MEET THE STAFF
STAFF
DEREK POULTNEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Derek joined the C.R.E.W. team in 2021 after 11 years at Ventura Land Trust, 5 years at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) and five prior years of environmental consulting and field biology work. Along with volunteering for various non-profit environmental groups, Derek earned a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from CSU-Fullerton and a B.A. in Music Composition (with significant environmental coursework) from UCSB. At OVLC, he managed a variety of wetland restoration projects in the upper Ventura River watershed and at the Ventura Land Trust’s he assisted in efforts to preserve and improve wildlife habitat and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Ventura. Along with spending time with his wife and kids, Derek enjoys music, wildlife and hiking.
TODD HOMER
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
Todd grew up in the Ojai Valley and is a former Transportation Manager with over 25 years of logistics experience managing fleet trucking and distribution operations. Todd’s office experience involves project management, personnel, coaching, operations, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. Todd joined the C.R.E.W Team in June of 2015 and holds a BS in Business Management from Cal-Poly Pomona.
KAT WHITEHOUSE
GRANT & PROJECT COORDINATOR
Kat is a graduate of CSUCI with a degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management. She joins The C.R.E.W. with a background in Landscape Architecture/Restoration and Avian Biology, working on projects such as the LA River Revitalization, Baldwin Hills Restoration, Inland Empire Landscape Beautification, LA Rain Gardens, and Youth Development Program “Generation Water.” More recently she has been a biologist with the Shorebird Recovery Program at Ventura Audubon working with threatened and endangered shorebirds, and has a passion for habitat restoration and conservation. Kat is excited to join The C.R.E.W. and help expand a diverse and prosperous program where young adults gain career experience in the fast-growing green collar job industry.
TARA FAY
GREEN VALLEY PROJECT DIRECTOR
Tara graduated from CSU Channel Islands with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management. She is passionate about environmental restoration and education. She has experience working directly to develop programs for teens and young adults as a Program Assistant at the Boys and Girls Club and later as a Residential Advisor at CSU Channel Islands. She is very excited to be a part of the Green Valley Project and is ready to help develop the future leaders of the Ojai community!
CARYN BOSSON
GREEN VALLEY PROJECT MENTOR
Caryn is a long-time nonprofit leader and former Executive Director of The C.R.E.W. (2018-2019). In 1997, Caryn founded the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, which she led for a decade. For another decade, Caryn was a staff leader at TreePeople, a Los Angeles-based community forestry organization. Currently a consultant and Senior Facilitator with the Center for Nonprofit Leadership, Caryn has a MS in Organizational Leadership from Manhattan College and a BA in Literature from UCSB’s College of Creative Studies.
MELISSA RUIZ
GREEN VALLEY PROJECT PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Melissa will hold a bachelor’s in Environmental Science and Resource Management with a minor in Spanish in Spring 2023 from CSU Channel Islands. She set in motion her stewardship of public lands when she began volunteering with various conservation organizations aimed to rehabilitate habitats, clean degraded trails, foster nature connections, and aid in environmental justice matters. More recently, she has worked as an outdoor educator, mentoring children using their innate enthusiasm for the natural world as a context to engage them in the learning process. She is excited to be a part of the Green Valley Project, assisting with programs and projects while witnessing the next generation of leaders rehabilitate the Ojai Valley.
LINDSAY TALLY
WEBMASTER
Lindsay graduated from Sonoma State University with Environmental Studies and Computer Science degrees. She joins the Crew with a passion for design, creativity, and protecting our natural spaces. Aside from these, she also has a background in GIS and geospatial analysis which encompases much of her career experience. Outside of work, Lindsay loves to camp, garden, and travel and can be found at a local brewery or the beach in her spare time.
ALECIA SMITH
DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Alecia joined the C.R.E.W. team in 2023. Her background involves member satisfaction, community engagement, communication and quality assurance. Most recently she has worked with the Shorebird Recovery Program at Ventura Audubon as their Outreach Coordinator and bird photographer, helping protect Ventura County’s endangered shorebirds. Alecia is thrilled to join our office team, where she is coordinating the development of our infrastructure, and working to strengthen the community impact of the C.R.E.W.’s environmental work.
MARSHALL & LILLY
Directors of Mousing, This dynamic duo was brought on in 2021 and has clearly earned their title. Most days they can be found lounging in the sun or snuggled on a team member's lap.
OPPENHEIMER
Grant & Projects Director Kat Whitehouse's Shar Pei mix, Oppenheimer can be found catching some Z’s under her desk, hiking with the team out on trails or waiting patiently for any crumb to fall on the floor.
BUDDY
Executive Director Derek Poultney's trusted mini poodle companion, Buddy can be found relaxing in our office snoozing away in his bed, or out on the trail helping scout the newest work sites.