Leadership Redwood Coast

07/06/2023

05/10/2023

Meet Amanda Kruschke, Economic Development Coordinator at the City of Eureka!

“My name is Amanda Kruschke, and I work as an Economic Development Coordinator at the City of Eureka. I am primarily responsible for Eureka Main Street and assist with other citywide economic development projects. Outside of work, I love spending time traveling to see and do new things with friends and family. Within my role at the City of Eureka and Eureka Main Street, I seek to lead with open communication, a collaborative mindset, and dedication to making Eureka a vibrant place for visitors and residents to enjoy. I look forward to learning how industry leaders throughout the region are working to create a robust and resilient economy in Leadership Redwood Coast and develop relationships with community leaders for future collaboration opportunities.”

05/09/2023

Introducing Leadership Redwood Coast fellow George Schmidbauer, a project manager for Schmidbauer Lumber!

“My name is George Schmidbauer, and I am working as a project manager for my family's group of sawmills across Northern California. My work focuses on planning and financing infrastructure and business development projects that complement our core business of lumber manufacturing, with the goal of increasing our long-term environmental sustainability. Outside of my work at the sawmills, I develop affordable housing and enjoy skiing, surfing, and freediving. Within my role at the sawmills, I aspire to lead with a thoughtful and collaborative approach that empowers others to contribute to the improvement of the workplace system. Through Leadership Redwood Coast, I look forward to meeting a diverse group of future leaders and better my understanding of the opportunities and obstacles in our region.”

05/08/2023

Presenting Ashley Vellis, owner of Ashley’s Seafood!

“My name is Ashley Vellis, and I’m the owner of Ashley’s Seafood. My work is in educating consumers about seafood and the seafood industry. I am working on developing a Fisherman’s Dockside Market to help them develop their fish businesses and explore different opportunities. I hope to have the opportunity to both learn from and network with community leaders to work on building a successful Nonprofit for our local fishermen and community.”

05/05/2023

Meet Jade Hoff, program manager at Arcata Economic Development Corporation!

“My name is Jade, and I work as a program manager at Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC.) I manage the Humboldt Child Care Stabilization programs, providing much needed support to all aspects of our child care industry. Outside of work, I love to spend my time reading, baking and exploring the world with my toddler. Within my role at AEDC, I seek to lead with authenticity and compassion. I look forward to connecting with other community leaders in Leadership Redwood Coast, and learning how we can work together to foster sustainable growth for our region.”

05/04/2023

Introducing Leadership Redwood Coast fellow Josh Mohland, CEO/Managing Partner at Bathrobe Dynamics!

My name is Josh Mohland, and I work as the CEO/Managing Partner at Bathrobe Dynamics. I'm principally responsible for business strategy, sales, security, DevOps, and client success. Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors with my family when it's nice out and playing video games inside when it's not. Within my role at Bathrobe Dynamics, I seek to lead with vision, expertise, and autonomy.

I look forward to learning how best to work with folks who have different leadership styles in Leadership Redwood Coast, and how we can work together to build a thriving and profitable economic ecosystem on the North Coast.”

05/03/2023

Presenting Maria Durazo, an RN Clinic Manager at Open Door Community Health Centers at the Del Norte branch in Crescent City!

“My name is Maria Durazo and I work as an RN Clinic Manager at Open Door Community Health Centers at the Del Norte branch in Crescent City. I am responsible for the oversight and supervision of clinical staff at the health center. This includes managing human and financial resources, ensuring patient and staff satisfaction, and maintaining a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors. Other responsibilities include ensuring standards of quality of care are maintained and aligning the Del Norte Health Centers' mission of providing medical and mental health care to all regardless of financial, geographical, or social barriers. I am also responsible for collaborating with community partners to implement medical outreach to the underserved to increase access to healthcare services. Outside of work, I love surfing with my husband and friends, rockhounding on the beaches in Crescent City, and playing my guitar. Within my role at Del Norte Community Health Center, I aim to lead with humility and integrity to inspire and motivate those around me to be their best self and find their purpose. I look forward to connecting with local leaders in this community in Leadership Redwood Coast and collaborating to form strong partnerships to address the needs of our rural community.”

05/02/2023

Meet Crystal Morse, Vice President of Student Services at College of the Redwoods!

“My name is Crystal Morse, and I work as the Vice President of Student Services at College of the Redwoods. I support the students, staff, and faculty of our District through planning and oversight of key services that assist community members in becoming students at CR and supporting their journey from application to graduation. Outside of work, I love to backpack and hike, read for fun, and garden. Within my role at College of the Redwoods, I seek to lead with kindness, fierce compassion, and authenticity. I look forward to the opportunity to engage with community partners, build relationships across a community of leaders, and navigate the challenges our community (and its members) face within any given social, economic, and political environment.”

05/01/2023

Introducing Leadership Redwood Coast fellow Jose Serrano, a Senior Payroll technician at College of the Redwoods.

“My name is Jose, and I work as a Senior Payroll technician at College of the Redwoods. I oversee that all College of the Redwoods employees are paid accurately and on time. Outside of work, I especially enjoy spending time with my 4-year-old son. Within my role in Payroll, I lead with compassion, empathy, and trust. I look forward to building lasting relationships within the community in Leadership Redwood Coast and further developing my growth and mindset.”

04/28/2023

Presenting Sarah West an Economic Development Coordinator at the City of Eureka!

“I’m Sarah, and I work as an Economic Development Coordinator at the City of Eureka. My focus lately has been on beatification, art and culture programs, and the Eureka Visitor Center. Outside of work, I love learning to fix up my old house and taking my dog to the beach. With Leadership Redwood Coast, I look forward to deepening my understanding of our region’s strengths and opportunities and collaborating on our shared vision for a thriving community.”

04/27/2023

Meet Stevie Luther, the Associate Planner at the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG)!

“My name is Stevie Luther, and I am the Associate Planner at the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG). At HCAOG, I help prepare long-range transportation plans and work with stakeholders on regional efforts to develop a balanced transportation system – one where people can get around safely and sustainably whether they walk, bike, drive, or ride transit. To that end, I help organize Bike Month Humboldt, manage transit plans, and promote safe streets. Outside of work, I volunteer with the Humboldt Trails Council to support the Volunteer Trail Stewards which help develop and maintain our beautiful trail system. Inspired by Buddhist teachings and psychology reading, I seek to lead with compassion and understanding. At Leadership Redwood Coast, I look forward to discussions about our complex housing issues and developing insight into how we can effectively grow together.”

04/26/2023

Introducing Leadership Redwood Coast fellow Genevieve Marchand, associate professor and program leader in Recreation Administration at Cal Poly Humboldt.

“My name is Geneviève (Gen) Marchand, MBA, PhD, and I work as an associate professor and program leader in Recreation Administration at Cal Poly Humboldt. In my role, I coordinate the outdoor leadership emphasis, as well as oversee the administration of the major. I am active on campus in several committees and focus my research efforts on underrepresented communities and social justice in the outdoor industry. Outside of work, I train for adventure racing and love to ski, bike, paddle, hike, and road trip to mountains and deserts. Within my role at Cal Poly Humboldt, I seek to be a transformational leader and lead with compassion and with the eagerness to always learn more. I look forward to meeting new people (after all, relationship building is the cornerstone of good leadership!) in Leadership Redwood Coast, and discussing how Cal Poly Humboldt can help the region thrive and uniquely grow, especially as an outdoor recreation and tourism hub.”