ABOUT US

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy (CRWC) is to protect and improve the health of the Carmel River Watershed for the benefit of its natural environment and the public.

25 YEARS OF PROGRESS

Click a date below to see what progress was made that year.

CRWC TEAM

Our small but powerful team has been with the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy for many years with combined experience in conversation and non-profit efforts.

ELISE WEILAND

Executive Director

Elise Weiland is the Executive Director of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy. Before joining the CRWC, Elise demonstrated her dedication to protecting the Russian River Watershed, spearheading initiatives at the Russian River Confluence. Her ability to forge coalitions of government, nonprofit, and tribal organizations has propelled critical restoration projects forward. She created the Respect Russian River campaign, fostering collaboration among Sonoma and Mendocino counties and engaging stakeholders from individuals to businesses to agencies to work together for the health of the river. As Project Manager for Supervisor Hopkins in the County of Sonoma, she has led community outreach and political advocacy for a diverse array of projects from water systems to public infrastructure. Elise brings over 15 years experience in leading environmentally focused nonprofits such as the Colorado Maker Hub and the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado.

ELLA MCDOUGAL

Communications Coordinator

Ella started with CRWC as an intern in 2018, until filling the role of Communications Coordinator in 2021. Originally from Pennsylvania, and with a background in environmental science and coastal geology, Ella decided to transition to policy and strategic planning after volunteering in the Peace Corps in Peru from 2015 to 2017. Since then, she has devoted her career to helping human and natural communities prepare for climate change, especially those along the coast of California faced with the challenges of sea-level rise. Ella graduated from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies with a masters degree in International Environmental Policy. Although dedicated to work in the coastal zone, you’ll most likely find Ella on snowy summits or riding her bike around Lake Tahoe.

Erin Lawrence

Conservation Photographer

I have been a photographer since I was seven and a hiker/camper for over a decade. I returned to California in 2007 after 30 years away and have enjoyed volunteering in regional and state parks since retiring from full-time work in 2024.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CRWC’s Board of Directors has between 7 and 11 members, all of whom volunteer their time to serve our mission. Each Director brings a wealth of experience to help the organization thrive. The Board meets every other month, with program focused committees meeting in between full Board meetings.

JEN HUNTER

Chair

As President of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, Jen Hunter champions environmental conservation with leadership honed at UC Berkeley, where she studied environmental sciences. She also serves as the Resident Director at Hastings Ranch Natural History Reservation, directing conservation projects and educational programs.

ABBIE BEANE

Vice Chair

Abbie Beane, Vice President and Interim Project Coordinator at the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, has over 15 years of environmental experience. She is the Development Director at Blue Strike Environmental, focusing on sustainability within sports and entertainment. Abbie has led significant recycling and zero-waste programs, including efforts for the Mattress Recycling Council and the California Carpet Stewardship Program. She is a recognized leader in resource recovery, evidenced by her role in the award-winning sustainability initiatives at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

LORIN LETENDRE

Former president

Lorin Letendre, a past President and Executive Director of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, brings a rich background in environmental advocacy and education. He has taught at three community colleges and held various leadership roles, including executive positions at McGraw-Hill and The Myers-Briggs Company. Lorin has also authored influential books on corporate governance and leadership.

ANDY MAGNASCO

Treasurer

As Treasurer of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, Andy Magnasco manages the financial strategies of the organization. He is also the Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Grounds at Carmel Valley Ranch, where he integrates environmental sustainability into his management practices.

SCOTT HENNESSY

Secretary

Scott Hennessy, a board member at the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, offers a deep understanding of county planning and environmental restoration. His extensive experience includes directing the Monterey County Planning and Building Department and founding a native plant nursery to aid local restoration efforts. Scott's leadership extends to various conservation groups, including the California Mountain Lion Foundation and the Monterey Peninsula Audubon Society.

MICHAEL WAXER

Director

Michael Waxer contributes his architectural expertise to the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy as a board member and past President. Michael is past chair of the Carmel River Advisory Committee, and currently co-manages a small water utility in Carmel Valley. He is Vice President of Carmel Development Company, where he oversees projects that emphasize sustainable design and construction.

STEFFANIE GAMECHO

Director and Governance Chair

Steffanie Gamecho, Executive Director of the Point Lobos Foundation, brings over 20 years of private sector experience in strategy, business development, and marketing to the CRWC board. Passionate about service, problem-solving, and nature, she has recently focused on nonprofit strategy, consulting, and grant writing in environmental conservation. As ParkIT! Project Director, she collaborates with California State Parks. Steffanie holds a B.S. in Advertising from San Jose State University and has served on the Board of Hope, Horses & Kids and the Community Foundation for Monterey County’s Grant Review Subcommittee.

JOHN GAGLIOTI

Director and Fundraising Chair

John Gaglioti actively addresses water supply issues on the Monterey Peninsula as a board member of the Carmel River Watershed Conservancy. He is the founding developer of the California Flats Solar Project and the Dry Lake Wind Project, pioneering sustainable energy solutions in both Monterey County and Arizona. Additionally, John serves as Senior Director of Business Operations at Triple Oak Power, where he focuses on advancing the operational strategies of renewable energy projects, further enriching his leadership and expertise in sustainable development.

PHYLLIS MEURER