Raised in New England, Jeff Rosenfeld developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors in the White Mountains. With degrees in Environmental Management and Business Administration, and extensive experience in various industries, Jeff is committed to the conservation of the unique, austere landscape for future generations. He founded the Wildwood Open Lands Foundation, which aligns with FBRHR’s mission. Jeff lives with his family on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and enjoys skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and paddling in the Sierra Nevada backcountry.

Prior to joining Friends of Black Rock High Rock, Jeff founded the Wildwood Open Lands Foundation with the vision of creating an organization whose mission was to promote the conservation of natural and cultural resources. The efforts of FBRHR and WOLF dovetail towards the preservation of this unique region.

He now lives with his wife and children on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. The family has a passion for travel and feels drawn to open spaces. When not exploring the desert Jeff can often be found skiing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and paddling in the Sierra Nevada backcountry.

Beth Penland, Founder and CEO of Chainsaw Communications, brings expertise in strategic communications, leadership development, and public speaking. Hailing from the mountains of Appalachia in East Tennessee, she is drawn to the otherworldly desert landscape and the opportunity to work with a dedicated community of volunteers and leaders. Beth enjoys scrambling on rocks, soaking in hot springs, and sleeping under the stars. In her free time, she loves traveling, spending time with family, and caring for her geriatric cat, Starbuck (Battlestar Galactica not the coffee place.)

Kurstin Graham, a biologist, educator, and retired adventure travel professional, is dedicated to promoting stewardship through non-motorized recreation. As a Community Steward for Bikepacking Roots and the creator of the Bikepacking Northern Nevada blog, Kurstin is passionate about adventure touring by bicycle. When not exploring the desert, Kurstin enjoys fishing, paddle sports, and travel.

Rebecca Gasca, a public affairs and communications strategist, focuses on civil liberties, drug policy, and criminal justice reform. She fell in love with the NCA during her first Burning Man experience in 2008, appreciating the blank canvas of the playa that brought together creativity, environmental enjoyment, and care. Rebecca serves as an Advisory Board Member of the Northern Nevada International Center and enjoys travel, dance, and non-fiction in her spare time.

Chanda is a dynamic business leader and collaborative community builder with 15+ years experience implementing enterprise-wide solutions for large financial services companies. She’s an expert problem solver and strategic thinker able to leverage a broad base of technical and business management skills to deliver value added solutions. Her extensive non-profit experience assists in community development at both local and global levels and she’s an accomplished event planner and fundraiser, skilled at motivating volunteers and logistical coordination of large-scale events.

Dave came to the Black Rock Desert in 2001 as the first BLM Manager for the Black Rock Desert – High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area and 10 associated wilderness areas. He led the effort to develop the first award-winning collaborative Resource Management Plan for the 1.2 million acres of public lands that make up the NCA and wilderness areas. He also authorized special recreation permits for numerous activities and events that take place in the Black Rock country such as Rocket Launches, Land Sailing, and the annual Burning Man event. Dave retired in 2009 after 33 ½ years of federal government service and providing visitor services to the public in Illinois, Idaho, Oregon, Colorado and finally Nevada. Dave still provides logistical support for large wildfires throughout the United States. He is on the Board of Directors for the Friends of Black Rock High Rock and now makes his home in the tiny town of Gerlach NV, the gateway to the Black Rock Desert.

“Now I have time to explore this vast remote region, hike the canyons, traverse the mountain ranges, enjoy the solitude, watch the dark skies at night, learn more of the emigrant trail history, soak in the hot springs, and continue to provide visitor services”.

After graduating from UMass Dartmouth with a BFA, Shelley moved to the area in 1988. She fell in love with the Black Rock Desert after taking a road trip with a friend in the early 1990s. Shelley has owned Fallon Multimedia for over 20 years, working as a creative, focusing her talents as a graphic designer, illustrator, and planner through interpretive planning and design. She has worked on interpretive projects with organizations including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Nevada Department of Wildlife, State of Nevada, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Tahoe Fund, and several counties in both Nevada and California. Her main goal is promoting stewardship and a connection to our natural resources and cultural history through interpretive education. She is a 25-year Burning Man participant. and has been involved in running theme camps and creating art for the event. Shelley is a fine artist, musician, and equestrian who enjoys riding in the local wilds. She has a 16-year old daughter, and they enjoy camping, hiking, rockhounding, fossil hunting, and always searching for the best views they can find.