Joshua T. Fodor (CEO) : Plant Ecologist, Agroecologist

Josh received a BA in Plant Ecology and a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1990. He combined his interest in agroecology with his botanical skills in 1992 when he founded Central Coast Wilds. Josh oversees all levels of project design, implementation and monitoring. His commitment to sound ecological management is reflected in Central Coast Wilds' field and nursery practices. Over the last decade, Josh has continued his academic studies and field training in riparian restoration, watershed assessment, wetland delineation, upland coastal prairie dynamics and biotechnical erosion control techniques. Josh is currently completing a certificate program in California Water Management and Ecosystem Restoration through U.C. Berkeley's Continuing Education in Engineering.

Kirk B. Dakis (CFO) : Systems Analyst, Financial Manager

Kirk received a BA in Plant Genetics from University of California at Berkeley in 1989. Kirk worked with the UC Berkeley Forestry department characterizing various enzymes which function in the Krebs cycle in various species of oak and pine from the coast to the Sierra Nevada Mountains; and at Cetus Corporation characterizing DNA polymerase enzymes for the Polymerase Chain Reaction DNA applification process. After four years of molecular biology research, Kirk turned his attention to business management as a Director of his family owned advertising and public relations firm. He is currently the ECI financial controller and project director responsible for new accounts, account supervision and management, financial and budget management, and sales and marketing.

 

Ellen Holmes: Nursery Manager, Seed Collections Curator

Ellen conducted her first seed germination experiment at age two, thus bringing over four decades of innovation and experience to Central Coast Wilds. Her ongoing botanical studies include Jepson Herbarium workshops in Juncaceae (Rushes), Alpine Flora, Poaceae (Grasses), and Cyperaceae (Sedges). Working for BLM and UCSC, Ellen has been involved with numerous restoration projects on the former Ft. Ord, including initiatiating her own Sheep Grazing Monitoring Study. In her "spare time" Ellen frequently works on various rare plant monitoring projects. She is an active member of the Santa Cruz County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, where she participates as a board member.

Alija Mujic: Restoration Project Manager, Ecologist

Alija recieved a BA in Environmental Studies and a BS in Computer Science from the University of California at Santa Cruz and soon thereafter began employment with Central Coast Wilds early in the year 2005. Since that time he has served within the roles of Project Manager, Estimator, Web Programmer, Restoration Technician and Plan Designer. As a lifetime resident of California’s Coastal Ranges, Alija has a strong commitment to and knowledge of California’s diverse and fragile habitats. Alija oversees the implementation, management and monitoring of habitat restoration projects.

Jon Laslett: Restoration Project Manager, Ecologist

Jon received his BS from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 2003 with a double major in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Marine Biology. He has worked on ecological monitoring, conservation, and restoration projects from Baja California to the Aleutian Islands. He also has a background in conventional residential construction and landscaping. In January 2007, he found a way to effectively combine these two skill sets as a project manager and biologist at Central Coast Wilds.

 

Reggie Knox : Farming Systems Consultant

Reggie has degrees in Community Studies and Geology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Reggie has worked in the organic food and sustainable agriculture fields for over ten years. He has been a long-term organic farm inspector for CCOF and the Monterey Bay regional director for the Community Alliance with Family Farmers. Currently Reggie is a farming system consultant for Central Coast Wilds.