Bob Wayne joined the board in 2008. He is a professor at UCLA where he holds joint positions in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Institute of the Environment. He directs a research program with a strong focus on conservation and as a resident of the Cold Creek area, is familiar with local issues. He has been involved with research projects at Stunt Ranch and throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. At UCLA he teaches conservation biology and is editor of a leading journal in the field.
Steve Hess was born and raised in the Santa Monica Mountains earning a Mechanical Engineering Degree from California State University Northridge in 1985. He began his Engineering career in Aerospace Optics and later held several management positions at a local Semiconductor company. As a Santa Monica Mountains native Steve became interested in conservation and land use issues early on and continues with those interests today. He is proud to be a former 3-term President of the Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation and to presently serve on the Save Open Space Board of Directors. He joined the Mountains Restoration Trust as a Board Member in 2008. Steve brings management experience and an understanding of highly technical issues and to all the efforts he is involved in. Steve and his wife Patricia have two children and continue to live in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Nancy Helsley, as president of the Cold Creek Docents who operate the Trust's education program at the UCLA Stunt Ranch Reserve, joined the board in 1993. As a charter member of the Cold Creek Docents in 1978, Nancy worked to develop the docent program that received the Take Pride in California award and the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award in 1992. Nancy has been an activist in the Santa Monica Mountains since the 1960's and a life-long teacher of ecology, archeology, the environment and the cultural history of the Chumash. She is a director of the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains, past board member and president of the Cold Creek Community Council. Nancy taught in the L.A. Unified School District, managed a YMCA summer camp and participated in numerous outdoor education programs. She was the co-chair of the Trust's Celebrity Auction which netted over $85,000.
David Frith-Smith joined the board in 1995. A native southern-Californian, he now lives in the Santa Monica Mountains where he had been participating in various forms of the mountains’ activities. David brings his work skills as a CPA to the board at a time of dwindling public funds that have traditionally supported the non-profit sector. David is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for three companies that report to the Securities Exchange Commission and the FDIC. Currently, David is a Principal at Frith-Smith & Archibald, CPA’s in Tarzana.
Marika Erdely is the newest member of the board, joining in 2009. A resident of the Santa Monica Mountains and active volunteer for MRT for many years, Marika’s background includes positions of Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for New Millennium Homes, Director of Operations and Director of Finance for Xavient Technologies, as well as Director of Finance for Tandon Corporation. She brings her business experience and love of the natural environment to her position on the Board. Duties: Fundraising Committee and corporate outreach.