Our staff
Beth Christman
Sr. Director of Restoration
Beth holds her B.A. in Biology from UC Santa Cruz and her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University. After finishing grad school, she was hired as employee #2 of the TRWC. Today, Beth runs various programs, leads restoration projects, and engages in policy work around the Truckee River. Outside of work you can find Beth skiing in the winter and camping in the summer!
530.550.8760 x1
email Beth
Sue Drake
Development Director
Sue holds her B.A. in Biology from the University of Montana. Sue was drawn to the TRWC’s mission of bringing the community together around the Truckee River. Her background in biology has allowed her to help donors and volunteers gain a deeper understanding of restoration. Outside of work you can find Sue reading, trail running, and skiing!
530.550.8760 x5
email Sue
Tiffanee Hutton
Project Director of Restoration
Tiffanee holds a B.S. in Marine Biology and a M.S. in Watershed Science and Policy. She has been working for over a decade in fisheries management, aquatic ecology, and habitat restoration. Tiffanee is thrilled to be leading projects for TRWC with a commitment to improve climate resiliency and watershed function. Outside of work, she loves fly fishing, rafting, mountain biking, and skiing.
530.550.8760 x6
email Tiffanee
Brandy Ivener
Director of Finance
Brandy received her B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Denver and obtained her MBA from San Jose State University while working in the nonprofit sector. She brings a background in strategic operations and financial management that will drive the financial story of Truckee River Watershed Council’s mission. When Brandy’s not evaluating numbers, she can be found taking full advantage of our gorgeous playground by mountain biking, trail running, swimming in Donner Lake, or skiing.
530.550.8760 x8
email Brandy
Michele Prestowitz
Executive Director
Michele is the Executive Director and was previously a Project Director of Restoration. Michele is focused on growing the Truckee River Watershed Council’s staff, its work in restoration and public policy, and deepening its partnerships within the community. Outside of work you can find Michele skiing in the winter, mountain biking in the summer, or reading a great book! Michele holds her B.A. in Political Science and Biology, and her Masters in Public Health and Public Policy.
530.550.8760 x4
email Michele
Rachel Z. Robin
Project Director of Restoration
Rachel is a Professional Engineer, spending much of her career with a small ecohydrology and water resources engineering firm, where she supported federal, state, and local public land managers. She also has a background in watershed stewardship education, advocacy, and grassroots community projects. These diverse experiences have shown her the importance of collaboration and the many synergies required across projects, programs, and organizations to get work done. The watershed council feels like a natural extension of Rachel’s life’s work in water resources management and ecosystem restoration. When not working, you’re likely to find Rachel on a trail, in the water, or under a tree with a book or pad.
530.550.8760 x2
email Rachel
Eben Swain
Project Director of Restoration
Eben holds his B.S. in Natural Resources and Parks and Recreation Management and his Masters in GIS. Eben manages multiple restoration projects and helps guide the process from initial concept to project implementation. He loves that his role as a Project Director allows him to build a very intimate knowledge of the ecological processes, opportunities, and constraints that are unique to each project by seeing it through from start to finish. Eben also manages Truckee River Day, helping to coordinate hundreds of volunteers and partnering organizations for an annual day of community participation and restoration. Outside of work you can find Eben snowboarding, paddleboarding, or rafting!
530.550.8760 x7
email Eben
Max Goldman
Intern
Max holds a B.S. in Environment and Sustainability with a focus in Environmental Biology and Applied Ecology. The TRWC 2025 Internship is a great opportunity for Max to further develop skills related to a career in conservation. When not at work, you can find Max skiing, trail running, or trying to identify whatever flowers he comes across!
530.550.8760 x3
email Max
