News!

Staff Spotlight - Meet David

David Mauk, Natural Resource Technician at the Open Space Authority, has been a lifelong nature lover, so it only makes sense that he works every day to protect wildlife and the places where wildlife live here in the Santa Clara Valley.

Staff Spotlight - Meet Rowan

“This work is so rewarding,” says Rowan O’Brien, an Open Space Technician with the Open Space Authority. As a tech, Rowan serves as an ambassador for the agency, connecting people to nature, creating a welcoming environment, and helping with public safety. “I help keep it a place that people want to visit to experience and enjoy nature.”

Staff Spotlight - Meet Jackie

Jackie Latham always knew that she wanted to pursue a meaningful career path. “I wanted to do something good for earth and people, and I feel that the conservation world is doing just that.”

Staff Spotlight - Meet David

After 16 years at the Open Space Authority, David Tharp can sum up his career in three words: "I fix stuff.”

Staff Spotlight - Meet Kat Hill

Kat Hill, Volunteer Programs Coordinator, at the Authority, always knew she wanted to work in the outdoors. Growing up in the Mojave desert of southern California, surrounded by Joshua trees and the unique desert terrain, nature felt like home to her from an early age.

Staff Spotlight - Meet Jennifer Hooper

Jennifer Hooper, Associate Open Space Planner for the Open Space Authority, works on a variety of current and long-range planning projects. These include planning for facilities and improvements to existing preserves, planning new preserves, supporting the Authority’s American’s with Disabilities Act Transition Plan and Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan, and much more. One project she’s particularly excited about is the opening of Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve, which she’s been working on since she was hired in 2018.

Staff Spotlight - Meet Lena Eyen

Lena Eyen, Community Impact and Policy Specialist, loves that she hasn’t had a linear paths leading up to where she is today at the Open Space Authority. “It’s a very interdepartmental role – I like how I get to connect with other departments and technical experts and support their work.” As a member of the Open Space Authority Public Affairs team, Lena’s work is focused on legislative affairs and local policy, as well as agency partnerships and community engagement.

Staff Spotlight - Meet Megan Robinson and Andres Campusano

Meet Supervising Open Space Technicians, Megan Robinson and Andres Campusano! Learn how these two work to protect the natural and working landscapes of Santa Clara Valley, as well as their efforts to make everyone feel welcome at Open Space Authority preserves.

Staff Spotlight - Meet Teri

Teri Rogoway just reached her fifteenth year at the Authority but getting here was never a straight path. How did she end up here? Well, “It all started with a rattlesnake.”

Staff Spotlight: Meet Elizabeth Loretto

“The way I describe it is being responsible for the people, the systems, and the facility that will help everyone get their job done well.”

Elizabeth Loretto, Human Resources Officer at the Authority, never knew what she wanted to do with her career, but she knew she wanted to be a part of something larger than herself. Her mom worked at small, community and mission-based organization, and both of her parents spent much of their time volunteering in the community. “I always saw myself in that kind of role.”