Our staff

Dedicated. Detail-oriented. Nature-loving. Passionate. And fully focused on restoring and protecting everything we love about our mountain home. It’s their nature.

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

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 Sociology, 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

Addison Wingate
2026 Intern

Born and raised in Truckee, Addison is thrilled to be back in the mountains (and rivers!) that raised her. In her previous role as a media manager at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), she worked with scientists, policymakers, reporters, and journalists on a variety of environmental issues. Addison now brings her communications expertise to the TRWC table, gathering volunteers and supporters throughout our community. She holds a B.A. in both Public Affairs and Spanish, as well as an A.A. in Environmental Systems and Society, from UCLA.

530.550.8760 x3
email Addison

WE'RE HIRING: Lead Philanthropy. Advance Watershed Resilience.

Development Director – Truckee River Watershed Council (Full description linked here)
Location: 
Truckee, CA
Salary:
 $105,000–$125,000 + benefits

The Truckee River Watershed Council (TRWC) seeks an experienced Development Director to lead our philanthropic strategy and strengthen long-term funding for watershed restoration across the region.

This senior role is ideal for a proven fundraising leader who excels in major gifts, donor strategy, and board partnership, and who is ready to help shape the next phase of TRWC’s organizational growth. 

About TRWC
TRWC is a trusted regional nonprofit dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and restoring the Truckee River watershed. Our work strengthens forests, meadows, and aquatic habitat to improve wildfire resilience, water quality, and long-term ecological health. 

With an $8M+ annual budget and a strong reputation among public agencies, funders, and community partners, TRWC is entering an exciting new chapter of organizational growth and philanthropic expansion.

What You’ll Lead

  • Major gifts and multiyear giving 
  • Donor pipeline development and stewardship
  • Board and volunteer fundraising leadership 
  • Strategic donor engagement events (River Talks, River Breakfast) 
  • Unrestricted foundation & corporate support 
  • Early-stage planned giving and endowment growth

What We’re Looking For

  • 7+ years nonprofit fundraising experience
  • Demonstrated success in major gifts and donor engagement
  • Experience partnering with Boards and volunteer fundraising leaders
  • Strong communication, strategy, and relationship building skills 
  • Commitment to environmental stewardship and community-based work 

Compensation & Location 

  • Competitive salary, full benefits, and retirement plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Position is based in Truckee, CA with required in-person engagement

To Apply 

Send a single PDF (cover letter, resume, three professional references) to: mprestowitz@truckeeriverwc.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by March 25.

Learn More