"Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
On May 1, 2024, I will be stepping down as the Executive Director of the Sierra State Parks Foundation. It has been an honor and a privilege for me to be in this role for the past 12 years. The Foundation has grown from a three-person board to a strong and mighty strategic board of 11 members. We have seen SSPF grow in both philanthropy and impact. Our annual revenue has grown from $229,000 in 2011 to $1,510,335 (donor advised and unrestricted) in 2023 enabling the Sierra State Parks Foundation to annually contribute, on average, over $500,000 to our State Park partners at the eight California State Parks our organization is privileged to support. These funds have supported thousands of educational programs to youth and visitors, numerous restoration projects to world famous historic structures on the shores of Lake Tahoe, provide visitor centered infrastructure that enhance the experience (think snow trails and wayside signage), and keep visitor centers and historic house tours open and staffed. SSPF is poised to become an even stronger philanthropic partner in the decades to come and recognized as a critical factor enabling our parks to remain welcoming and relevant for generations.
2024 is a milestone year for me for another reason. 50 years ago, I was hired by the US Forest Service, as one of the first women to work in a field position in the Los Padres National Forest. My job was to take care of several small remote campgrounds. It was quite a learning experience for an LA kid and far from anything I had ever imagined. But I was hooked! Through the years I have been privileged to work for four public land agencies and consult for many more. To complete my 50-year career at the helm of the Sierra State Parks Foundation, working on behalf of the crown jewels of the best State Park System in the world, has been the icing on the cake.
I want to thank the amazing staff of SSPF whom I have been privileged to collaborate with, our valued donors and dedicated volunteers, our business community and the many professionals of California State Parks who have believed in me and the work of the Sierra State Parks Foundation as we create a welcoming park experience for all. It is truly a team effort!
I am thrilled to welcome the Michael Myers as the 4th Executive Director of SSPF. I will be moving to an advisory role through the end of 2024 to assist with the transition, manage current projects and assist with future planning. More about Michael next week. He is the perfect fit for our organization.
Yours in parks,
Heidi Doyle
