About Our Foundation
The Channel Islands National Park Foundation serves as the official philanthropic partner of Channel Islands National Park. As the Park's primary nonprofit partner, we strengthen the connection between federal funding and the critical needs of these five remarkable islands. Our work ensures that the unique biodiversity, rich cultural history, and rugged beauty of these wild and beloved islands are preserved for generations to come.
Lisha Riabinina
Our Mission
Build the resources, community support, and shared commitment needed to protect the wild character, mission, and long-term success of the Channel Islands National Park.
Our Vision
To be the indispensable partner of Channel Islands National Park, ensuring it has the resources and community support to remain a global model of conservation and discovery.
Our Values
Guided by integrity and a spirit of joy, the Channel Islands Park Foundation fosters unity and curiosity to protect and steward these rare ecosystems for future generations.
Our Team
The Channel Islands National Park Foundation’s board of directors is a diverse group with one very important thing in common: they love the Channel Islands.
They are committed to supporting Channel Islands National Park.
Bob Schwartz
Board Member—Chair & President
Bob Schwartz is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who has scaled major brands like Nordstrom.com, Magento (Adobe Commerce), and Wpromote. With a track record of 10 successful exits, he has generated billions in value for shareholders and Founders. Beyond commerce, Bob transformed Good360.org into the second-largest nonprofit in the U.S. Under his leadership, the organization became self-sustaining and now distributes over $3 billion worth of goods each year to those in need.
Ted Manning
Board Member—Co-Chair
With over 30 years in the outdoor industry, Ted Manning is a veteran leader dedicated to conservation and stewardship. From his early days at Eastern Mountain Sports to senior roles at Ibex and, most recently, Patagonia, Ted has shaped how leading brands approach sustainability and public land access. Deeply committed to the intersection of landscapes and community, he has collaborated with The Conservation Alliance and the Trust for Public Land to safeguard wild places. Now focusing his expertise on the Channel Islands, Ted is honored to contribute to the future of this unique ecosystem.
Jack Dyer
Board Member—Vice President
Jack Dyer is the Founder and CEO of Topa Topa Brewing Company, headquartered in Ventura. Since moving from New Jersey to the Central Coast, Jack has rooted his business and lifestyle in the outdoors—whether surfing, hiking, or sailing his restored 30′ Cal Jensen to the Channel Islands. Beyond brewing, Jack is a dedicated community leader. He serves on the boards of the Ojai Valley Defense Fund and the Central Coast Brewers Guild, and contributes to advisory committees for both Visit Ventura and the Brewers Association.
Sarah Palladino
Board Member—Secretary
Sarah Palladino is an outdoor enthusiast and sustainability advocate with a background in Environmental Geology and consulting. Previously a Program Manager for reclamation and remediation projects, she gained firsthand experience restoring impacted landscapes for ecological health and public use. Now a leader at the purpose-driven brand Toad&Co, Sarah drives environmental and social impact through strategic community partnerships. An avid backpacker, she remains deeply committed to the stewardship of Channel Islands National Park.
Michael Delaney
Board Member—Treasurer
Michael is a Channel Islands National Park volunteer, a work leader for plant restoration, and a member of the Visitor Center Garden and Nursery Team. He is a Ventura County Master Gardener. Michael is also a CHIS Naturalist Corp member and leads hikes on the islands. He was on the Board of Directors of Fairwind Yacht Club, a California 501 (c) (7) Non-Profit Corporation, for ten years in a variety of roles, including Commodore, Treasurer, Rear Commodore, and Fleet Captain. Michael worked in the SoCal aerospace industry before retiring.
Ken McAlpine
Board Member
Ken McAlpine is the author of ten books; fiction, non-fiction and selected essays. He has been traveling to the Channel Islands for 30-plus years; his book “Islands Apart: A Year on the Edge of Civilization” is both a look at those islands and a look at how we live and what we live for. Ken lives for the pure joy of it, in Ventura with his far better half, Kathy. He likes to stand in his yard at night looking at the stars, but he does not like spending tiime doing yard work.
Sue Masters
Board Member
Sue has lived within sight of the Channel Islands for more than 20 years and is a frequent hiker and camper on the islands. She is a National Park volunteer and a Work Team Leader for the mainland nursery and native plant garden. Sue is a Ventura Master Gardener, and her love of plants led her to a Certificate in Environmental Horticulture from SBCC, followed by becoming a Certified California Native Plant Landscaper. Sue is also a consultant in the biotech industry helping clients with the development of drug delivery devices.
Susanne Wilson
Board Member
Susanne Wilson is the former co-owner of Property Management Business in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She has an extensive background in Resort Marketing and Property Management. Susanne is committed to supporting local non-profits, including the Ojai Music Festival and the Ojai Defense Fund, and to sponsoring the Nordhoff High School AVID program: Advancement Via Individual Determination, a college-readiness system.
Jess Burnquist
Executive Director
As the inaugural Executive Director of the Channel Islands Park Foundation, the official philanthropic partner of Channel Islands National Park, Jess Burnquist is dedicated to preserving and protecting California’s coastal treasures. With a career spanning leadership roles in the nonprofit sector and education, she has built a reputation for connecting communities to the power of story and the arts as a vehicle for positive change. Jessica holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Arizona State University and a certification in nonprofit management from Oregon State University, grounding her work at the intersection of education, the arts, and nonprofit leadership. Jess is passionate about ensuring that our public lands remain protected, vibrant, and accessible for future generations to explore.
Marcella Klein Williams
Emeritus
Dr. Marcella Klein Williams has a career in education that has ranged from the classroom to the national level. She has a doctorate in educational leadership and experience building STEM education networks. Additionally, Marcella has been involved with the Channel Islands for over 20 years and is the wife of an island ranger.
Collin Wooley
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