Board of Directors

Robin Stockwell’s first employment posted him outdoors, a State Beach Lifeguard North of Santa Cruz.  He’s worked outside the rest of his career.  He launched a successful succulent nursery that garnered international recognition...and then authored the definitive Sunset book on California Succulents.  An avid surfer and wilderness backpacker, Robin has run, biked, and hiked the trails of Nisene Marks for 4 decades.  He brings his dedication to the success of the Park and his experience with the public to the Advocates leadership.

Joining the Advocates board in 2023, Joe Callero “gets things done.”  He burned through 5 decades before retiring for the 2nd time.  He began hiking in Nisene Marks, partially to train for summiting California peaks of Shasta, Whitney, Langley, White Mountain, and Cone Peak.  In 2020, in an effort to better handle the grueling aspects of hiking at altitude, Joe began biking to Sandpoint 3 days week.  On his rides after stormy events, he would chainsaw downed trees off the road, repair erosion damage, liberate culverts, fix Margaret’s bridge, and fill in dangerous areas to make the road safer for bikers, hikers, and runners.  His talents match our ambition!

Jeff Thomson is the longest serving member of the Advocates Board, bringing essential continuity to an organization dedicated to the benefit of the Park for over 30 years.  A lifelong explorer and insightful historian of the park, he joined the board in 1993 and published the definitive guidebook to the Park in 1995.  Jeff knows every wrinkle of the Park, and his perspective shapes most of our decisions.

Gary Williamson comes to the Advocates board after more than 30 years of roaming the Park.  Said Gary:  "It's an amazing opportunity to be able to give back to this park that I love so much!"  After sailing 16,000 nautical ocean miles on the Atlantic & Pacific, Gary settled in to a 32 year career at West Marine.  Since retiring in 2017 he finds adventures backpacking and mountaineering in the High Sierra...or hiking in the Forest of Nisene Marks.

Maria Van Wambeke joined in 2024 and is the newest member to the board. With her, she brings 20+ years of technology, product, and business operations' excellence. In her role, she is focused on scalability and systemizing operations. Maria is an avid outdoor enthusiast and spends her leisure time traveling solo in her van Miles or backpacking throughout the country. Having grown up in a coastal redwood forest, Maria feels close to home in Nisene Marks and feels honored to give back to the forest and her community through advocacy and volunteerism. 

After 35 years on the East Coast as a Project Manager in the manufacturing, insurance and finance industries, Jim and his family pulled up roots and moved to the Santa Cruz area. Jim feels that The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is an extraordinarily special gem to be treasured and is grateful to be able to help Advocates maintain it for the enjoyment of all.

Growing up exploring Florida’s pine and oak forests and wandering its sandy beaches, John always felt most at home in nature. Over the years, he served as a lifeguard, Boy Scout, and timber marker before spending nearly four decades in the electronics industry. Now retired, he’s thrilled that time in the forest is no longer limited to vacations. John is honored to join the Advocates for Nisene Marks State Park and is proud to dedicate his time to preserving and enhancing this cherished place for everyone to enjoy.