Dan Ehresman
d.ehresman@ncrlt.org
Dan Ehresman
Executive Director
d.ehresman@ncrlt.orgDan joined the Northcoast Regional Land Trust in January 2016, bringing over 15 years of experience working with conservation-based organizations in Northern California. With family roots deeply connected to the land, its waters and its habitats – human and wild – he was drawn to NRLT for being an organization that understands that the health of the land and the health of its people are directly related. When he isn’t in front of the computer screen or navigating the complexities of an exciting conservation project, you might find him practicing lazy gardening, exploring solitary streams or walking hilltops where cows and elk may roam. Dan lives with his partner Emily above the shores of Humboldt Bay.
Beth Bray
b.bray@ncrlt.org
Beth Bray
Operations Director
b.bray@ncrlt.orgOriginally from the midwest, Beth attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA and earned a degree in Psychology. A seasoned fundraising professional and Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Beth has nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit development and operations. Her diverse background includes roles at non-profits in health care, conservation, and higher education.
Beth was part of the team at NRLT from 2017-2023 working in development, outreach, and operations. After a year away, she rejoined the organization in early 2025 in a part time capacity as Operations Director. When not at NRLT, Beth serves as founder and principal of Add Lightness Consulting where she assists nonprofits and small businesses with a comprehensive range of needs, from strategic fundraising and board development guidance to hands-on operational support in bookkeeping and human resources. She also shares her expertise in fundraising and nonprofit management by teaching courses with the Northern California Association of Nonprofits. In addition to her consulting work, Beth serves as Operations Director for her family’s business, Hubbard’s German Auto.
Visits to local working ranches over her years with NRLT cemented Beth’s passion for ensuring these landscapes, and others like them, stay whole and productive.
Zach Wenderott
z.wenderott@ncrlt.org
Zach Wenderott
Project Manager II
z.wenderott@ncrlt.orgZach spent his early years wandering the open prairies of Kansas where he cultivated a passion for an outdoor lifestyle, an enthusiasm for exploring, and a desire for a landscape not described as “flatter than a pancake.” By 2013, westward drift and itchy feet had pushed him as close to the Pacific as possible, and there he settled in Arcata where he cast a wide net gathering experience in fisheries ecology, forestry, and forest conservation. In 2021, he graduated from Humboldt State University with an MS in Forestry, Watershed, & Wildland Sciences. He looks forward to bringing his experiences in land management, restoration, and conservation to NRLT. With a keen eye, you might find him deep in the Humboldt forests lugging a backpack full of fresh chanterelles or perhaps see him navigating the endless alpine lakes of the Klamath mountain ranges in an endless search for adventure.
Nadia Van Lynn
n.vanlynn@ncrlt.org
Nadia Van Lynn
Outreach and Development Director
n.vanlynn@ncrlt.orgThere are few things Nadia is more passionate about than exploring the connections between people and place—other than sharing the views and food of our beautiful, bountiful Northcoast with friends and family. Born and raised in Southern California, with intermittent pasturing in North Carolina and the Sierra Nevada Foothills, Nadia is grateful to have found their grass-finishing home here on the Northcoast.
Past experience as a teacher and after school program coordinator in McKinleyville, backed by several years as an outdoor educator and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Warren Wilson College, build an integrated base for their work with NRLT. Nadia joined the NRLT team in 2022 as Education Manager, and has since deepened their work supporting wild and working lands as Outreach and Development Director. Nadia also serves on the board for the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE), writes poetry and short stories, and raises dairy and meat goats.
Lily Pendley
l.pendley@ncrlt.org
Lily Pendley
Project Manager
l.pendley@ncrlt.orgBorn and raised in Eureka, Lily has always held a deep affinity for the rugged beauty, recreation opportunities, and important resource values of California’s North Coast. With a B.S. in Conservation & Resource Studies from UC Berkeley and over five years of experience in forestry, fisheries, and hydrology, she is excited to bring her skills and experience to NRLT. Outside of work, Lily can be found tending to her honeybees and garden, fishing, or enjoying a hike with her husband and dogs.
Connor McGuigan
c.mcguigan@ncrlt.org
Connor McGuigan
Project Manager
c.mcguigan@ncrlt.orgConnor McGuigan grew up visiting Humboldt on surf trips from the Bay Area and was drawn to California’s far north coast after studying Biology at Brown University. Joining the NRLT Projects Team in 2024, he brings six years of experience working on environmental planning projects for public agencies in the region. In his previous role as Sustainability Planning Coordinator with the Karuk Tribe, he was inspired to see landowners and community members lead the way on land stewardship efforts including restoration of historical fire regimes in the Mid-Klamath. His exposure to the ecological and community benefits of private lands conservation drew him to NRLT, and he is excited to learn from colleagues, landowners and other community members alike. He’s kept up the surfing habit in his free time and enjoys foraging in coastal forests and exploring in the Klamath-Siskiyou high country.
Riley Martel-Phillips
r.martelp@ncrlt.org
Riley Martel-Phillips
Administration and Community Engagement Manager
r.martelp@ncrlt.orgRiley grew up exploring the mountains, rivers, and coastlines of Humboldt County from her home in Arcata. After graduating from University of California Santa Cruz in 2024 with a double major in Economics and Environmental Studies, she decided to return to Humboldt to pursue a career with the NRLT. She is excited to collaborate with the local community on conservation efforts and expand her knowledge of ecological practices to help make a lasting, positive impact. In her free time, Riley can be found camping, running, or exploring the Trinity Alps with friends.