Staff

Andrea is the Authority’s General Manager. She is passionate about preserving open space and connecting people to nature. For more than 25 years, Andrea has worked to preserve open space, farmland and wildlife habitat around the Bay Area by creating innovative plans, policies and public finance measures. In 2016, Bay Nature Magazine named her Local Conservation Hero. She serves on Advisory Boards for the Bay Area Open Space Council, San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority and SPUR San Jose. She is a past fellow of the National Conservation Leadership Institute and has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from UCSB and a master’s degree in Urban Planning from UCLA. Andrea loves to hike, backpack, kayak and travel with her family.

Serving as the Assistant General Manager, Administrative and Field Operations, Lea is a member of the Executive and Leadership Teams and oversees several functional groups that support the Authority’s daily operations, including accounting, human resources, information technology, facilities, office management, governance, and field operations. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Lea ensures agency-wide operational excellence through highly collaborative cross-functional teams and continuous improvement. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and minor in Cybernetics from San Jose State University and a certificate of Entrepreneurship from West Valley College. A San Jose native, Lea lives in Gilroy with her husband and two boxers Dude and Clyde. She enjoys the tranquility of soaking in the beauty of nature.

Marc serves as Assistant General Manager overseeing Planning, Grants, Real Property, Communications, and Legislative Affairs. He has worked in the land conservation field for 25 years, most recently focusing on helping to shape policy, and building external partnerships, especially with our local, state, and federal elected representatives. Prior to working in conservation, Marc was a Design Engineering Manager at Intel Corporation. Marc enjoys gardening and loves spending time with his family outdoors – hiking, biking and cross-country skiing.

Aaron serves as the Natural Resources Manager. The Natural Resources team delivers lasting stewardship and restoration projects that support agriculture, wildlife, and special habitats while promoting climate change resilience and delivering ecosystem services like clean water. For the last 15 years, Aaron has worked for California State Parks, Sempervirens Fund, and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. He holds a BA in Natural History and Literature from Bennington College and a Master’s of Science in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco. Aaron lives in San Francisco with his cat Frannie and his partner and is often exploring nature in between meals.

As the Authority’s Field Operations Manager, Derek oversees the care of open space lands and their natural resources. His primary goal is to provide a seamless experience that gives visitors a sense of enjoyment and leaves them feeling fulfilled and refreshed. Derek has a Park Management degree from West Valley College and brings 16 years of hands on experience to his position. He also enjoys photography and backpacking across the wilderness like a gypsy.

As the Administrative Operations Manager, Elizabeth keeps the Authority’s operational systems running smoothly to ensure that the staff of the Agency can effectively advance the agency’s mission. When she joined the Authority in 2015, Elizabeth brought over a decade of experience in business operations, office management and human resources, working in the private and non-profit sectors. Born and raised locally, she holds a B.A. in English and Comparative Literature from San Jose State University and is a Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional. Elizabeth enjoys the outdoors through kayaking, hiking, biking, and archery.

Lucas is the Authority’s Planning Manager. The Planning Department leads both long-range planning, use and management, and capital projects of many types. Lucas is passionate about connecting our community to the diverse portfolio of lands the Agency owns and manages to promote health and welfare, education, and stewardship of natural and agricultural landscapes. Lucas earned a B.L.A. from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and is a California registered landscape architect with over 15 years of professional experience in project management, planning, design, and construction. Lucas is inspired by the unique landscapes and microclimates of Santa Clara Valley and Bay Area and seizes every opportunity to be outside with family and friends.

As the Conservation & Strategic Partnerships Manager, Megan leads a talented team responsible for several interrelated programs: conservation strategy, land protection, inter-governmental relations, external funding and our Urban Grant Program. Megan joined the Authority in January 2016 after many years managing operations at local environmental nonprofits. She has a master’s in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona, where she focused on environmental planning and green infrastructure. Before that, she spent more than a decade as an academic librarian specializing in GIS, data and government information. She's keenly interested in social and environmental analysis and how it can inform a vision for the future. She spends her free time exploring and crafting.

As Long-Range Planning Manager and Coyote Valley Project Director, Nick’s work focuses on creating strategic plans for the lands managed by the Open Space Authority. He is currently leading the master planning process for over 1,500 acres of recently conserved lands in Coyote Valley. Prior to joining the Authority, Nick managed the San Francisco Planning Department's urban design team and holds a master's in City Planning and bachelor’s in Urban Studies from UC Berkeley. As a descendent of Mexican-American farmworkers and Portuguese farmers who came to the Santa Clara Valley a century ago, Nick is inspired by the valley’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes.

After completing multiple seasons with the Open Space Authority as an Open Space Aide, Abel continues as an Open Space Technician I to continue preserving our trail systems, tend to the upkeep of our preserves, and engage with visitors who are curious about what the preserve offers. He hopes to continue to serve the Authority by being a steward for the lands and an advocate for accessibility in hopes more people can enjoy our trails. He’s always smiling so if you see him, feel free to say hi! Abel earned a bachelor’s in Environmental Science from UC Berkeley in 2020, and when off the clock he enjoys playing soccer and painting.

As the Human Resources Coordinator, Aline is responsible for the administrative and clerical functions of the Human Resources department such as talent management, compensation and employee benefits, compliance, and workplace safety. She is passionate about training & development, process documentation, and animals. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources from San Jose State University (Go Spartans). Outside of work, you can find her spending time with her family, planning her next international adventure, or shopping for her next meal as an amateur foodie!

Amit Tartakovsky is a proud Open Space Aide at the Open Space Authority. She is highly dedicated to providing the public with clean and safe spaces to enjoy nature in. Since early childhood Amit knew she wanted a career which involved the outdoors, and serving a term in the Northwest Conservation Corps sealed the deal for her. Amit is currently working towards an environmental engineering degree. When she is not at work, you can find Amit at some of the ranches where she works, and exploring other nature preserves and hikes.

Amrita is currently an Open Space Aide, spending most of her days working toward being a good steward of our local ecosystems. This work includes maintenance of trail systems and open spaces, as well as nurturing relationships with the community. Amrita earned a bachelor's in Sustainable Environmental Design from UC Davis, which is where her passion for restoration and conservation truly blossomed. She hopes to share this passion with members of the community for years to come. Off the trails, you can find Amrita out climbing, reading, or hanging out with her furry friends.

Andres is a Supervising Open Space Technician, responsible for operating and maintaining all the Authority lands. His favorite tasks are building new trail systems and opening preserves, which fulfills his passion to leave a legacy of protected lands for future generations to appreciate. Andres enjoys visiting national parks and spends most of his free time watching his children play sports. Next time you're out on the trails there is a good chance you'll see him, so be sure to say hello!

As a Lead Open Space Technician, Andy gets the opportunity to manage over 22,000 acres of open space with his dedicated and talented co-workers. Andy is a Bay Area native who knew at a very young age that he wanted to work in the golden hills of Santa Clara Valley! When he is not at work, Andy enjoys playing baseball on his travel team, fishing and BBQing as much as possible. GO GIANTS!!!!!!

Anna administers the Authority’s Geographic Information System (GIS) program, which supports mapping, spatial data analysis, and location-based workflows. She is passionate about using cartography to tell stories from spatial data. Prior to joining the Authority, Anna was a GIS Analyst for Lawrence Livermore National Lab. She holds a bachelor's degree in American Studies & GIS from the George Washington University. She loves maps in all forms – in a database, on paper, aerial imagery, from an archive, or as art. Outside of work, you can find her backpacking, skiing, sewing, or mountain biking.

As Multimedia Communications Specialist, Annamarie connects people with nature and the Open Space Authority through social media, photos, videos, graphics, and the website. A Northern California native, she fell in love with the South Bay Area while studying at Santa Clara University, where she received bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Studio Art. Annamarie brings her years of experience working with community-focused organizations and her creative skills as an artist and designer. Say hi to Annamarie through the Open Space Authority's social media!

Annie is an Open Space Aide at the OSA since September of 2023. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from Sacramento State and a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from San Jose State. You may see her at the preserves regularly as she opens/closes, hikes the trails to maintain them, or chats with visitors in the parking lot. She has a deep love for nature and the environment and hopes to play a part in passing on a healthy planet to her son.

Avery has a strong passion for the outdoors and enjoys spending time on nature trails where she can fully immerse herself in the beauty of this unique region. Avery comes to the Authority with over 11 years of experience in marketing, communications and program planning within the behavioral health and public health fields. She received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a master’s in Public Health from San José State University and looks forward to using her combined education and experience to connect communities to nature and the agency’s work. In her free time, Avery enjoys baking, watching the worst reality TV shows and spending time with her family and two cats.

As the Clerk of the Board, Caroline manages all aspects of Board and Committee business including meeting agendas, official documents, records management, Public Records Act request and more. Caroline's experience working in the public sector in various capacities has provided her with a unique lens in identifying operational efficiencies, relationship building and customer service. She holds her bachelor’s in Exercise and Sports Science at the University of San Francisco (Go Dons!). As a self-proclaimed transient soul, you can often find Caroline driving up and down California searching for the next great hike, swimming hole or just trying not to be late for her softball game.

In her capacity as an Open Space Aide, Casey assumes a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission to safeguard Santa Clara County's natural landscapes. Her responsibilities encompass vital functions, including trail maintenance, fostering community engagement, and executing daily preservation tasks. With a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Environmental Restoration from San Jose State University, Casey's academic foundation underscores her commitment to environmental stewardship. Her profound connection with the outdoors has been a lifelong inspiration, driving her towards a career that harmonizes with her passion. During her leisure time, Casey finds solace in camping, snowboarding, and capturing nature's beauty through film photography.

As Public Information Officer, Charlotte oversees the Authority’s digital media platforms, press, and works with the Public Affairs team to amplify events and outreach opportunities. Raised in the Bay Area, Charlotte has over a decade of experience in conservation and outdoor communications. She received her education at San Jose State University and holds a master’s in Journalism and Mass Communications. She also has a bachelor’s in Community and Regional Development from UC Davis where she studied environmental policy and agricultural and environmental education. Charlotte enjoys horseback riding, snorkeling, hiking, camping, and spending time with her pets.

Cliff is a Lead Open Space Technician for the Authority. His tasks include patrolling Authority lands, maintaining trails, and educating the public about the Authority’s mission. In 2016 Cliff attended the California Trails and Greenways Conference, where he represented the Authority in accepting a Merit award. He is currently in the Park Management program at West Valley College, and on his days off, Cliff enjoys cycling and day trips throughout California.

Daniel is an Open Space Technician for the Authority. He gets to work with his hands, mind, and friends; to both help protect nature and make it inviting for people to experience. Daniel graduated from West Valley College with an associate's degree in Science for Park Management. The classes taught him a profound respect for nature and changed the very way he sees the planet. It was his awakening to the truth of life and importance of its knowledge. The Earth is speaking, go out and listen.

David is the Equipment Mechanic Operator helping to coordinate daily field operations related to project management and equipment usage and operation. David was born and raised in Santa Clara County and has attended both the West Valley College Park Management and the De Anza Environmental Science Programs. These experiences helped fuel his desire to protect the remaining resources in the valley that he grew up in. When not at work he loves to explore nature with his family by going camping, fishing, hunting and dirt biking.

David is the Natural Resource Technician. He performs the Authority’s field work on projects that protect and restore habitat and natural resources. In this position, David works closely with the Natural Resource Management Specialist as well as with the Open Space Technicians and outside-agency partners. David first joined the Authority in 2018, and brings with him a life-long desire to protect the natural world as well as a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University and several years of experience working in resource management in California. David is fascinated by birds, and specifically raptors such as the white-tailed kite and Northern harrier. David enjoys photographing wildlife and spending as much time as he can wandering in nature - whether hiking or backpacking, through rolling hills or coast redwood forests, around wetlands and shorelines, or anywhere else he can go.

Gavin is values-based, mission-oriented, and impact-driven. As the Volunteer Program Administrator for the Authority, Gavin engages volunteers through shared passion for open spaces and the desire to awaken our connection to the landscapes we are lucky to call home. Previously, Gavin was the Operations Manager for Save The Waves Coalition, building relationships with other ocean activists to use surfing as a vehicle for coastal conservation on an international scale. He is a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) grad, bird nerd, and can be found surfing the Santa Cruz coast with his dog, Mr. Larry Beans, any time he is not in the office.

As an Open Space Aide, Hanford helps maintain trails and watersheds that are important to our ecosystem and is an outdoor steward in educating guests about the flora and fauna of the Santa Clara Valley. Hanford is currently a Medical III and Rescue Volunteer member for The Marine Mammal Center and an Outdoor School Instructor. During Hanford’s free time, he enjoys winter camping, backpacking, long hikes, and exploring the hidden gems we all call home.

As the Real Property Coordinator, Isabella supports the Authority’s real property program to continue the critical work of land conservation in Santa Clara County. She assists with all aspects of real property acquisitions, grant support, and conservation easement monitoring. Prior to joining the Authority, Isabella was a Contract Administrator for State Parks. Isabella graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a bachelor’s in Anthropology and Environmental Studies. She interned in programs that addressed water conservation, geospatial analysis, and global health. Isabella enjoys volunteering with local organizations, camping with her family, and running on the beach with her dog, Pepper.

As Office & Facilities Coordinator, Ivy keeps the office running smoothly while supporting various departments and welcoming visitors to the Authority. She comes to us from a fast-paced emergency animal hospital where she built an extensive background in client relations, customer service, and office management. She graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor’s in Sociology and a minor in Anthropology. Her passion and desire to spread awareness for the outdoors is what drew her to the Open Space Authority. When she’s not at work, you can find her hiking with her dog and husband, camping, or hanging out with her plants.

Jackie focused on Environmental Studies at the University of Michigan and is passionate about environmental education and greening our communities. Prior to joining the Authority, she worked in the outdoor education field and did grant and volunteer work for multiple youth programs. She received a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management with Arizona State University to continue her passion for learning. Jackie loves to spend time in the Santa Cruz Mountains hiking, being with friends, and painting. In her free time, you can find Jackie grooving in contemporary dance classes, or in the crowd at concerts and music festivals.

Jackson Large is an Open Space Aide who has had the opportunity to work with both the Sierra Vista team and the South County team. Born and raised in San José, he was always outside hiking or camping in both the Santa Cruz and Diablo Ranges, and now gets to work to preserve the beautiful land in the Bay Area while working towards an associate's degree in Park Management. When not working, he can be found roaming the hills, climbing, or sparring at a gym. Say hello if you see him on the trails or up at the parking lot!

As Associate Open Space Planner, Jennifer assists with mapping, data analysis, and environmental review. She also provides support in design and reporting for planning and capital improvement projects. She has experience in conservation management and strategic planning for land trusts in Washington and California. Jennifer has a bachelor’s in Urban and Environmental Policy from The Evergreen State College. She came to the Authority from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a dual master’s in City & Regional Planning and Public Policy. Jennifer enjoys wandering the sunny oak savanna landscapes, beaches, and redwoods of Central California with her dog, Lucy.

Jessica Guenther, an Open Space Aid, enjoys learning more field skills and hearing what visitors have to say about the areas. Her background includes a master’s Degree in Wildlife where she studied bird behavior. Beforehand, she did five years of seasonal work mainly working with birds and small mammals. She also spent six months in Thailand researching sea turtles before coming to California. She has worked at Big Basin State Park with Steller’s jays and at REI. In her free time, she likes to go birding, do photography, play video games, and travel.

Joelle is the Executive Assistant to General Manager Andrea Mackenzie. She supports all departments at the Authority with numerous projects, including accomplishing the processing for closing on the Open Space Authority’s most important acquisitions. Joelle holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and Sociology from UC Santa Cruz. In her free time, she is dedicated to helping animals, including her menagerie at home.

Coming to the agency with a background in public sector accounting, Jigna is the Staff Accountant, who works to streamline the financial process with enhanced accuracy and dedication. She earned her degree in Accounting and Finance from Mumbai University, India. In her free time, she enjoys exploring her love for music, watching movies, cooking, and playing outdoor games, which keep her balanced and inspired.

Justina is the Fiscal Services Officer, overseeing the Authority's general accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, budget, and cash flow. As part of the Administration and Finance Department, she aims to support and take care of the everything else so that her colleagues can focus on the Authority’s missions and goals. Justina has a master’s in Business Administration and studied Finance and Management Information Systems at Santa Clara University. While she does not believe this to be true, her colleagues think she is obsessed with Fitbit steps. Unfortunately, her weeknight walks and weekend hikes say otherwise.

As Volunteer Program Coordinator, Katheryn (Kat) leads volunteer projects at Authority open space preserves and coordinates Community Outreach booth events. She studied Anthropology at UC Davis and afterwards worked as a high school counselor and then a National Park Service Ranger in Minnesota. She is currently attending West Valley College's Park Management Program. Besides sharing her love for nature with others, Kat enjoys backpacking, nature journaling, and dancing at folk music festivals.

As Community Impact & Policy Specialist for the Open Space Authority, Lena supports the External Affairs Manager and greater Public Affairs team by tracking relevant legislation and political activity and helping to build meaningful partnerships to further the Authority's mission. Lena graduated from Santa Clara University where she double majored in Psychology and Studio Art and minored in Environmental Studies. Her experience in the nonprofit social services realm, where she focused on affordable housing and homelessness prevention, helped spark her passion for seeking equitable solutions to the Bay Area’s most pressing social and environmental issues. She also currently serves as a board member for the Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters. In her spare time, Lena enjoys hiking, painting, and petting any dog within reach.

As Deputy Conservation Manager, Linda develops and implements conservation strategies to advance land protection in our region. She works closely with other departments within the Authority and with partner organizations towards achieving the Authority’s goals through conservation planning, acquiring properties and conservation easements, and tracking and engaging in land use changes that may threaten conservation values. Prior to the Authority, Linda worked on land transactions at Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). She has a master's in Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara and a bachelor's in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley. She has been with the Authority since November 2015. In her spare time, she loves to cook and go on outings with her family.

Lucy started her adventures with the Open Space Authority as a Seasonal Open Space Aide and has transitioned as a permanent Open Space Aide at Sierra Vista and Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge. Her love of the outdoors started at a young age when she would visit local county parks with her family. Even more so when she graduated from San José State University with a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and a minor in Recreation and Nature. She has worked for several local agencies but says OSA is one of her favorites. If you’re ever in the preserves and spot her, feel free to come up and ask questions or if you’re passionate about something involving nature, feel free to share she loves hearing about peoples’ passions. Her new goal is to master her bilingual skills, so if you are curious about how to say any of our local fauna in Spanish just go up with a friendly face and ask.

As the Supervising Open Space Technician, Megan coordinates daily field operations, projects and staff. Born and raised in Santa Clara County and with deep family roots in the Valley, Megan knew she wanted to work for an agency that helps to protect the area she grew up in. Through a Park Management Internship at West Valley College, Megan started with the Open Space Authority as an Open Space Technician in 2005. When not at work she loves to explore nature with her family by going camping, fishing, horseback riding, and dirt biking.

Monica is the Authority’s External Funding Coordinator. She has 15 years of experience writing and managing grants for nonprofits and local government. Monica is committed to work that connects environmental stewardship and social justice; she has experience in urban forestry, alternative transportation, healthy food access and affordable housing. Monica graduated from San Jose State University with bachelor’s degrees in Social Work & Environmental Studies and a master’s degree in Environmental Studies. Monica loves riding her bike along the Coyote Creek Trail and exploring the country by train. Monica is committed to learning about and supporting Native American environmental justice movements.

Patrick is an Open Space Technician at the Authority. As part of the land management team, he works to preserve and maintain the Authority’s lands. Patrick has a bachelor's in Fine Art from San José State University and is also a graduate of West Valley College's Park Management program. In his time off, Patrick likes to backpack and trout fish in the Sierra Nevada high country.

As an Open Space Aide, Ryan can be found greeting visitors at your preserves as well as implementing the Open Space Authority’s conservation and restoration plans around the Coyote Valley. Ryan earned a bachelor's in Environmental Science from CSU Chico during which he witnessed the importance of properly managing the environment first-hand during the 2018 wildfires. When he’s not working, Ryan enjoys spending time with friends and keeping up with his many hobbies, including working out and tending his gardening.

Rachel supports the Authority by overseeing projects that protect water resources and restore aquatic habitat, like creeks and wetlands. Rachel is from Louisville, Kentucky, where she graduated from Bellarmine University with bachelor's degrees in Biology and Environmental Science. Since moving to the South Bay Area in 2017, she has worked within the nonprofit and government sectors on a diverse array of topics, such as native plant restoration, urban agriculture, environmental justice, pollution prevention, municipal stormwater management, and environmental education. She enjoys hiking and mountain biking, cooking, tending to her houseplants, and writing haiku.

Ron comes to the Authority with a long history of working with special needs youth and adults. He attended San Jose City College’s Emergency Medical Technician as well as completed training in Wildlife Search & Rescue. Prior to joining the Authority, Ron volunteered with Santa Clara County Search & Rescue, as well as helped maintain burrowing owl habitats, assisted in clearing San Jose creeks, and aided in the release of native wildlife in the San Jose area. He also has experience working alongside Indigenous Tribes, both locally and in the Southwest. In his free time, Ron enjoys fabrication and restoration of vintage cars and motorcycles, road trips, camping, creating encaustic art, and looking out at the Pacific Ocean from different states and countries.

As the Educational Program Administrator, Teri oversees the Authority's docent and educational programming. This includes managing educational partnerships and coordinating public hikes and presentations, astronomy programs, and other educational opportunities for our community and youth. Teri has a background in park interpretation and environmental education from California State Parks, Santa Clara County Parks, San Jose City Parks, and the Youth Science Institute. She has also been faculty for West Valley College's Park Management Program and is currently adjunct faculty teaching Interpretation at San Jose State University. Her personal passion is creating inclusive nature experiences for people with disabilities. In her free time, Teri likes to write fiction and spend time observing wildlife.

As an Open Space Technician, Stephen helps to protect and preserve the lands that the Authority manages for future generations to come. From achieving Eagle Scout as a youth, to getting his associate's in Park Management, to even thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, he has always had a deep connection with the outdoors. As a Bay Area native, Stephen grew up hiking the hills and valleys that he now has the privilege to maintain. Whether at work or at play, you can always find Stephen on a trail. Don’t hesitate to say hi!

Rowan is excited to be a part of Open Space Authority's field staff team at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve. She has grown up in the Bay Area and on the trails of both the Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains. Rowan is currently working towards an associate’s degree for transfer in Conservation Biology and is always looking to expand her knowledge of our unique local landscape and wildlife. Rowan is a UC Certified California Naturalist. If you see her on the preserves feel free to talk to her about our local plant and animal communities - you might leave with a fun fact about your natural neighbors!

Vincent is the IT Technician, responsible for maintaining the Open Space Authority IT system and softwares. He graduated from UC Davis with a bachelor's in Computer Science. He has a passion for technology and always strives to learn more. He has past experience working in the public sector and in non-profit organization and hope to utilize his experiences to help the Open Space Authority. In his spare time, he likes to walk his dog at various parks in the bay area.