Doug Parker is the President and CEO of the Napa Land Trust, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience in land conservation to the organization. Throughout his career, Doug has held top executive roles in statewide conservation organizations, demonstrating a deep commitment to protecting natural landscapes and fostering sustainable practices.

Before joining the Napa Land Trust, Doug served as CEO of two different statewide conservation organizations, including his role as Executive Director of Audubon Vermont and Vice President of the National Audubon Society. His extensive experience also includes serving as Director of External Affairs for the Colorado Conservation Trust and as State Director for The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island. Additionally, Doug has a background in strategic marketing, having worked as Director of Marketing with TechnoServe.

Doug holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Colorado and a Master’s degree in Public and Private Management from the Yale School of Management. His blend of conservation expertise and strategic leadership continues to guide the Land Trust’s efforts in preserving the unique natural resources and beauty of Napa County.

Theresa Andrews is the Administrative Director at the Napa Land Trust, bringing over 20 years of combined experience in small business management within both the private and non-profit sectors. Her experience encompasses project management, human resources, program development, and process improvement, all of which she applies to ensure the efficient operation of the Land Trust’s administrative functions.

A true Napa native, Theresa was born and raised in Napa, and her deep connection to the community is reflected in her dedication to supporting the Land Trust’s mission. She holds an Associate of Science degree in Management and Marketing from Napa Valley College.

Micah is the Stewardship Program Assistant at the Napa Land Trust, where he assists with a range of stewardship activities, including habitat restoration, biological monitoring, invasive species management, and property maintenance. He also supports administrative functions related to grants, contracts, and equipment procurement.

Originally from New Hampshire, Micah earned a B.S. in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology from the University of California, Davis. He brings a passion for conservation and hands-on experience in ecological restoration and is committed to mitigating the impacts of climate change on local biodiversity. His past conservation efforts include work with species such as the longfin smelt, snowy plover, and Lahontan cutthroat trout.

In his free time, Micah enjoys model aeronautics, specializing in rubber-powered free-flight airplanes.

Joseph “Joe Joe” Clark is the Field Technician at the Napa Land Trust and is involved in ongoing land stewardship activities, leveraging his expertise in native plants and natural landscapes. As a Field Technician, he supports restoration efforts, land management, and monitoring of native ecosystems.

Born and raised in Vallejo, California, Joe Joe’s passion for the outdoors began at an early age, exploring the Sulphur Spring Mountains and Blue Rock Springs Creek. He has over six years of experience as a Napa County Regional Parks and Open Space District naturalist and previously worked as a restoration technician for the Sonoma Ecology Center.

Joe Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Language and Literature with a minor in Biology from Sonoma State University. In his free time, he enjoys knitting lace, gardening with native plants, and appreciating oak trees’ beauty, reflecting his deep connection to nature.

Dr. Tosha Comendant is the Senior Stewardship Program Manager at the Napa Land Trust, where she oversees a range of stewardship activities, including preserve planning, restoration, assessments and monitoring, conservation science research, and partnerships. With 20 years of experience as a conservation scientist and practitioner, Tosha has dedicated her career to developing projects, programs, and tools that protect biodiversity and inform land stewardship.

Before joining the Napa Land Trust, Tosha worked with several prominent conservation organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, Conservation Biology Institute, and Pepperwood Foundation. Her extensive ecological and evolutionary biology background underpins her conservation approach, ensuring that the Land Trust’s stewardship efforts are grounded in cutting-edge science.

A native of St. Helena and Angwin, Tosha’s connection to the Napa Valley runs deep, having spent her childhood exploring its creeks and woods. In addition to her role at the Land Trust, she serves on the Napa County Watershed Information and Conservation Council board, further contributing to the preservation of the region’s natural resources.

Tosha holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from UC Santa Cruz and a Bachelor’s degree in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley.

Aubree is the Monitoring Program Assistant at the Napa Land Trust and supports ongoing land protection efforts for the organization, working within all aspects of the monitoring program. Her responsibilities include conducting annual compliance visits, building and maintaining strong relationships with landowners, coordinating volunteers, overseeing outreach initiatives, and recordkeeping.

Raised in neighboring Solano County, Aubree developed a deep passion for land conservation, agriculture, and the outdoors through her parents’ influence. This passion led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies, and she graduated from Sonoma State University’s Geography, Environment & Planning program.

In her free time, Aubree enjoys bass fishing, swimming, and exploring the local music scene, staying closely connected to the land and community she works to protect.

Marshall is the Acquisitions Coordinator at the Napa Land Trust, where he assists with a range of real estate due diligence activities to ensure sound transactions for land protection projects. With over 10 years of experience in both public and private land management, stewardship, and land protection, Marshall is passionate about the work of land trusts and their ability to meet the needs of their local communities.

Originally from San Diego, Marshall earned a B.S. in Kinesiology from San Diego State University, but shortly after graduating realized that wasn’t quite the right path. Having grown up with a strong connection to wide open spaces and the desire to work in those places, he pivoted and completed an M.S. in Parks and Public Land Management from Indiana University.

In his free time, Marshall enjoys adventuring with his wife and two boys, trail running, and body surfing whenever he can get close enough to a good beach.

Leah Heil is the Land Protection & GIS Associate at the Napa Land Trust, where she manages the organization’s geospatial information and supports various aspects of the land programs and land conservation efforts. With over 15 years of experience in mapping, geospatial analysis, and project management across both the government and private sectors, Leah brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

Leah’s passion for the outdoors began in her childhood, exploring the woods and lakes of Minnesota, which fostered her deep appreciation for natural landscapes. This connection to nature now fuels her commitment to preserving the beauty of Napa Valley. Leah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the United States Military Academy and a Master’s degree in Geography from the University of Georgia.

Residing in St. Helena with her husband and two daughters, Leah enjoys an active lifestyle that includes swimming, running, and hiking.

Kimberly Howard is the Philanthropy Operations Director at the Napa Land Trust, where she leads the strategic direction and management of the organization’s fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and communications efforts. In this role, Kimberly directs a comprehensive suite of programs that include major donor relations, the annual fund, public relations, and more, ensuring that the Land Trust’s philanthropic goals are met with excellence.

With over 25 years of experience as a seasoned development professional and entrepreneurial leader, Kimberly brings a wealth of expertise in management, fundraising, marketing, corporate partnerships, strategic planning, and event production. Before joining the Land Trust, she co-founded and served as Vice President of an environmental consulting firm in California, where she successfully built strong partnerships and drove impactful initiatives that aligned with her commitment to sustainability and community well-being.

Kimberly’s background in Nutritional Science reflects her broader dedication to health and wellness. She actively volunteers with local youth education programs, supporting fundraisers that benefit young people in Napa County. Kimberly’s commitment to the Land Trust’s mission is rooted in a deep belief in the power of philanthropy to drive positive change and create lasting impact.

Megan Lilla is the Stewardship Project Manager at the Napa Land Trust, bringing her extensive experience in community-based ecological restoration to the organization’s conservation efforts. Since 2004, Megan has been leading diverse groups of students and volunteers in hands-on restoration projects, working with various non-profit organizations across the San Francisco Bay Area, Southern California, and the Pacific Northwest.

Megan’s career in environmental stewardship began as an AmeriCorps member with EarthCorps in Seattle, where she honed her ecological restoration and community engagement skills. She later contributed to local Bay Area organizations, including Save the Bay and Merritt College’s Environmental Management and Technology Program. Before joining the Land Trust, Megan spent four years as the Restoration and Nursery Manager for the Friends of Sausal Creek in Oakland, where she oversaw restoration projects and managed native plant nurseries.

Megan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her passion for environmental restoration and dedication to community involvement continue to drive her work at the Land Trust.

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Mike Palladini is the Stewardship Director at the Napa Land Trust, where he oversees the stewardship of over 20,000 acres across 23 protected natural areas. His responsibilities include managing habitat and watershed restoration, conducting biological resource assessments and monitoring, advancing conservation science research, and enhancing wildfire and climate change resilience. Additionally, Mike plays a key role in ensuring public access to the Land Trust’s preserves.

With extensive experience in land stewardship and field biology, Mike has dedicated much of his career to conservation. Before joining the Land Trust, he served as a Land Steward for a watershed conservation group in northwest Montana’s Swan River Valley, where he worked closely with private landowners to develop conservation plans and implement restoration projects. His background also includes eight years of avian research and conservation work with several organizations, including the U.C. Santa Barbara Marine Science Institute, Point Blue Conservation Science, the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station, and the University of Montana Avian Science Center.

Mike holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology from Cal Poly Humboldt. His extensive experience and commitment to environmental stewardship are vital to the Land Trust’s mission of preserving Napa’s natural landscapes.

Lena Pollastro is the Conservation Director at the Napa Land Trust, overseeing the monitoring and enforcement of easement and preserve properties while spearheading new conservation acquisitions. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in community-based land conservation, Lena has a deep commitment to protecting natural resources and fostering sustainable land management practices.

Lena’s experience extends beyond the Napa Valley, as she also serves as the Western representative of Stewardship Directors for the Land Trust Alliance. Before joining the Napa Land Trust, she was the inaugural Stewardship Coordinator at the Inland Northwest Land Trust in Washington, helping establish their conservation stewardship program.

Lena holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences and a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Sciences from Washington State University. Her background in environmental education, volunteer program management, and domestic and international conservation work underscores her dedication to preserving the environment for future generations.

Clarisa Rosas is the Assistant Stewardship Coordinator at the Napa Land Trust, assisting in various land stewardship activities, including ecological restoration, biological monitoring, and conservation science research. She also supports efforts in invasive species management, public access coordination, and watershed restoration, helping maintain our protected lands’ health and sustainability.

Born and raised in Napa, Clarisa’s connection to the outdoors began early, fostering her passion for environmental conservation. She earned her B.S. in Environmental Science Technology and Policy from California State University, Monterey Bay. During her studies, she worked with the Bureau of Land Management at Fort Ord, focusing on remote sensing of grasses and with Return of the Natives, engaging communities in hands-on nature activities.

Clarisa is proud to give back to her hometown by contributing to the Land Trust’s mission. She enjoys hiking, camping, painting, and biking in her free time.

Bruce Ruddick is the Finance Manager at the Napa Land Trust, where he is responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial operations and ensuring the sustainability of its conservation efforts. His role involves managing budgets, financial reporting, and strategic financial planning to support the Land Trust’s mission.

Bruce brings extensive experience in accounting and financial management, particularly from his time in the wine industry, where he worked as a supply finance accountant. This position brought him to Napa Valley, where he quickly developed a deep connection to the region’s natural beauty and community. His financial expertise and dedication to sound fiscal management play an important role in the Land Trust’s ability to protect and preserve Napa County’s landscapes.

Originally from Robinvale, a country town on the Murray River in Australia, Bruce’s appreciation for the land has been a guiding force throughout his career. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from La Trobe University in Mildura and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Bruce married a local Napkin and is proud to call Napa home. He loves spending time with family, exploring, exercising, and playing golf in his spare time.

Randy Skidmore is the Conservation Project Manager and Staff Attorney at the Napa Land Trust, where he leverages nearly 30 years of experience in business, real estate, and land use law. Before joining the Land Trust in his current role, Randy retired as a partner from Coombs and Dunlap, LLP, where he practiced law, specializing in areas crucial to land conservation and sustainable development.

Randy’s connection to the Land Trust spans several decades, beginning with his work as an out-of-house attorney for the organization from 1988 to 1994. He further deepened his involvement as a volunteer committee chairperson and member of the Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2010. He focuses his legal expertise on procuring and protecting conservation lands.

His commitment to environmental protection is deeply rooted, dating back to his law school days, where he authored an article on nitrate pollution and its impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act. Randy holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in San Diego.

Randy enjoys playing tennis, fly fishing, and engaging in creative writing in his spare time.

Jena Thibodaux is the Membership & Database Coordinator at the Napa Land Trust, supporting the organization’s philanthropy initiatives through her work managing the membership program. She focuses on cultivating strong relationships with Land Trust members and supporters, while also coordinating reporting, analysis, and optimization efforts to enhance the organizational database.

A Napa native, Jena has always been inspired by the natural beauty of the Valley, which eventually led her to pursue a career in environmental preservation. Her professional journey began in the medical and dental industry, where she leveraged her compassionate nature to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Motivated by her passion for wildlife and the environment, Jena later earned her degree in Communication Studies from Napa Valley College, bringing her skills and enthusiasm to the Land Trust team.

Outside of work, Jena enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, bowling, and cooking delicious plant-based meals.

​Louise Vicencio is the Administrative Assistant at the Napa Land Trust, where she brings a wealth of experience from both the field and administrative sides of conservation. Before transitioning to the administrative team, Louise spent six years as the Land Trust’s Monitoring Coordinator, where she played a crucial role in overseeing land stewardship and ensuring the protection of vital habitats. Her extensive background also includes over 15 years as a Refuge Biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, where she contributed to numerous conservation efforts.

Louise holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management from Humboldt State University. Her deep understanding of natural resources and dedication to conservation continues to be an asset to the Land Trust as she now supports the organization’s operations on the administrative side.

Louise enjoys raising bees and chickens in her spare time, reflecting her ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.