the Botanical Society of America. She has extensive experience with and technical expertise in southern Californian Mediterranean ecosystems.
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Susan Anon - Program Manager, Science & Stewardship
Susan implements a wide variety of natural resource management projects including plant and animal related restoration, habitat stewardship, and biological inventories. She previously worked as a Senior Biologist at PCR Services Corporation where she oversaw multiple projects and led field survey teams. Susan has a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environmental Studies from UCLA , (where she was a member of the NCAA national champion gymnastics team) and a Master’s in Environmental Science and Management from the Donald Bren School at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to survey for the federally-threatened coastal California gnatcatcher, and is experienced in surveying for other sensitive bird species including the least Bell’s vireo, burrowing owl, and coastal cactus wren.
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Lars Higdon- Restoration Project Manager, Science & Stewardship
Lars is the project manager for IRC’s Science & Stewardship team. He plans, oversees and implements a variety of resource stewardship, habitat restoration and resource management projects. Lars is responsible for coordinating and supervising successful implementation of restoration activities and projects, supervising field crews, staff, consultants, and volunteers, and monitoring the progression of multiple sites and habitat-types through the restoration process. As project manager he is also responsible for collection, management and analysis of data, report writing, compliance with regulations and contract terms and conditions, and collaboration with multiple parties. Prior to joining the Conservancy Lars was sanctuary manager & restoration ecologist at the Madison Audubon Society in Madison, Wisconsin. Before that, he worked at the University of Wisconsin’s Nature Preserve as lead steward. Lars has a master’s degree in restoration ecology from the University of Wisconsin and a bachelor’s in natural resource management with a minor in conservation biology and natural science.
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Isaac Ostmann - Resource Management Coordinator
Isaac leads habitat restoration, invasive species eradication, species and habitat monitoring, fire and fuels management, and oversees staff and volunteer field crews during stewardship projects. Prior to joining IRC, Isaac worked for California State Parks, where he was responsible for implementing restoration projects, removing invasive and non-native species, erosion control, trail maintenance and monitoring rare and endangered species. His work included restoration of coastal sage scrub and riparian habitat in and around the new El Moro campground at Crystal Cove State Park. Isaac has a bachelor's in American Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He has studied abroad in New Zealand and has Certificates in Naturalist Training, Interpretive Docent and Ecological Restoration.
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Yi-Chin Fang - GIS Coordinator
Yi-Chin Fang manages, presents, and analyzes geographic information system (GIS) data. She also creates highly detailed, complex maps for dissemination to partners and the public that effectively represents GIS information, conveying the results of GIS analyses. In addition, she performs geo-processing tasks making use of the geo-processing tools in ArcToolbox and develops geo-processing models using Model Builder. Yi-Chin is responsible for efficiently managing the GIS data and providing GIS training and assistance to other staff members. Prior to joining IRC, Yi-Chin was a conservation intern at the Pacific Forest Trust in San Francisco. She was also an applications specialist for Clarient Inc. in San Juan and was an applications engineer at PerkinElmer Life Sciences in Torrance.
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Adam Maywhort - Senior Field Operations Manager
Adam manages the field operations, facilities and trail network for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy and supervises the partnership with the City of Irvine. He has 15 years of experience in wilderness trail construction and management. He has coordinated numerous trail projects throughout the county. Adam has more than five years of experience as a reserve field ranger, interpretive guide and mountain bike team trainer for the County of Orange, and has certifications in wildland fire behavior, search and rescue, wilderness first-responder and standardized emergency management systems (SEMS). He has also been an Emergency Medical Technician and Sea Rescue Specialist with the US Coast Guard. Adam is also a passionate nature enthusiast, endurance mountain biker, and appropriate trail use advocate. In a previous career, Adam spent 27 years managing and coordinating complex commercial, large-capital, multi-state site development projects.
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Jill Sprance-Field Operations Manager
Jill works in IRC’s field operations unit. She helps build world-class trail systems and works on public access improvements such as bridges, gates and fences. Before joining IRC, Jill was parks and trails coordinator for the Scenic Hudson Land Trust in New York where she was responsible for trail design, construction and maintenance on several parks and preserves. She also has experience in natural resource management, volunteer management, public programs and community outreach. Jill has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Vassar College and has a number of certificates including in Emergency Medical Technician, Wilderness First Responder, Wildland Search and Rescue and Game of Logging Chainsaw.
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Brad J. Cadman - Field Operations Assistant
Brad assists the IRC in a wide range of initiatives and activities, including land stewardship, open space management, general facilities operations and public access programs. He works closely with the IRC team and the organization’s many partners to implement an array of daily on-the-ground operations. Brad has several years of experience in the field and has served as a maintenance technician; head ranger for the Wildlands Conservancy, and field biologist with the U.S. Forest Service. He is highly skilled in operating heavy machinery, including Bobcats, backhoes, skip loaders and forklifts. In addition, Brad holds certifications from the San Bernardino County Small Water Systems; Red Cross First Aid and CPR; Wilderness First Aid and Helicopter Safety, and U.S. Forest Service Wilderness Ranger. Brad has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Miami, Florida.
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Cindy McHale - Assistant Controller
Cindy oversees the accounting processes, systems and procedures through preparation and review of all general ledger transactions to ensure accuracy of financial reports. She leads the financial audit process, including preparation of financial statements. She has more than ten years of accounting experience including financial operations analysis and accounting management. Cindy is a CPA and has been a senior internal auditor for the County of Orange and senior auditor for Arthur Andersen, LLP. She graduated with honors from Chapman University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in Accounting.She also holds a professional certification in non-profit financial planning and management.
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Brenda Sabin - Business Operations Manager
Brenda is the business operations manager for the Conservancy. She joined the team in October 2007. Her responsibilities include providing, administering and managing the daily business operations and support activities for the organization. In addition, she provides guidance and assistance to functional directors. Brenda is also a Certified Interpretive Guide and provides assistance to the Public Programs department by leading weekly interpretive tours. She has extensive experience and knowledge in working with executives on highly sensitive projects. Brenda has a diverse past, having worked as educational services coordinator, market research analyst and event planner. In addition, Brenda is a dedicated volunteer for various organizations including the Orange County Museum of Art/Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters, Saint Joseph Ballet, Human Options, and Catalina Island Summer Camp. She’s also an interpretive volunteer for the Conservancy.
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Catherine Lovella- Public Programs Coordinator
Catherine manages the Irvine Ranch Conservancy's nearly 300 volunteers. She is responsible for planning, coordinating, advertising and managing the implementation of all public programs activities offered within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Catherine was the executive director of Newport Sea Base; director at Anneliese Middle School; director of the junior sailing program at the Balboa Yacht Club; and co-director at Breakthrough in San Juan Capistrano. In addition to her extensive leadership experience, Catherine is very involved in various community groups including being a founding board member at SEEDS Arts & Education, Inc.; team mom in Little League and Youth Rugby; and member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Catherine has a bachelor's degree in international relations and an integrated study of politics, history, and economics from Pomona College in Claremont. In addition, she spent a semester in Japan at Sophia University.
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Evelyn Brown - Interpretive Specialist
Evelyn leads guided public tours and develops public programs in both the inland and coastal areas of The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. She also manages the Conservancy’s natural history collection. Before joining the Conservancy, she spent eight years with the City of Anaheim's Oak Canyon Nature Center as a naturalist and site supervisor. She has also worked as a naturalist and public program developer for the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary. Evelyn is certified through the National Association for Interpretation as both an interpretive guide and interpretive trainer. She is trained in CPR, AED resuscitation, first aid and Red Cross shelter management. Evelyn graduated with honors from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor's degree in Biological Anthropology and English, and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies, with an emphasis in Environmental Education. She is currently pursing a certificate in Field Ecology and Ornithology from the University of California, Riverside.
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Kelley Reetz - Interpretive Specialist
Kelley develops public education and outreach programs and leads tours on The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. She has over ten years of experience in environmental education and program development. Prior to joining the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, she worked at the City of Anaheim's Oak Canyon Nature Center. Kelley first started as a hiking docent with the City of Irvine's Open Space Preserve-South. She has a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies from Cal State Long Beach with certificates in non-profit volunteer management and outdoor recreation administration, and a Master of Science in Recreation Administration, focusing on cultural diversity in outdoor recreation. Kelley is trained in CPR and first aid, and is certified through the National Association for Interpretation as both an interpretive guide and interpretive trainer. As a Certified Interpretive Trainer, Kelley is an instructor with OC Parks Ranger Academy.
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Brian Hughes - Interpretive Specialist/Tour Leader, Irvine
Brian is the lead naturalist, field guide and public program developer for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy's partnership with the City of Irvine. Brian has worked in several fields including retail management, residential construction, and teaching. He came to the Conservancy from Inside the Outdoors, where he was a naturalist and educator. Brian has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Concordia University and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from Cal State Fullerton in Ecological Economics. He is also a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG), a national certification for guiding and interpretive leadership. Brian is trained in wilderness first aid and CPR.
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Jessica DeCou - Executive Assistant
Jessica is responsible for providing all aspects of administrative support for the Executive Director, and also serves as primary HR, IT and Payroll liaison for the Director of Business Operations and the executive management team. She has more than twelve years of combined business operations and management experience, and has participated in leadership programs, both personal and organizational. Jessica’s background includes over five years of volunteer commitment in non-profit causes, thus provides the wide breadth of necessary skills to support the Conservancy’s multi-faceted work.
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