Briget Eastep, Chair
Briget Eastep is an outdoor educator at heart. Over the years she's been a backpacking guide at Philmont Scout Ranch, a crew leader for the Student Conservation Association, and a professor of Outdoor Recreation at Southern Utah University (SUU). When she's not exploring Great Basin and other outdoor adventures, she is Director at the Clark Family School of Environment and Sustainability at Western Colorado University. She believes that, “Great Basin National Park is a unique and wonderful place to explore - from caves to peaks its' a place where you can go to be in awe and wonder.”
Greg Fine, Vice Chair
During the weekdays, Greg is a marketing and brand strategy professional. On the weekends (and when no one is looking) he can be found hunting powder stashes and mountain biking the singletrack around Reno and beyond. He says, "I love how selfless the Foundation is. Its sole purpose is to make a small but significant part of the world a better place for everyone."
Jeremy Reichenberg, Treasurer
Jeremy believes in public service and is the Chief Deputy District Attorney for Carson City, Nevada. He loves spending time outdoors with his wife and young kids, especially at Great Basin.
Alicia Reban, Secretary
Alicia Reban is the Executive Director of the Nevada Land Trust, which she helped to create in 1998. She is passionate about protecting Nevada’s special places and open spaces for future generations.
Kenji Hakuta, Chair, Education Committee
Kenji Hakuta is the Lee L. Jacks Professor, emeritus, at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education. His expertise is in language and education, and his work has been influential in local, state and federal programs and policies. As the Education & Outreach Chair of the Foundation, his expertise has been critical to developing the Foundation’s education and community outreach programs. He is a nature and outdoor enthusiast and has many related hobbies. He believes that, “the Great Basin is a unique region of the world that allows experiences to connect with the core of our existence.”
Melodi Rodrigue, Chair, Great Basin Observatory Committee
Dr. Melodi Rodrigue did her doctoral research in the area of interacting galaxies, using such tools as the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Ultraviolet Explorer. Currently she teaches in the University of Nevada, Reno Department of Physics and is respected for her ability to make courses relevant for introductory-level students and non-science students — as well as her gift for working with a wide range of learners of all ages. Melodi Chairs the GBO operations committee and supports the Foundation’s Double Star Research Program and Reach for the Stars Education Programs.
Senator Richard Bryan
Senator Richard Bryan served as the Governor of Nevada from 1983 to 1989 and as a United States Senator from 1989 until 2001. Senator Bryan has long been an advocate for the state of Nevada, including its wild places. He sponsored the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) which became law in 1998 and has had a tremendous impact on funding preservation and education projects on Nevada’s public lands. Great Basin National Park has received several million dollars in SNPLMA funding.
Rebecca Mills
Rebecca Mills' dream came true when she became Superintendent of Great Basin National Park in 1995. She helped Bonnie Bryan launch the Great Basin National Park Foundation in 1998 and after retirement joined the Foundation Board. Earlier she oversaw youth employment and equal opportunity programs for the National Park Service Western Region. She grew up hiking and camping with family and Girl Scouts then worked as a community organizer, social worker, and non-profit director before joining the Park Service. She is a mother, grandmother, and partner of a lifelong Nevadan who is also passionate about the Great Basin. She says, “I love the Great Basin. In its wild country, we can sense with awe how briefly we exist on our planet home. Vast vistas and Bristlecone Pines expose the slow pace of natural history; wind and wildlife calls punctuate a profound silence; stars and galaxies light years away drench the dark night sky."
Robert Morrill
Robert Morrill was a co-founder and partner for 25 years at Skjerven Morrill MacPherson LLP, one of the preeminent technology law firms of Silicon Valley, and finished his practice career with ten years as a litigation partner at Sidley Austin LLP. He has a law degree from Harvard Law School and a B. S degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. Bob has climbed almost every peak over 11,000 feet in Nevada!
Mike Niggli
Mike Niggli has been a Great Basin National Park Foundation Board Member since 1998. He is an avid hiker, caver, stargazer, and supporter of all things Great Basin. He was integral in the creation of the Great Basin Observatory and served as the Director of Operations for the Observatory for many years. He is an ongoing supporter of and advocate for the Foundation’s Dark Skies, Bright Minds education program. During his career in the energy industry he served as Chairman, CEO or President of Nevada Power Company, Sierra Pacific Resources and San Diego Gas & Electric. He is the Founding Chair of the long-duration energy storage company ESS Inc. which serves the renewable energy industry.
Julia Ratti
Julia believes in making the world a better place. And she backs up that belief with action. Her experience in the nonprofit, government and for-profit sectors has provided her the opportunity to improve her community – professionally and through public service. Her past roles include State Senator, City Councilmember, small business owner, consultant, and nonprofit CEO. She currently serves as the Director of Programs and Projects for the Washoe County Health District. In her free time, she enjoys camping in a vintage Airstream with her husband James and their rescue dog Gus.
Kevin Robison
Kevin Robison is the CEO of Mt. Wheeler Power. He serves on the Foundation’s Governance committee and is committed to preserving, protecting, and sharing Great Basin National Park.
F. McClure Wallace
McClure Wallace is a Founding Member and Managing Partner at Wallace Millsap Trust & Estate Attorneys.