President

Angela brings seasoned program management expertise from distinguished leadership roles at major enterprises including Amazon and the Federal Reserve. Her deep commitment to public service is evident through her long tenure with Friends of Coyote Hills and extensive civic engagement.

Angela has served on the City of Fullerton's Transportation and Circulation Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission, as well as the Citizens Commission of the Orange County Power Authority. She is a past Board member of the League of Women Voters of North Orange County.

Recognized for her environmental conservation leadership, Angela has received awards from both the California State Senate and Assembly for her efforts to protect West Coyote Hills.

Kathleen is a retired occupational therapist and founding member of Friends of Coyote Hills (now Coyote Hills Conservation Fund). Her decades of Fullerton community involvement include service on the City's Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, and various task forces and committees.

Kathleen has been active with the local Sierra Club, Orange County League of Conservation Voters, and Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks. She currently volunteers with OC Parks, bringing valuable knowledge about land acquisition and stewardship practices from other cities and organizations.

An avid hiker, Kathleen is passionate about preserving the beauty and natural habitats of Coyote Hills for future generations.

Helen's environmental advocacy began in 1996 with the Amigos de Bolsa Chica in Huntington Beach. She joined Friends of Coyote Hills in 2002 and Friends of Harbors, Beaches & Parks in 2003, actively participating in public outreach, advocacy, and fundraising efforts throughout her tenure.

Helen has served on multiple nonprofit boards and currently serves as Treasurer for Coyote Hills Conservation Fund. Her tireless efforts and dedication have made significant impact on the preservation of natural habitats and resources throughout Southern California.

Kent is a retired college professor, published author, and California Certified Naturalist. His volunteer activities span multiple environmental organizations including Ocean Defenders Alliance, Orange County Coastkeeper, and the Sierra Club Orange County Conservation Committee.

Kent has served on the City of Fullerton's Bicycle Users Subcommittee and as a trustee of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University, Fullerton, where he continues to volunteer. He is a longtime Board member committed to West Coyote Hills conservation and is active in numerous environmental, humanitarian, and civic organizations.

Josh Der, PhD is an Associate Professor of Biology at California State University, Fullerton, where his research focuses on plant biodiversity evolution and adaptation. His expertise includes conservation biology, comparative genomics, population genetics, plant systematics, phylogenetics, bioinformatics, and molecular evolution. Much of his work utilizes California native species, ferns, and parasitic plants as study organisms.

Dr. Josh Der's scientific expertise in native plant conservation and restoration ecology positions our organization for strategic, science-based stewardship as we transition from acquisition to active habitat management and restoration of West Coyote Hills.

Matthew is a Southern California artist who studied art and art history at the University of California, Irvine. He began his museum career at Newport Harbor Art Museum (now OCMA) and served for many years as Chief Curator of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton.

Matthew has served on the City of Fullerton's Bicycle Users Subcommittee and the Board of the Fullerton Public Library. He is a longtime Friends of Coyote Hills Board member and co-founder of Save the Hunt, a grassroots organization that successfully prevented a city library from being sold to private interests.