Fresh Perspectives, Valley-wide Representation
At the March 26th Board Meeting, three exceptional new Members joined Friends of the Desert Mountains Board of Directors: Jim Karpiak, Kathleen Lewis, and Evan Trubee. Friends’ all-volunteer Board relies on community members with diverse professional and personal backgrounds to inform decision-making, promote innovation, and ensure our long-term success. Board Chair Dr. Robert Reed championed the new members, saying “Each of our three new board members comes from a different part of the Coachella Valley, and each brings a unique perspective, but all share our common vision of a thriving and inclusive community, integrated with a healthy and sustainable natural environment.”
Jim Karpiak / Cathedral City
Prior to being Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (retired in June, 2024), Jim Karpiak served as a city and public agency attorney in northern California with a subspecialty in conservation-related real estate matters such as open space acquisitions, land donations, mitigation banking, easements for public purposes such as trails and visitor-serving facilities. Karpiak will serve on Friends’ Property Committee.
Kathleen Lewis / La Quinta
With a background in science and a passion for nature, Kathleen Lewis is a great fit for Friends. Lewis’ career spans working at NASA Ames Research and founding a non-profit memorial fund for college scholarships. Having guided interns and helped fund scholarships, Lewis values supporting young people working toward their goals. Lewis will assist with Friends’ Programs Committee.
Evan Trubee / Palm Desert
As a small business owner and City Council Member, Evan Trubee is very active in the Palm Desert community. Besides operating Big Wheel Tours and serving as a youth sports coach, Trubee is President of the Palmira Palm Desert homeowner’s association and a Member of the Palm Desert Resource Preservation and Enhancement Committee and the Public Safety Commission. Trubee will work with Friends’ Marketing and Fundraising Committee.
About Friends
Friends of the Desert Mountains connects people to the land through conservation, education, and research. We also are the official non-profit partner of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. We engage all ages and abilities to reveal the wonders of the fragile desert and mountains we call home and instill an environmental awareness that we hope lasts a lifetime.