The Park Foundation’s board of directors consists of a diverse group who have one very important thing in common; they love the Channel Islands and are committed to supporting Channel Islands National Park.
BOB SCHWARTZ, CHAIRMAN AND PRESIDENT
Bob Schwartz is a visionary entrepreneur with a proven track record of building and growing successful companies. Throughout his career, he has been a driving force behind the founding and growth of major companies, including Nordstrom.com, Magento (Adobe Commerce), and Wpromote. His leadership has resulted in 10 successful exits, creating billions of dollars in value for shareholders and founders.
Bob’s impact extends beyond the business world. He is a dedicated philanthropist who has helped transform Good360.org, a non-profit organization, into the second-largest in the U.S. Under his leadership, Good360.org has become self-sustaining, delivering over $3 billion annually in goods to other nonprofits and those in need.
JACK DYER, DIRECTOR, VICE-PRESIDENT
Jack Dyer is the Founder/CEO of Topa Topa Brewing Company based in Ventura, CA. Jack has a passion for the outdoors and is happiest when sailing, surfing, hiking, or chatting with patrons in one of Topa Topa’s taprooms. Growing up in New Jersey, Jack has found his home here on the southern central coast putting down roots with his business, Topa Topa. Jack serves on a number of non-profit boards in the region, including the Ojai Valley Defense Fund and Central Coast Brewers Guild. Additionally he serves on two advisory committees, one for Visit Ventura and one for the Brewers Association. Jack’s passion for the Channel Islands was accelerated after he purchased a 30′ Cal Jensen sailboat that he restored, getting out to the islands any chance he finds amidst his busy schedule.
SARAH PALLADINO, DIRECTOR, SECRETARY
Sarah Palladino is an outdoor enthusiast, sustainability advocate, and avid Channel Islands National Park backpacker. Her passion for environmental stewardship led her to an undergraduate degree in Environmental Geology and an early career in environmental consulting. She was a Program Manager for oil and gas and government reclamation and remediation projects and saw firsthand how impacted landscapes can be restored for the well-being of the flora and fauna, as well as public enjoyment. She now works within the Outdoors Industry for the purpose-driven brand, Toad&Co, driving environmental and social impact and community partnerships.
MICHAEL DELANEY, DIRECTOR, TREASURER
Michael is a Channel Islands National Park volunteer and is a work leader for plant restoration, 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 501c7 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.
SUE MASTERS, DIRECTOR, CHIS Garden and Nursery Team Lead
Sue has lived within sight of the Channel Islands for more than 20yrs 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, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL GIFTS
Susanne Wilson is the former co-owner of Property Management Business in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She has extensive background in Resort Marketing and Property Management. Susanne is committed to supporting local non-profits including the Ojai Music Festival, the Ojai Defense Fund, and sponsoring the Nordhoff High school AVID program: Advancement Via Individual Determination, a college readiness system.
KEN MCALPINE, DIRECTOR OF MEDIA
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 to spend any time doing yard work.
JESSICA BURNQUIST, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Before joining CIPF, Jessica held a leadership role in the nonprofit sector, where she developed expertise in nonprofit management and cultivated meaningful partnerships and programs. Jessica earned her certification in nonprofit management from Oregon State University and her MFA in Creative Writing from Arizona State University. Her writing has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, Time, and NPR. She received the Joan Frazier Memorial Award for the Arts and a Sylvan Silver Apple Award for teaching.
TED MANNING, DIRECTOR
Ted Manning has spent a lifetime outdoors—starting as a kid with a fly rod in hand and growing into a respected veteran leader in the Outdoor Industry. What began with a love of wild places became a 30+ year career dedicated to protecting them. From his early days on the retail floor at Eastern Mountain Sports in the 1990s to senior leadership roles at EMS, Ibex, and now Patagonia, Ted has quietly helped shape the way leading outdoor brands think about access, stewardship, and sustainability.
Throughout his career, Ted has remained grounded in the belief that conservation isn’t just about protecting landscapes—it’s about supporting the communities that depend on them. He’s been honored to work alongside The Conservation Alliance, the Trust for Public Land, and local organizations committed to safeguarding public lands for future generations.
Today, Ted finds himself falling in love with the Channel Islands and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute, in some small way, to their future.
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.