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. He is passionate about preserving and protecting Nevada's wild spaces and sharing them with others, especially youth.
Alicia Reban, Secretary
Alicia Reban is the Executive Director of the Nevada Land Trust, which she helped to create in 1998. Alicia is passionate about protecting open spaces for future generations throughout Nevada. She enjoys finding common ground among stakeholders to advance shared goals. Alicia’s favorite color is either the cerulean blue of a clear Nevada sky or that amazing orange/purple that sometimes paints the clouds at sunset; her favorite smell is that of sagebrush after the rain.
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."
Mari Nakashima Nielsen
Mari Nakashima Nielsen is a public affairs strategist, communication professional, and policy advocate. Last year Mari helped organize a Nevada legislative day for Great Basin’s Superintendent and Foundation Chair, including meetings with the Lieutenant Governor, agency heads, and the Senate Natural Resources Committee. Mari was Governor Sandoval’s Communication’s Director and now works for The Perkins Company. “I am eager to join the Board of Directors because I have a deep appreciation for the region's natural beauty, cultural significance, and biodiversity. Growing up in Ely, the Park was my first introduction to conservation, environmental education, and preservation. I am excited to engage with the local and statewide community to raise awareness and support for this natural treasure. A commitment to conservation in a destination that I still consider home, and the chance to be part of a dedicated team that shares my values, are primary reasons for my desire to serve.”
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. Kevin is committed to preserving, protecting, and sharing Great Basin National Park with folks near and far.
F. McClure Wallace
McClure Wallace is a Founding Member and Managing Partner at Wallace Millsap Trust & Estate Attorneys. McClure especially loves sharing Great Basin National Park with young families. "Our family trip to the Park each summer is my highlight of the year"
Dave Tilford, Board Emeritus
Dave is a Nevada native, born in Ely in 1941. He has strong ties to the area, including ancestors who built the Tilford cabin in the Park. Dave served on the Great Basin National Park Foundation Board of Directors for 20 years. One of his many achievements was conducting dozens of oral histories which are now archived at the University of Nevada, Reno. Dave has been integral in supporting the history of this region and promoting tourism. He was a founding board member of the Great Basin National Heritage Area and the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. Dave is a beloved member of White Pine county, where his dedication to the community and philanthropy has made a significant impact. He continues to work for the benefit of the Park and Great Basin National Park Foundation.