Jennifer Matos, Ph.D., Board Chair, is a Professor of Biology and Faculty Senate President at California State University, Northridge.  Her research focuses on population genetics of rare species, isolated populations, and hybridization.  Dr. Matos has extensive field experience in herpetology and botany, and has served on the Santa Paula Planning Commission and the board of the League of Women Voters.

Wendy Reed, MPA, President, has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a BA in Communication, and has worked in strategic communication and office administration for 25 years.  Mrs. Reed is a 30-year resident of the Antelope Valley and a founding director of the conservancy.

Bob Large, Chief Financial Officer, has lived in the Antelope Valley 38 years. He serves on the board of Edwards Federal Credit Union as Treasurer, and previously served as Board Chair and Supervisory Committee Chair, managing audits. He is a former member and president of the Lakes Town Council. Mr. Large holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering. He spent 26 years of active duty in the US Air Force, retiring as a Lt. Colonel, and 17 years as a Systems Engineer.

Ricardo Montijo, Chief Biologist, has over 20 years of experience in biological research, restoration, wetlands delineation, and regulatory compliance in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. He attended UCLA, where he completed a B.A. in Geography and Ecosystems and graduate coursework in Biology. Montijo specializes in ornithology, desert tortoise, and desert plants.