Friends Welcome New Board Members

Friends welcomes three new board members, each adding unique and valuable experience as we continue our work, connecting people to the land.

Matt Gonda started Gonda+Co in 2019, a consulting-focused CPA practice geared to providing value-added services to non-profits and small and medium sized businesses.

Oscar Ortiz was elected to the Indio City Council in 2018 as the youngest councilmember in the city’s history. His degree in Chemistry led him to a career managing cannabis laboratories and creating his own company of natural cosmetics.

Sienna Thomas is an environmental technician for the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. Her degree in Anthropology together with over 20 years experience conserving cultural and natural resources will provide valuable insights to the Friends’ work in acquisition, education and research.

Here’s a link to hear in their own words, Matt, Oscar and Sienna’s excitement about joining the Friends of the Desert Mountains board.

On the tail of our virtually awesome Friends & Champions fundraiser, Friends hosted the annual Board retreat, electing the following new officers: Rebecca Driscoll, Keith Driscoll Farms, President: Kathy Coleman, Sunnyland Kansas LLC, Co-CEO, Vice President; and Anne Kane with Cosgrove & Cosgrove & Humphrey, Secretary. Joan Taylor, a founding Board Member continues her service as Treasurer of the Board. Click here to see our entire Board roster.

Thank you to our entire Board of Directors, Friends is fortunate to have your thoughtful leadership.