Board of Directors
Alan Hamilton, President / Founding Director
Lamy, NM
Alan holds a BA in Mythological Studies from Colorado College, an MA in Liberal Arts from Saint John’s College, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. His professional work has been quite varied, including many years working as a psychologist, house builder, marketing consultant and community organizer around river conservation and other environmental issues. After working as the Conservation Director for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation for six years, Alan worked as the New Mexico Wetlands Coordinator for 3 years for Ducks Unlimited and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. One of Alan’s strengths is his ability to find interdisciplinary connections that bring new perspectives and possibilities to difficult situations. He has been writing and lecturing on the link between environmental degradation and cultural depression and the notion that mental health and environmental health are one and the same. A native of Colorado, he has lived in Santa Fe, NM since 1981 with his wife Sarah and daughters Emma and Laura. Along with his family, the cultures, rivers, and landscapes of New Mexico have become primary sources of inspiration which motivates and informs his work. Alan has recently retired from his private therapeutic practice after 18 years as a clinical psychologist but is still providing qualitative consulting to businesses and organizations on a contractual basis through In-Sight-Consulting.
Jutta von Gontard, Board Member
Santa Fe, NM
Jutta was raised and educated in Germany and Ecuador and has lived in the US for the last forty years. Ten years ago she retired from a rewarding career as a non-profit professional. Her work as a fundraising and program development executive took her to Israel, Central America, and Southern Africa, where she helped support community-based development and microfinance programs. Recently retired from her last position as Senior Program Director for a New-Mexico based environmental organization, Jutta started an encore career as manager of a women’s clothing store in Santa Fe. She enjoys walking in her neighborhood and in the mountains, spending time with family and friends, and reading an eclectic selection of classic and contemporary literature (including mysteries) from around the world.
Steve Harris, Board Member
Pilar, NM
Steve is executive director of Rio Grande Restoration non-profit river conservation group dedicated to protection of the ecological and economic values provided by the Rio Grande. In this capacity, he writes, speaks and advocates for the resolution of river issues, especially policies to protect flowing water. He has participated in river restoration projects, such as the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program, in public policy forums, such as regional water planning and presently manages the Rio Chama Flow Project. He is also, since 1976, the owner of the river touring company Far-Flung Adventures, which has introduced thousands of persons to the Rio Grande. He resides in a small riverside village in northern New Mexico, at the bottom end of the acequia del ojo.
Tom Sisk, Board Member
Bowen Island, B.C.
Tom Sisk is an environmental scientist focusing on landscape conservation and complex land and natural resource management challenges. He works at the interface of science and public policy, while carrying out research in applied ecology. His studies of edge effects and connectivity inform work on cross-border conservation, while a commitment to participatory analysis inspires collaborative approaches to ecological restoration, monitoring, and management. Drawing on international research and policy experience, including senior positions in government, non-profit, and academic sectors, Tom focuses his work on western North America, from the Sonoran desert to the Salish Sea. His professional accomplishments include the design of innovative land protection plans, facilitation of contested natural resource management challenges, development of interdisciplinary educational programs, and service on advisory and management boards for regional, national, and international organizations.
Adrian Oglesby, Board Member
Albuquerque, NM
Adrian Oglesby is the Director of Utton Transboundary Resources Center at the University of New Mexico. He is a graduate of the UNM School of Law and has practiced water law since 2000. Adrian’s legal career has been focused on river and riparian restoration, agricultural preservation, efficient water management, governmental accountability, and fish and wildlife conservation. He has advised irrigation districts, acequias, Pueblo and tribal governments, farmers, environmental organizations, and local water providers. He is a past Vice Chair of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. He is currently the Chair of the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program.