Chair, Abel Valdez
Abel Valdez lives, works, and actively participates in the community of the Salinas Valley. Immigrating to Salinas with his parents in 1986 from Mexico, he attended Salinas public schools, Hartnell community college, and works in agriculture. His parents, both educators, instilled in him the responsibility of being part of the community. He has been involved with multiple associations, volunteer groups, committees, and the Salinas public libraries. He recently stepped up to the challenge of helping the SCESD configure and deploy 2500 hot spots for students. He has 23 years of experience in agriculture technology working for Tanimura & Antle, currently serving as IT Director of Special Projects and pursuing his MBA at Golden Gate University. For recreation, he plays golf at Salinas Fairways, rides his motorcycle, and hangs out with his dog Finn.​

Vice-Chair, Amedee Brickey
A recent retiree of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with 35 years of experience in wildlife conservation work. As the former Condor coordinator and Manager of the Migratory Birds Program for USFWS, Pacific Southwest Region, Amedee brings a vast wealth of knowledge to the condor recovery efforts here on the central coast.   Her experience in conservation science, public relations, strategic planning and insight into the workings of the government sector, are an invaluable asset to the recovery, conservation and educational goals of Ventana Wildlife Society.  Amedee lives and works in Fair Oaks, CA where she enjoys making jewelry and spending time in the outdoors with her family hiking, bird watching and kayaking.

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Secretary, Amanda Sharp Freedman
​A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine practicing in Carmel Valley, California at the Animal Hospital at Mid-Valley. Amanda earned her degree at UC Davis. Amanda is passionate about animals, wildlife conservation, and youth education for underserved communities. With a background in science, experience in fundraising, and enthusiasm for serving her local community, Amanda also serves on the board of Youth Music Monterey County, and has worked on the Carmel Unified School District Strategic Planning Committee and Community Advisory Committee. Amanda currently volunteers helping provide COVID vaccinations. In her free time, Amanda loves hiking, running, gardening, and playing flute in the Pacific Grove Pops Orchestra. Amanda and her husband Gordon live in Carmel Valley, where they raised their three sons. All three boys spent many happy summers participating in the VWS summer camps.

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Dr Robert K Burton
An ecologist and educator with extensive experience in wildlife conservation, environmental science, and ecological research. He holds a PhD in Marine Mammal Paleoecology and a BA in Vertebrate Ecology from UC Santa Cruz, along with an MSc in Avian Ecology from San Jose State University. As a faculty member at California State University, Monterey Bay, he teaches courses on field methods, GIS/GPS, environmental impact assessment, and natural resource management, integrating hands-on research and statistical analysis. Dr Burton co-founded California Ecological Analytics, where he leads restoration projects and ecological assessments. His previous roles include wildlife ecologist at HT Harvey & Associates and program manager for The Nature Conservancy, where he oversaw conservation projects protecting endangered species and habitats. A published researcher and frequent presenter at conferences, Dr Burton is dedicated to applying science to conservation challenges and mentoring future environmental professionals.

J Alan Fagan
Hailing from a rural Midwest farming family, J arrived at the Presidio of Monterey in 2001.  Formerly an Arabic language student at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center and Veteran of the United States Army, J and his wife Elisabeth have made their home on the California Central Coast.  J founded The Mattox Group tax accounting firm, which fosters transformative growth and prosperity in our communities through empowering small businesses and not-for-profit organizations.  J enjoys traveling with Elisabeth and their two children, with a particular focus on visiting National and State parks, monuments, and historic places. 

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Frank Hespe
An attorney in Carmel, CA and graduate of Boalt Hall School of Law at UC Berkeley, Frank brings a wealth of legal, board governance, and finance experience and is dedicated to using his skills to make a positive impact on his community and the environment. Frank is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, camping, and backpacking. His love for nature fuels his passion for protecting the outdoors and the wildlife that inhabit it, ensuring future generations can enjoy and cherish the natural world as much as he does. Frank has a strong commitment to serving his community, demonstrated through his roles as a board member for the YMCA of the Central Coast, a legal advisor for International Health Emissaries, and a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels of Monterey Peninsula, where he delivers meals to elderly and homebound individuals.

Ana Ibarra-Castro
Director of K-12 STEAM Programs at Hartnell College Foundation, Ana is an experienced professional with a background in biology and public health from UC Berkeley and is a proud Hartnell College alumna. Her passion for environmental stewardship and education aligns with her commitment to inspire young students by connecting them to culture, community, and the environment. Ana is deeply engaged in her community, with extensive experience in educational advisory roles, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has served on the DEIA Subcommittee for BioMade, been an educational advisor for BioJam Camp, and worked as a BioBelt Ambassador, advocating for biotechnology infrastructure in rural communities. Ana enjoys painting, traveling, and supporting her daughter’s competitive soccer pursuits in her free time.

Mason Mallory
Growing up on his family’s fourth generation cattle ranch in southern Monterey County, is where Mason's love of the outdoors was deeply embedded in his daily life. In 2012, Mason completed his bachelor's degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. He currently works for Farm Credit West in Templeton, CA as a Chattel Evaluator. Mason also manages his family’s rotational cow-calf operation and serves as Vice President of the Monterey County Cattlemen’s Association. Mason presently lives in Monterey County with his wife, Haley. In his free time, Mason enjoys camping, fishing and spending as much time as he can in the outdoors.

Mark Osterkamp
A 45 year veteran of farming in Imperial Valley, CA,  Since the founding of Osterkamp farms in 1946, Mark and his family have supported land preservation, water conservation and wildlife protection in Southern California.  Mark brings a wealth of knowledge in land management, finance and real estate to the Ventana Wildlife Society board.  He has previously volunteered as the Chairman of Farm Water Conservation Advisory for the Imperial County Farm Bureau and worked on the audit committee in a directorship position for Farm Credit West Bank.  Mark lives and works in Imperial Valley with his wife Marcy.  In his spare time Mark enjoys being in the outdoors hiking, golfing, fishing, flying and scuba diving. 

CONSULTING VETERINARIAN

Amy Wells
DVM, Carmel Valley

LEGAL COUNSEL

Brian Call 
​Fenton & Keller Attorneys at Law