Kelly Herbinson Executive Director

Kelly has 20 years of experience working in conservation, biological research, and community outreach and education, mostly focused on protecting the Mojave Desert region of California. She is an expert in Mojave Desert tortoise biology and ecology, and the impacts of renewable energy development on desert ecosystems. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution, and a Master of Science degree in Ecology and Systematics. She received a distinguished thesis award for her graduate work studying the impacts of climate on desert harvester ant behavior. Recognizing a need for more creative science communication and education, she went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Nonfiction Writing, where she developed her ability to use storytelling and narrative to better connect people with nature. Before joining MDLT, Kelly worked at the Turtle Conservancy, where she developed an innovative education program teaching high school science through active participation in local turtle conservation programs, empowering youth to be community conservation leaders. She served on the Mojave Desert Land Trust’s Board of Directors from 2013 to 2021.

Cody Hanford Deputy Executive Director & Chief Conservation Officer

Cody has nearly 20 years of experience working in California desert conservation through a variety of roles. He began as a desert restoration intern and eventual crew leader with the Student Conservation Association’s Desert Restoration Corps working extensively in the field throughout the Mojave and Colorado-Sonoran Deserts. Following a one-year hiatus as a Traveling Trainer and Master Educator for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, he returned to the Mojave Desert as an Environmental Consultant for federal, state, and nonprofit entities pertaining to conservation land acquisition, habitat restoration, hazardous materials assessments, land management, and volunteer stewardship. Cody was previously the Executive Director of Transition Habitat Conservancy, where he oversaw their efforts in the West Mojave and associated mountain transition zones. He is especially proud of the comprehensive hydrologic survey of springs and seeps that he coordinated throughout the Bureau of Land Management’s California Desert District, and for helping further creative solutions and recovery insights for Mojave Desert tortoise during his tenure there. Prior to his appointment as joint Executive Director, Cody served as Deputy Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust. This role included the formation of the organization’s new Natural Resources Management Division for the programs of land acquisition, restoration, science and research, and native plant propagation.

Robyn Grace Chief of Staff, Director of Grants & Grants Administration

Robyn is a Physical Geographer by training (B.A., Summa Cum Laude; M.A., with Distinction in Major), and she brings her awareness of scale and topology to the landscape of grant writing at MDLT. Robyn specializes in the technical aspects of the day-to-day administration of state and federal grants. Beyond her talents in grant writing, Robyn is a published author, technical writer, and editor. In her spare time, she serves as a volunteer historian and is studying to become a registered Parliamentarian. She is an autodidact and is passionate about supporting independent learners.

Jessica Dacey Director of Communications & Public Engagement

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, Jessica’s first job out of university was to manage an English newspaper in Mongolia. It was a deep-dive into the art of storytelling and kick-started a career that would include reporting and editing for the BBC, The Guardian and the Swiss public broadcaster. Along the way, she specialized in climate change and podcasts. She joined MDLT’s communications team in 2017 and is passionate about the role the organization plays in safeguarding the desert for future generations.

Jessica Graybill Content Manager

After visiting the desert a number of times on weekend getaways, Jessica made the Mojave her full-time home in the summer of 2019. She is MDLT’s creative lead on all print publications, videos, and graphics, and in 2023 redesigned and re-launched MDLT’s website. Jessica holds a B.A in Studio Art from California State University, Channel Islands and is a ceramicist in her spare time. She is thrilled to work in service of desert conservation, as the sweeping views and fascinating wildlife have long inspired and invigorated her creative spirit.

Ella DeMaria Social Media & Outreach Coordinator

Ella is a transgender writer, photographer, and nature-lover who grew up in Goleta, California. She first traveled to the Mojave Desert in her 20s and has followed its call ever since. Ella holds a B.A. in English & Comparative Literary Studies from Occidental College. Her adventurous career has included roles as a Park Ranger for Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, a journalist for the Santa Barbara Independent, and as a background actor on numerous TV shows.

Krystian Lahage Public Policy Officer

Originally from Huntington Beach, California, Krystian graduated from California State University Long Beach with bachelor’s degrees in Geography and History. After graduation, he served in the office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein as her senior field representative for Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties covering desert conservation, wildfire, and water issues. He most recently worked as a Legislative Affairs Manager for the County of Orange. In his spare time, he enjoys backpacking with his dog, nature photography, and playing guitar. The desert has served as a source of inspiration for Krystian and he is passionate about reaching policy outcomes that will permanently enshrine this special place.

Diane Mailey Director of Philanthropy

Diane brings fundraising, strategic planning, and business development expertise to the Mojave Desert Land Trust. With a passion for collaborating with mission-driven organizations, Diane has generated philanthropic investments and sustainable revenue from a range of institutional and high-net individuals. Diane’s position with Mojave Desert Land Trust is a natural progression of her leadership role at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, where she spearheaded the incubation and funding of innovative initiatives to reimagine public lands as catalysts for social good, making them more vibrant, relevant, and sustainable. Diane’s fundraising spans a range of social sectors from affordable housing to public health on both coasts and in communities located in Africa and Asia, including BRIDGE Housing Corporation, World Learning, the Gorbachev Foundation and Desert X. She holds a BS in Business Administration from Northeastern University and studied Architecture at the Boston Architectural Center. Beyond her professional endeavors, Diane finds fulfillment residing between the vibrant city of San Francisco and the desert landscape in Palm Springs, alongside her husband and their beloved rescue dog, Roxy.

Steve Woodall Membership & Philanthropy Operations Coordinator

Steve grew up in South Texas and comes to us from San Antonio. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Texas at Austin and an M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Texas at San Antonio. With his wife, Kathy, taking a position at Joshua Tree National Park, they are new to the area, but have quickly fallen in love with the people and the land of their new home. Steve brings with him 13 years of non-profit philanthropic, membership and engagement experience along with an enthusiastic desire to learn from and become a part of the MDLT community. Steve is a beginner birder and both he, his wife and their crazy dog enjoy hiking, biking and the outdoors.

Patrick Emblidge Seed Program Manager

Patrick is an ecologist with a passion for understanding and conserving the flora, fauna, and habitats of arid lands. His first introduction to the Mojave Desert was during his Master’s Degree program, studying Gila monster habitat suitability and thermal ecology in the red cliffs of southwestern Utah. Following his graduate program, he spent 8 years at the USGS in Las Vegas primarily focused on desert tortoise movement ecology and contact network research. He is returning ‘home’ to the Mojave from Oregon, where he studied restoration and native vegetation of the shrub-steppe and was the data manager for the Northwest Bat Hub.

Corina Godoy Seed Collections Manager

Corina holds a B.S. from Humboldt State University in Environmental Science Management with an emphasis in ecological restoration and a minor in Botany. Corina possesses a wide range of professional experience, most recently serving as a Seasonal Naturalist at the Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area. Prior to that she served as a Research Assistant or a Biological Science Aid with the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, the Chicago Botanic Garden, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.

Svetlana Iachkova Seed Bank Technician

Svetlana is a Certified California Naturalist with a California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate and is passionate about conserving desert species. She holds a BA in Art History and Certificate in Project Management and a Horticulture Certificate from UCLA Extension. Prior to shifting her focus to plant conservation, Svetlana spent more than a decade working in art museums and volunteered in the seed department at Theodore Payne Foundation. She is an avid native plant gardener, and loves to get to know plants intimately by growing them from seed.

Kyra Santa Cruz Seed Bank Technician

Kyra grew up in Perris, California and has always been fond of the natural world, specifically all things leafy, spiny, creepy, and crawly. She holds a B.S. in Entomology from UC Davis focusing on the intersection of plants and insects. She went on to work with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) earning experience with pest insects and the California State Collection of Arthropods (CSCA). Most recently she has worked with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Albany on biological control of invasive weeds using insects as a means of management. In her free time, she loves to hike, garden, play video games, and do whatever arts and crafts she’s currently in the mood for. She’s honored to be part of the mission to protect the Mojave Desert and its diverse menagerie of amazing plants and creatures. Nowhere else on earth makes her feel more alive, more humbled, and most at home.

Lenna Pettersson Nursery Manager

Lenna grew up in Joshua Tree then went off to college in Sweden where she graduated from Malmö University with a bachelor’s degree in Interactive Design. She also possesses a Horticulture Certificate from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Lenna’s experience includes working as a Plant buyer for a retail nursery, a Nature Garden Program Assistant with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and as a Front Office Assistant with the Theodore Payne Foundation. In addition, Lenna has served as a volunteer with the Huntington Botanical Gardens and as an intern with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Lenna and her family recently moved back to her hometown, right here in Joshua Tree.

Izabel Martinez Production Assistant II

Izabel grew up in the low desert region of Desert Hot Springs before moving to San Diego to attend University, where she received a B.S. in Ecology with a course focus on conservation and insect/plant diversity. As well as completing a M.S. in Biology, studying native squash bees and generalist honeybees. During her academic career she gained experience working as a Research Assistant studying the relationships between plants and pollinators with regards to climate change. Since working with squash they have become her favorite plant and flower, but desert holly is a close second.

Katie Michaels Production Assistant I

Katie grew up in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. She got her B.S. in Sustainable Environmental Design and a minor in Landscape Restoration from UC Davis, where her passion for plants, restoration, and gardening grew. During her college career, Katie worked with native plants in the UC Davis Arboretum, was a research assistant studying mountain jewel flower, and conducted an independent research project resurveying roadside restoration to understand how management affects their long-term success. Her journey to the Mojave began one fateful spring break when she traveled down to Joshua Tree with seven people wanting to spend the days scrambling rocks, botanizing, and star gazing. That first evening, she was taken aback by the soft and vibrant colors, the expanse, and the smell of the desert. She is excited to return, experience more of the Mojave, and help grow the wonderful plants that call this place home.

Mackenzie Nelson Volunteer Program Manager

Mackenzie was born in Arizona but spent most of her childhood on the Big Island of Hawai’i. She moved to southern California to attend the University of Redlands, where she graduated in 2021 with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Spatial Studies. Mackenzie brings heartfelt passion and conservation experience to MDLT. Her work experience includes working in nonprofit organizations, specifically in community outreach and environmental education. She has worked with people of all ages in outdoor excursions and environmental education, from elementary school students to lifelong learners! Since coming to the Morongo Basin, Mackenzie has worked at the Desert Institute assisting with various outreach programs including volunteer coordination, outreach, and education programs. In her free time, Mackenzie is an avid birder who also loves to hike, read, crochet, and occasionally kayak. She currently lives in Twentynine Palms with her partner of four years and their two dogs, Remy and Kai.

Dustin Scott Acquisitions Manager

Dustin is responsible for facilitating land transactions for MDLT. After spending time throughout all of Southern California, he and his family settled in the Morongo Basin five years ago. Dustin began to volunteer with MDLT in September 2018 and after over 250 hours, he was brought on as a full-time member of the Acquisitions team. Dustin was inspired by the MDLT Team and their passion for preserving the natural environment and beautiful views surrounding the area they live.

Sarah Bliss Director of Land Conservation

Sarah has lived in Southern California all her life and has spent the last decade working in museums, historic preservation, and environmental management. She received her B.A. in Anthropology and received certifications in GIS. While working on postgrad studies, she was drawn to the California desert and immersed herself in the community and organizations in the Morongo Basin. Working for the last seven years in Tribal Historic Preservation and with Indigenous-led organizations, she strives to connect and center Indigenous knowledge and Western sciences. She lives in the Coachella Valley with her husband and two cats, Mr. Whiskers and Moves.

Alex Boice Lands Manager

Alex grew up in Twentynine Palms and returns in hopes to help preserve the area with MDLT. He possesses a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from California State University San Bernardino. He has experience in outdoor education of 4th-12th grades with STEM curriculum. Before that he was an Assistant Lead Field Botany Technician with Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden within the Angeles National Forest. Alex also served as an Ecological Restoration Intern with the U.S. Forest Service and a California Spotted Owl Technician in the Eldorado National Forest. Alex looks to share the passion of the California Deserts and outdoors to convey its importance.

Joelle Hazher Natural Resource Manager

Joelle was born and raised Joshua Tree, California where her deep connection and appreciation for the Mojave Desert has flourished. She attended California State University, San Bernardino, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems. Joelle has experience in outdoor education and has spent two summers working with Youth Conservation Corps crew members in Joshua Tree National Park teaching local youth about native flora and fauna, as well as performing various trail construction and land rehabilitation techniques. She also works as a part time assistant rock-climbing guide in Joshua Tree National Park. She claims to hold her dream position as a Natural Resources Technician and is proud to be a part of an organization that is committed protecting fragile desert ecosystems throughout the Mojave.

Ross Beazell Natural Resource Technician II

Ross is originally from Windsor, CA and grew up in Charlottesville, VA. His passion for outdoor conservation started with his time as a crew member and leader for the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa. After completing his work in the Conservation Corps, Ross moved west to work as a product designer, seamster, and gear tester for boutique ultralight backpacking companies Nunatak Equipment (Moab, UT) and Katabatic Gear (Salida, CO). He has thru hiked the Appalachian Trail (2015), 800 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (2017), and plans to return to Colorado to hike the Colorado Trail in the future. He and his wife moved to 29 Palms in 2021 to be closer to the amazing climbing and natural wonders of the area.

Kirby Urtiaga Field Technician

Kirby is originally from the low desert and recently moved to Joshua Tree from San Diego to reconnect with her roots. Prior to joining the Lands Department at MDLT she worked with the Earth Discovery Institute as a Field Instructor for 3rd and 4th grade public school students. She maintains a position as a Canyoneer with the San Diego Natural History Museum, guiding the public on free hikes through San Diego County. Aside from environmental work she finds great joy building an intentional love filled creative life with her husband and son.

Kayla Thompson Natural Resources Technician II

Kayla was raised in Yucca Valley where she spent her childhood camping in Joshua Tree National Park and growing a passion for the local desert ecology. She received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Northern Arizona University where she focused her courses around various natural resource topics. After graduating college, she worked with the U.S. Forest Service as a Biological Science Technician at the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area near Las Vegas. During this time, she surveyed for endangered plant species and provided pollinator program support for the endemic Mt. Charleston blue butterfly. She moved back to Yucca Valley in 2023 to continue her conservation career back in the place where it all began. In her free time, she enjoys hiking around the desert with her dogs and discovering new books to read.

Clay Noss Recovery and Sustainment Partnership (RASP) Coordinator

Clay is a desert ecologist and herpetologist who uses a combination of observational and experimental approaches to address fundamental questions in ecology and conservation. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental, Science, Policy and Management from the University of California – Berkeley. As coordinator for the interagency Recovery and Sustainment Partnership (RASP), he prioritizes science driven, effective conservation actions that support desert tortoise populations in the western Mojave. His Ph.D. work, exploring the ecological consequences of changes in species diversity in White Sands, New Mexico, allowed him to delve into his love of deserts and reptiles. His interest in the Mojave and desert tortoises was sparked as a postdoctoral scholar at University of California – Riverside’s Center for Conservation Biology. Sharing this passion with others through teaching (lecturer in Regenerative Studies at California State Polytechnic University – Pomona, teaching assistant at University of California – Berkeley), mentorship and outreach is a cornerstone of his work.

Robyn Grace Chief of Staff, Director of Grants & Grants Administration

Robyn is a Physical Geographer by training (B.A., Summa Cum Laude; M.A., with Distinction in Major), and she brings her awareness of scale and topology to the landscape of grant writing at MDLT. Robyn specializes in the technical aspects of the day-to-day administration of state and federal grants. Beyond her talents in grant writing, Robyn is a published author, technical writer, and editor. In her spare time, she serves as a volunteer historian and is studying to become a registered Parliamentarian. She is an autodidact and is passionate about supporting independent learners.

Brandy Ivener Chief Financial Officer

Brandy is an endurance athlete, a photographer, and a makerspace volunteer who thrives on seeing others succeed and has a love for numbers. She brings a diverse financial and operational background from working with a Fortune Global 500 company, small businesses, and nonprofits. Brandy has expertise integrating financial and ERP/PSA systems to improve organizational growth, employee efficiency, and increase profit margins. This experience has developed Brandy’s ability to listen, understand, and communicate departmental needs along with the overall strategies and goals of an organization. She grew up in the high desert of New Mexico, moved to Colorado, and now resides in Truckee, California. Living in these beautiful places continues to develop her love of nature and preserving outdoor spaces.

Lani Brown Director of Operations & Human Resources

Lani has had a varied career working in human resources for over 20 years. She began her career working with two different insurance companies in Fort Worth, Texas, and worked in a consulting capacity assisting small businesses with their human resource management needs. Prior to joining MDLT, Lani served as the human resource manager for a local water district. Her background in human resources includes employment policy development and administration, benefits administration, staff training and development, recruiting, payroll management, and other employment law and employee relations issues. Lani is highly effective at incorporating creative leadership skills to achieve business objectives. She holds the highly regarded professional designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Raechel McClellan Operations Coordinator

Raechel possesses a wealth of experience in the areas of administration, customer service, and human resource management. She studied Fine Arts Photography at Columbia College in Chicago. Most recently, she worked with Three Floyds Brewing in Munster, Indiana for eight years, starting as a server and working her way up to Human Resource Manager during her tenure there. Raechel and her partner have vacationed in Joshua Tree three times and on their last visit, they decided to take the leap and relocate to the hi-desert. She enjoys painting, hiking, reading and playing the piano and guitar. When they decided to move to the hi-desert, Raechel had a goal of starting her next chapter working in a job that fed her passion for conservation and sustainability. She says her greatest joy is to help people.

Zoe Dagan Operations Assistant

Zoe is a California native, an ecologist by training, and a generalist by nature. Her circuitous journey to MDLT began in science and academia where she managed education programs, honed her abilities as a naturalist, and worked as an ocean-going research technician. She parlayed these experiences into hospitality and tourism, where she taught scuba diving, managed a boutique island resort, and directed operations for a sailing company in Belize. Ever adaptable, in 2020 she started in software and technology, helping to build two startups from the ground up. Zoe feels most purposeful when utilizing her myriad skill sets to support science and conservation initiatives that have positive ripples in the world.

John Simpson President
Founding member of MDLT, real estate executive

Abdel Reid Vice President
Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Jacobs and Reid

Geary Hund Secretary
Former California Desert and Monuments Program Director for the Wilderness Society, retired senior wildlife biologist for US Fish and Wildlife, and former MDLT Executive Director

Peter Brooks Treasurer
Former marine, water industry executive, and defense writer

Gwen Barker Director
Rimrock Ranch Owner and marketing extraordinaire

Robyn Helmlinger Director
Partner with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe

Ron Radziner Director
Architect and Design Partner at Marmol Radziner

Brad Wilson Director
President and Co-Partner of Ace Hotel Group and the brand’s in-house creative agency Atelier Ace

Steve Hely Director
Television writer, author, and co-host of The Great Debates podcast.