Who We Are
Our Organization
The Golden State Land Conservancy was founded in 2000 by Bob Whitney. Bob’s vision was to create a responsive conservation organization within the community-based land trust movement. Not one to second guess a landowner’s intentions, Bob’s emphasis was on fostering solid relationships with GSLC’s clients. What mattered most to Bob was to develop trust and understanding with those who share the same commitment to real conservation outcomes. Bob saw each new opportunity with an eye towards the future, when a property would have remained free of unnecessary development and pristine in its condition.
After 23 years, Bob’s vision for a pragmatic conservation organization has grown to over 35,000 acres of protected California lands.
Relationships Define GSLC
GSLC’s goal is to partner with stakeholders in protecting their land forever. Therefore, the relationship between a land’s owner and conservation partner is key to success. GSLC prides itself in the success of its many ongoing positive relationships with landowners throughout the state.
OUR MISSION
GSLC’s mission is to ensure the future legacy of California’s diverse landscapes of vital habitats and ecosystems through the development of creative, forward-looking conservation solutions.
Board of Directors
Bob Whitney (1941-2015)
President Emeritus
Founder & Permanent President Emeritus
Greg Carr
Chair of the Board
Land Use and Environmental Planner (ret.), planning commissioner, volunteer.
Matt Richmond
Vice Chair
Mitigation expert currently a principal with WRA, Inc., an environmental consulting firm. Project manager for over 20 years on projects ranging from coastal ecology to habitat restoration.
Marina Washburn
Treasurer
Marina Washburn serves as Treasurer for the Golden State Land Conservancy (GSLC) and brings extensive experience in financial oversight, budgeting, and organizational governance. Her work includes nonprofit organizational leadership, development of nature education facilities, and the restoration, repair, and stewardship of historic landmarks and conservation properties. Marina helps the board understand financial performance, strengthen internal controls, and ensure responsible stewardship of resources to support GSLC’s conservation and education mission. She is deeply committed to preserving California’s natural and historic places for future generations.
Steven Sharpe
Secretary
Land use consultant in Sonoma County for 15 years. Former analyst Sonoma County Administrator, analyst Economic Development Board, and Executive Officer for LAFCO. And Former Acting General Manager of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Currently also Trustee Bennett Valley Union School District.
Dean Parsons
Experienced land use planner with Parsons & Associates. Parsons was formerly a Project Review Manager with the Permit Sonoma and a Senior Planner for the City of San Rafael. Parsons has dealt with all aspects of land use planning.
Dennis Rosatti
Public Affairs and Campaign Consultant, former Executive Director of Sonoma County Conservation Action. Media relations, organizational development, and community outreach expert.
Kyrsten Shields
Kyrsten has been a Regulatory Project Manager for over 20 years and currently serves as the Regulatory Director for the Western Region of RES, a national mitigation banking/ecological restoration firm.
Emeritus Advisors
Dino Bonos
Principal of Bonos Land Planning, a Sonoma County consulting firm specializing in land use and real estate services. Bonos has 40 years experience in planning, open space preservation, and parks administration. Former GSLC Chair and Board member for 5 years.
Whit Manley
Senior Counsel in the law firm of Remy Moose Manley, LLP, specializing in conservation and environmental law; co-author with law partners of Guide to the California Environmental Quality Act. Former Treasurer and original member of GSLC Board for 20 years.
Michael Zander
Principal Environmental Scientist, Zander Associates, specializes in natural resource analysis and biological evaluation; and liaison between clients and regulatory agencies to resolve conflicts between land use and environmental objectives.
Rose Zoia
Attorney practicing land use law, real estate and business transactions, and civil appeals and writs in California courts.
Staff
Devin Best
Executive Director
Interdisciplinary leader, conservationist, endurance athlete, and innovator
Rob Moore
Conservation Director
M.A., Environmental Policy,
world traveler, outdoorsman.
Angelique Sweetman
Compliance Specialist
Innovator, writer, and explorer of the natural world.
Mark L. Ranft
General Counsel
Attorney and counselor at law, ranch owner, and former forester.
