At Eastern Sierra Land Trust, we often talk about our accomplishments in terms of lands, water, and wildlife. And yet, at our core, we’re an organization OF the community, FOR the community.
Each member of our Staff and Board of Directors brings unique insights and expertise to the table, and we work collaboratively to ensure that we take into account the many opinions that make our region so wonderfully diverse. By working together, we believe that we can find common ground and develop long-term land use solutions that will benefit all: residents and visitors, ranchers and environmentalists, families and wildlife alike. Together with supporters like you, we’re creating a better future for the Eastern Sierra we love.
Are you interested in joining our team at Eastern Sierra Land Trust? Visit our Employment Page to see current staff openings, and contact us today to share your skills and passions with us. We’re always looking for energized and committed community members who want to have a hand in advancing local conservation.
Eastern Sierra Land Trust Staff
Kay Ogden, Executive Director

Heather Freeman, Philanthropy Manager

Carissa Gospodinoff, Operations Director
Carissa grew up 30 miles outside New York City in Greenwich, Connecticut, where her family had operated a tree nursery for four generations. As a kid growing up on this 10-acre property surrounded by nature, the only rule during summer was to come home and eat when the dinner bell was rung. After attending college in New York City, Carissa worked in the U.S. Virgin Islands educating school groups about local ecology and various methods to increase local conservation efforts. Once she returned stateside, Carissa realized she wanted to explore more of the country and accepted a position in South Lake Tahoe as Operations Manager with the Sierra Nevada Alliance. She quickly fell in love with the Sierra Nevada region. Carissa is excited to continue working hard to protect and preserve such a valuable part of the country with ESLT. In her free time you can find Carissa frolicking through streams and rivers with her pup, Samson.
Amanda Jaramillo, Development Coordinator
Amanda first discovered the beauty of the Eastern Sierra in 2013 while pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Geology. After experiencing her first Eastern Sierra sunset, she knew this place was home. Eastern Sierra Land Trust gives her the opportunity to give back to the land and the community that means so much to her. Amanda’s professional background ranges from environmental consulting to project management and local government planning. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys rock climbing and exploring the backcountry with her two pups.
Kelly Muller, Land Stewardship Manager
Kelly manages the Stewardship Program for Eastern Sierra Land Trust after transitioning from a background in restoration work. Kelly has experience working with the National Park Service, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Forest Service. An avid adventurer, she enjoys ice skating on Sierra lakes, ski tours, backpacking, and other forms of mountain recreation.
Byron Roos-Collins, Communications Manager
Byron manages communications for Eastern Sierra Land Trust after transitioning from a background in wilderness guiding and nonprofit work. Prior to joining ESLT, Byron worked with Team Rubicon on their Emergency Food Assistance Program. When he is not working, Byron enjoys recreating in the mountains and planning international expeditions. He is a co-founder of a hot sauce business and a whitewater rafting guidebook business.
Claire Marvet, Education Coordinator & AmeriCorps Member
Claire Marvet grew up near Chicago and graduated from the University of Washington Seattle campus. Since graduating, she worked as a field technician for a variety of organizations and universities studying animals including Greater Sage-grouse and Black Bears along with their habitats. She found her way to the Eastern Sierra as a snowboarder and rock climber in 2019 and fell in love with the region. She is thrilled for this opportunity to serve the community and foster an appreciation for the outdoors through the powerful tool of education.
Board Members
Marie Patrick, Chair

Randy Keller, Secretary

Robert Sharp, Treasurer

Tim Bartley, Director
Tim and his wife Pam moved to Mammoth Lakes in 2010. Tim has been an active volunteer in local conservation, stewardship, and water quality projects. He spent his professional career in biotech research at Amgen, and holds a PhD. Tim is an avid fisherman, and he frequently works with ESLT’s volunteer team to advance important habitat restoration projects in the Eastern Sierra.
Rick Kattelmann, Director

Brynn Pewtherer, Director

Cyd Jenefsky, Director
Cyd moves between Stockton, Sacramento, and the Bay Area in her position as Interim Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Strategy and Educational Effectiveness at University of the Pacific. The Eastern High Sierra is her temple, and she has been hiking and cycling on the Eastside for many decades. As a dedicated member of our conservation community for many years, she is honored to do what she can to conserve this treasured land.
Fran Hunt

Tony Taylor, Board Member Emeritus

Advisory Council
Scott Burns
Steve Frisch
Mary Glenn
Rusty Gregory
Linda Hess
Sandy Hogan
Ruth MacFarlane
Matt McClain
Bob Moon
Paul and Kate Page
Pete Pumphrey
Jim Reed
Orrin Sage