Virginia is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley, with 28 years of business and nonprofit experience, including 14 years as a nonprofit executive director. Since 1985, her marketing and strategic development expertise has substantially increased the level of service delivered by EA to the community. The organization has evolved to perform not only as a grassroots education agency, but also as a technical consulting entity to regional governments and businesses. Prior to her work at Ecology Action, Virginia  served as a founding board member, board chair and/or governing board member of several community based organizations: the RotaCare Free Medical Clinic of Santa Cruz, the FEMA Board of Santa Cruz County, the Homeless Shelter Project of the Community Action Board, the HIV Consortium of Santa Cruz County, Above The Line--services for homeless teenagers, the Westside Community Health Center, and the New Life Community Services Family Shelter.  Ms. Johnson currently serves as the 5th District appointee to the County of Santa Cruz Energy Commission and is a board member of the Santa Cruz Area Transportation Management Association.
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Evan joined the staff of Ecology Action of Santa Cruz in January 2000. Prior to this, working for a certified public accountant, he conducted field audit work of non-profit corporations. In 1983 he served as the Managing Director for George Coates Performance Works in San Francisco where he developed his expertise in non-profit accounting. From 1984 to 1998, he was the business manager and lighting designer for a dance company located Santa Cruz. He serves as a consultant to various arts organizations in Santa Cruz advising them as to sound accounting practices and actively maintains the books for others.
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Kirsten's inspiration for her work comes from a strong commitment to bring different segments of the community together to improve our quality of life. Since graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz Environmental Studies (Honors) in 1991 her work has spanned the public, private and non-profit sectors where she has gained experience in each of these approaches to doing business. Specifically, this work has focussed on implementing needed next steps in the areas of hazardous waste and resource management, pollution prevention and the oil recycling industry. As a result of her efforts and service, she was awarded a legislative resolution from the California State Assembly commending her significant and vital contribution to the state's household hazardous waste programs. Kirsten joined Ecology Action in 1999.  She currently serves on the management team developing new programs and supporting project managers in their delivery of excellent community service and meaningful project outcomes.
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Ecology Action's senior staff member, Victor has worked since 1989 as a program director for Ecology Action and brings a strong background in recycling, energy and environmental education. Victor got his start by combining entertainment and environmental education with a project that visits small towns. As the Director of "Zero Waste" Programs here at Ecology Action, he manages all Business Waste Reduction consulting, is the chief designer of the WasteNot Businesses Assistance Program and Software, created Monterey Bay's Regional Materials Reuse Network (ProMAX), manages public recycling and environmental action information resources, and supervises the award-winning Public Schools Resource Conservation Program. Victor specializes in helping businesses and institutions to identify "front end" measures that reduce cost by eliminating waste before it starts. Victor earned his BA in Environmental Studies and Planning, with a certificate in Energy Management and Design from Sonoma State University.
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Kurt Hurley has been working at Ecology Action since 2002 in pollution prevention and energy efficiency programs. Kurt is a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz in Physics with 17 years prior experience in optical technology including 7 years experience in program management. He has helped developed several new technologies for product quality assurance and worked extensively overseas. In the businesses environment, he has advocated recycling, energy efficiency/generation, shared transit, and carpooling programs. At Ecology Action Kurt has benefited from the many opportunities  to apply his prior experience toward the success of environmental programs. He has also used his art photography as a vehicle for environmental advocacy and has volunteered in the Art Department at UCSC since 1998.
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Jen joined EA in 2005 as a Program Manager for the Manure and Erosion Pollution Prevention program. She brings over 12 years experience in the environmental non-profit sector. Prior to making Santa Cruz her new home, she worked on environmentally focused projects in Aspen, CO, Keen, NH, Orange County, CA and New York City. Jen graduated in 1997 with her Master's in Environmental Studies with a focus in Environmental Business from Antioch New England Graduate School in New Hampshire. Outside of work she designs and creates one-of-a-kind handbags, enjoys cooking and traveling the world.
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Anna has been with Ecology Action since 1997 as a Project Manager for the Safer Technologies in Fabricare Program and various Used Oil Management Programs. During her tenure at EA, Anna has worked with most programs, including the Business Waste Reduction, Electric Bike, ProMAX, and Home Composting programs. She has also assisted with grant writing, office administration, MIS support, and graphic design. In 2002-03, Anna took a break from Ecology Action and worked for Outward Bound West’s sailing and kayaking program as a Logistics Manager in Washington State. Anna returned to Ecology Action in 2004 to focus on public relations and graphic design for the agency. Anna holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz, 1997. She is an avid traveler, deriving her passion for environmental work from experiencing natural ecosystems and diverse cultures worldwide.
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Sherry Lee Bryan began working with Ecology Action in July of 2002 as a bilingual outreach assistant in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Outreach program partnership with Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority. Presently, she is assisting Ecology Action in the implementation of IPM partnerships in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.   Sherry also directs the Home Composting education program in partnership with the County of Santa Cruz.   Sherry earned her degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Agro-ecology with honors from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has worked in Santa Cruz County in organic farming since 1996.  Sherry's previous research experience in IPM and soil science, her practical experience as an organic farmer, and her Spanish fluency make her an integral partner in Ecology Action's IPM team. Sherry also assists in other Ecology Action programs as a bilingual outreach educator.
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Molly joined Ecology Action as the Program Manager for the Waste Free Schools Program in September of 2003.  She also manages the Santa Cruz County Motor Oil Recycling Block Grant and assists with the Monterey Bay Area Green Business Program. Her experience includes working with the Sierra Club as a Field Manager and with Save Our Shores as a Program Manager and Environmental Policy Analyst. Molly graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Environmental Policy and Planning in 2000. She is an avid hiker and surfer and finds inspiration in nature. Molly is excited to be part of the innovative award winning WFS program and feels that teaching children and engaging them in resource conservation will help provide a brighter future for our environment.
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Aaron Glade began working with Ecology Action in January of 2001 as a Pollution Prevention intern.  Over the years Aaron’s played multiple roles on the Ecology Action team.  Recently, he has been coordinating outreach for the SmartRinse program and working as our Office Manager.  Aaron graduated from Whitman College with a BA in Environmental Studies and Sociology.  He developed an appreciation of the natural world early in life while camping and fishing in the Pacific Northwest.  Nowadays, Aaron surfs more than he fishes and he is driven by his desire for all people for generations to come have the opportunity to enjoy the natural world as much as he has.  
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Gene joined Ecology Action in mid-2002 to manage Ecology Action’s energy efficiency program efforts and to help grow EA’s energy conservation program portfolio. Gene brings to Ecology Action a passion for helping individuals and businesses benefit from the latest energy efficiency technologies and practices. He currently manages RightLights, a CPUC-funded contract targeting small commercial lighting retrofits which has become the largest direct installation lighting program in California. Gene also works on the development of new project proposals, provides key research and analysis and assists in representing EA’s interests to legislative and local government entities. Prior to joining Ecology Action, he served as National Director of EnergyCheckup, managing and coordinating their third-party energy efficiency programs for investor-owned utilities in Southern California and Texas. In this capacity Gene developed energy efficiency initiatives and proposals to state utilities and federal agencies and helped train over 200 building industry professionals as Certified Home Energy Raters. Previously, Gene worked for Inspectech Corporation as Director of Recruitment and Special Projects, where he developed and implemented the firm’s first Environmental Testing Program. Prior to his tenure with Inspectech, Gene built a successful track record in key account sales, sales management and training, program development, and multi-location retail management.
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Aaron joined the Right Lights Team in the Fall of 2003. Having taken time away from his management career to remodel his off-the-grid home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he was looking to count himself as an integral part of something admirable. Aaron has always needed to “believe” in the project at hand. In this, he has often found himself as a Champion of “Lost” Causes. His desire to make a difference for failing entities has seen him through the successful turn-around of numerous independent theatres, bookstores and cafes. Working with community leaders, making strong business relationships, and developing a powerful team that operates on a platform of common sense, dedication, and sincerity, has been a winning combination/mantra. Further, bringing success to challenged businesses has required establishing a strong handle on the need, re-use and waste of materials. Each business he has operated has had its financial successes immediately followed by, what Aaron considers the greater measure of success… a sign, stating to all, The Management and Staff of this facility proudly recycle more than we throw away. He believes that, once the business is succeeding in both these areas, its model can be held as an example for other local businesses and that it has the responsibility to reach outward and engage the community in which it shares success. Aaron is truly grateful for the help and cooperation of all of his coworkers and hopes to be able to continually bring his skills and his passion to Ecology Action. In the end, his primary objective is to leave behind him something better than what was there before and to curb the degradation of what is generally thought of as beautiful or special.
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Brian was educated at the Berkeley campus of the University of California. A first-generation American citizen, he is deeply committed to the improvement of his family's adopted homeland. Brian believes every human being has a duty to contribute to the conscientious stewardship of the planet. The care required to responsibly use and develop Earth's resources for the betterment of man, now and in perpetuity, can only be achieved with the recognition of every individual's personal stake in a sustainably managed and respected environment.
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Saskia Lucas joined the Santa Cruz Area TMA team in 2004. She is a credentialed teacher (San Jose State University, French) who has been riding a bicycle for transportation and recreation ever since she learned to ride at 5 years old. A certified instructor with the League of American Bicyclists, Saskia has been teaching youth about bicycling since 2001, first through a summer bike camp she designed and ran, and most recently through her education work with Bike Smart! Youth Bicycle Safety Program. In addition, Saskia conducts bicycle safety trainings for adults, including parents groups and college classes. Saskia is grateful for the opportunity to combine her love of bicycling and teaching to advocate safe, responsible bicycle use.
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Cliff is a native of California, and was born and raised in San Mateo.  After completing his education he joined the Gulf-Atlantic Oceanographic Research Society as a volunteer to sail on a research ship down the coast of North and Central America and through the Gulf of Mexico.  After returning home, Cliff became involved in the lighting industry where he has worked for over 25 years.  He has worked at home and abroad for both commercial and residential customers and has designed, fabricated, installed and specified a variety of lighting fixtures and systems.  Having illuminated everything from art to gazebos, Cliff worked with Sunset Books to help compile and edit their first book on home lighting.  In his spare time he has been involved with Habitat for Humanity and The Hunger Project and is a regular blood donor.  Since becoming a lighting specialist on the Right Lights Team Cliff has been able to put his lighting expertise to work saving energy and the environment for the community he serves.
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Jeremy entered Ecology Action as a member of the RightLights program. He left his home in Boulder Creek to pursue an academic career at California State University Chico. While attending the University, Jeremy was involved in a project that prevented the development of virgin lands. He returned from Chico with a Bachelors degree in History and a family of his own. Prior to his employment with the organization, he worked in the Santa Cruz Mountain Wine Industry for 11 years, ranging from cellar work to sales and marketing.  Jeremy has always worked towards preserving the environment and believes passionately in the goals of Ecology Action.
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Sarah joined the Ecology Action staff in 2004, as the Project Coordinator in the new Mountain View office of RightLights. She grew up in the Bay Area, where she attended an alternative grade school which was instrumental in shaping her social and environmental values. She then attended Menlo-Atherton High School, where she became actively involved in youth environmental groups including MA’s Environmental Club, and Bay Area Action. After receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Oregon State University, Sarah returned to the Bay Area in 1997.  Since college, she has worked in various businesses, ranging from a medical office to a voice recognition software company. When her former employer, Aaron Brown, asked her to join the Ecology Action team, she jumped at the chance. Sarah is happy to return to an environmental organization and thrilled to be a part of something she really believes in.
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