Staff

Beth Christman, Director of Restoration Programs:

Beth has been with the Truckee River Watershed Council since 2002.  She directs restoration and monitoring programs of TRWC including Truckee River Day and the bioassessment program of Adopt-a-Stream.  Beth also directs watershed assessments and large-scale restoration projects.  Beth received her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University and her undergraduate degree in Biology from U.C. Santa Cruz.  Beth has worked in various places throughout the United States and Latin America as a field biologist.  Beth’s activities outside of the watershed council include skiing, hiking, biking, and various other outdoor pursuits.

Phoebe Landre, Conservation Assistant, River Friendly Landscaping

Andy Otto, Director of Land Use Compatibility:

After growing up in the Bay Area, Andy Otto went to the University of Arizona and earned his Bachelor of Science in Watershed Management.  He has lived in the North Tahoe/Truckee area for the past 36 years working as a photographer, re-developer, restaurateur, and commercial real estate sales and leasing agent.  During this time, Andy has been involved with numerous community service groups including Tahoe City Design Review Committee (Vice Chair), North Tahoe Fine Arts Council (Board Member), Truckee Rotary Club (President), Our Truckee River Legacy Foundation (President), and Rotary District 5190 (Various Program Chairs and Lieutenant Governor).  Andy has managed our River Friendly Landscape program since 2009.  Andy is married to Christine, lives on The Truckee River, and enjoys cross country skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, and has been trying to learn to ice skate for most of his life.x

Michele Prestowitz, Development Manager:

Michele joined the Truckee River Watershed Council in March 2010. She manages programs to raise unrestricted funds for our restoration and prevention efforts in our watershed, and is responsible for donor communication and outreach efforts. Michele worked previously in fundraising, and health policy analysis and advocacy. She received her Masters in Public Policy and Masters in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley and her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Sociology from Bates College. Like many, Michele spends as much time as possible playing outside with her family, enjoying all that Tahoe-Truckee has to offer.

Laura Ryan, Direct Contact Associate, River Friendly Landscaping

Lisa Wallace, Executive Director:

In July 2001, Lisa joined the Truckee River Watershed Council as the Executive Director. Previously, she worked at Earth Island Institute as the Director of Restoration Initiatives, managing programs supporting grassroots groups undertaking habitat restoration. Other work experience includes TreePeople where she managed community-based tree planting projects and many years of project management in the computer industry, mainly in Silicon Valley. In the early 1990’s, Lisa fulfilled a life-long dream and sailed a good part of the way around the world. Lisa moved to Truckee in 1999. She enjoys skiing, road biking and hiking and volunteering for other non-profit organizations.

Kathy Whitlow, Operations Manager:

Kathy joined the Truckee River Watershed Council in January 2012. She is responsible for maintenance and continued development of the website, facilities and media relations. Before joining the Watershed Council, Kathy worked as HR Manager at Denali Group where she managed the HR function for 3 companies, including corporate communications, project management, and website/automation initiatives. She graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in Psychology. Kathy is married to Glenn and enjoys snowboarding, hiking, volunteering and enjoying the Tahoe lifestyle with her family.

Russell, Office Assistant:

Russell was born in 1997. He joined the Watershed Council in 2005 as a part-time field assistant.  In 2008, to gain a different set of skills, he became a full-time office assistant.  With his pedigree as a Golden Retriever, Russell’s hobbies include greeting committees, eating and socializing and making new friends.

Starker Leopold ManMan, Field Assistant:

Starker moved to Truckee and joined the Watershed Council staff in July 2010.  His primary duty is to assist with field work, although he occasionally helps out in the office as well.  His favorite activities include skiing, hiking, sleeping, playing with his dog and cat friends, and cuddling.