Strong stewardship requires both continuity and renewal. As we enter a new chapter, we extend deep gratitude to three extraordinary board members who concluded their service in 2025 after nine years each of dedicated leadership: Joann Selleck, Diane Ailor, and Bob Wohl.
Serving nine years on a working board is no small commitment. Joann, Diane, and Bob have each contributed steady governance, strategic guidance, and hands-on support during a period of significant growth and challenge for the Conservancy.
Joann Selleck, an accomplished attorney, consistently brought sharp analysis and the right questions at the right time, helping keep our board and committees focused, accountable, and strategically aligned. Diane Ailor, a longtime member of the Membership and Philanthropy Committee, strengthened our culture of generosity and was always ready to step in wherever support was needed. Bob Wohl, a former ranger who lived in the historic Fleming House with their family in the 1980s, offered invaluable on-the-ground perspective rooted in lived experience inside the Reserve.
Their tenure included navigating operational transitions, strengthening partnerships, expanding fundraising capacity, and deepening our collaboration with California State Parks. Most importantly, they have helped safeguard the long-term vitality of the Reserve we all cherish.
We are profoundly grateful for their service and the lasting foundation they leave behind.
Welcoming New Board Members
At the same time, we are energized to welcome three new leaders added in late 2024 and 2025 to the board: Blake Beers, Gabriele Wienhausen, and Molly McClain.
Blake Beers has already made a meaningful impact through service on the Membership and Executive Committees, and her focus on community engagement is helping us strengthen and grow our base of supporters. With deep institutional knowledge of the Reserve and a strong connection to the Docent community, Gabriele Wienhausen’s experience, education, and insight are truly invaluable as we continue to protect the ecological integrity of this rare coastal landscape and build partnerships designed to sustain the Reserve for generations. Molly McClain, our newest member, contributes a historically grounded perspective on La Jolla and the broader region, and her understanding of place, legacy, and civic identity enriches our strategic conversations and ensures our work remains rooted in context.
We are grateful for the expertise and passion each of them brings to the table.
What We Look for in Board Leadership
As a lean nonprofit operating in close partnership with State Parks, we are intentional about board composition. We seek individuals who:
Deeply love Torrey Pines — its rare ecosystem, dramatic coastline, and enduring public value.
Bring a skill set that strengthens our capacity — whether in finance, law, fundraising, communications, governance, science, or community building.
Are committed to cultivating a broad community of stewards — people willing to invest time, talent, and resources to ensure this place thrives for generations to come.
Board service at the Conservancy is active, engaged, and mission-driven. It requires both heart and rigor.
Transitions are a healthy sign of institutional resilience. With gratitude for those who have served and enthusiasm for those stepping forward, we remain focused on our core responsibility: stewarding Torrey Pines with integrity, vision, and care for the future.