Council of Advisors


The experienced members of our Council of Advisors bring their unique and varied perspectives to the Ecological Workforce Initiative, broadening our lens, expanding our network, and deepening our collective wisdom. Their strategic guidance and multi-layered support ensure that the Initiative stays focused on the high-level change for which we are aiming.

ERIC BUENROSTRO

Safety Coordinator | Hanford

  • Throughout his career as an ecological restoration construction worker, safety coordinator and bilingual/bicultural educator, Eric has honed his extraordinary talent for connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to the environment and has strengthened his dedication to creating opportunities for life-sustaining and fulfilling careers. Eric’s breadth of professional experience and personal commitment to the communities we serve helps enhance EWI’s relevancy, accessibility, and educational effectiveness for all.

Mark Cederborg

Managing Partner | Outset Advisors

  • Throughout his 25 years in restoration construction, Mark has witnessed first-hand the need for industry-wide standards for restoration workers, and he brings his vision and insight to catalyzing the partnerships and resources necessary to create a recognized and respected identity for the ecological trade workers who implement environmental projects.

Adam Davis

Managing Partner | Ecosystem Investment Partners

  • Changemaker, systems thinker, and ecosystem investment professional, Adam brings practical experience from large scale, privately-funded restoration projects that make use of innovative policy and sound science in order to contribute to a better balance for economy and ecology.

SUE GARDNER

Senior Director | Stewardship & Conservation Science | Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

  • In her career with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Sue has worked to create a new model for stewardship and community engagement. Under her leadership, the Conservancy’s Stewardship and Engagement Programs have pioneered creative ways to connect with and support local communities. Together with her passionate team, Sue is considered to be on the cutting edge of building diverse partnerships, creating immersive youth leadership and training programs, and supporting restoration programs across the parklands.

Doug McConnell

Journalist | Open Road with Doug McConnell

  • Journalist, conservationist, and storyteller, Doug brings his lifelong dedication to our environment and to the people and organizations who steward it, helping us to engage with audiences of all types and bring attention to EWI and the often under-appreciated workers on the ground.

FRANK PEREZ

Restoration Construction Foreman | Hanford

  • In his 15-year career as a restoration construction foreman, equipment operator, and laborer, Frank has garnered broad technical expertise building environmental projects in diverse habitats across California from alpine meadows to outer coastal dunes.  Frank brings the real-world perspective of the specialized trade workers whom EWI aims to elevate and enhances our trainings through his practical understanding of regulatory compliance combined with his expansive knowledge of construction techniques on ecological restoration projects.

Jim Robins

Principal | Alnus Ecological

  • As a respected water resource and regulatory compliance expert, restoration practitioner, and educator Jim has the unique perspective of one involved in the complete life cycle of restoration projects – from inception through implementation. Jim brings his ability to see how providing well-crafted ecological training and building an educated ecological workforce can positively impact project outcomes and facilitate successful implementation of the State’s Cutting Green Tape Initiative.