About Napa Valley State
Parks Association
Napa Valley State Park’s Association (NVSPA), a charitable 501c3 fundraising and volunteer organization, is a “Cooperating Association” with California State Parks and the Napa County Regional Park & Open Space District to provide critical revenue and volunteer support to maintain operations and enhance education and interpretive programs of the three beautiful State Parks – Bothe Napa Valley State Park, the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park and Robert Louis Stevenson State Park – located in Napa Valley.
Board of Directors
Cathie Bennett Warner
President
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Cathie has called Saint Helena home for the past seven years, after spending the previous three decades in Marin County. After moving to Marin from Washington DC, she managed large scale events for four California Governors, promoting women’s issues, global climate change conferences with international leaders and electric vehicle summits. Running the CBW Group, her own PR firm for the past 15 years, she brings professional experience with event management, community outreach and development expertise to the NVSPA board. Her PR work with the early days of the Presidio Trust, work on the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of San Francisco Parks, along with an international Webby Nomination for the National AID’s Memorial World AIDS Day Summit during COVID, brought her a deep respect for the value of public parks. Cathie’s appreciation for history and community is evident in her affinity for Bale Grist Mill, a living testament to her 100 year milling family roots in Geneva, Illinois. She cherishes how the Bale Mill has continued to bring the community together for 178 years! Among the Napa State Parks, she particularly favors the History Trail which connects Bale Grist Mill with Bothe-Napa trails in much the same way we follow in the footsteps of the early pioneers who created the beginnings of Napa Valley, and experiencing the path of Native Americans who treasured this same land for centuries before them.
Bill Dyer
vice president
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Bill Dyer, the devoted Vice President of the Napa Valley State Parks Association, brings almost five decades of winemaking expertise, including a distinguished tenure at Sterling Vineyards in the ’80s and ’90s. Today, he crafts exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon at his own Dyer Vineyard on Diamond Mountain, alongside his wife, Dawnine Dyer. Bill’s commitment to the association began thirty years ago, when he and his wife moved to find jobs in the wine industry and camped out in Napa-Bothe Park for a month, while they figured out their future employment. Now both are notable vintners, and they both developed a profound love for preserving the natural beauty of Napa Valley. He sees the state parks as crucial sanctuaries, allowing people to escape, explore and connect with the unspoiled landscapes that define the region. His favorite, the Coyote Peak Trail in Bothe State Park, showcases the diverse terrains and habitats that make these parks so special. From forests to meadows, creeks to peaks, it encapsulates the rich natural tapestry Napa Valley State Parks offer.
Patricia Clarey
Treasurer
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Patricia Clarey, a native New Yorker, has resided in California for the past 30 years, living the past decade in Saint Helena. She brings us a wealth of experience in various leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. Her public sector experience includes service as Chief of Staff to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Pete Wilson, the first woman to hold both those positions and Deputy Director of the National Park Service in Washington, DC. In the private sector she held top executive positions at Transamerica and Health Net where she retired as the President of their Medi-Cal business, the largest Medi-Cal provider in the State of California. As a long-time advocate for national, state, and local parks, Pat’s involvement as Treasurer for NVSPA is a natural fit. She also serves on the Napa Open Space District Board elected from the 3rd District, the Chair of the Finance Committee at the Vine Trail Coalition and is a member of the Napa Valley Community Foundation Finance Committee. She hikes the Redwood Creek Trail with friends, appreciating its serene path along the creek and its connection to the recent refurbishment of the Napa-Bothe State Park Visitor’s Center, which she managed for NVSPA, and a future Environmental Education Center to be built on the location of the former Hitchcock/Coit family home site.
Jane Wright-Mitchell
Secretary
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Jane Wright-Mitchell is a seasoned life sciences attorney and a resident of Napa since 2008. She currently serves as Principal and General Counsel at Lecar Life Sciences, Inc. a life sciences consulting company, where she operates as fractional General Counsel to companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, medical technology and cannabis industries. Prior to that she was General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary with Vaxcyte, Inc., a vaccine development company. She currently serves on the boards of New Frontier Data, a data, analytics and technology company focusing on the global cannabis industry, Canbud Distribution Corp, a Canadian publicly listed company with a fully integrated and licensed hemp CBD operation as well as Women in Bio, an organization designed to support and promote women in the life sciences industry. She was recently appointed to the Advisory Board of RS Biotherapeutics, a pharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapeutics for patients suffering from pulmonary diseases.
Ms. Wright-Mitchell’s professional and corporate governance experience enriches the board. Jane began hiking with her family as a child and is a staunch advocate for the parks as a means of escaping the demands of daily life and immersing oneself in nature. Jane and her husband Doug continue as big hiking adventurers, having covered many of the diverse trails in Napa County. Jane holds Coyote Peak trail in high regard, finding its many inclines, beautiful views and ever-changing terrain always fascinating, even given the wildfires it has survived in recent years. Jane look forward to expanding the reach of Napa County parks to welcome new hikers at all levels to enjoy the beauty of Napa.
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Doug Cutting, a lifelong resident of Napa County, has spent most of his life in St. Helena. With a professional background in software development for Silicon Valley companies, Doug brings a unique perspective to the board. His love for hiking and biking in Napa County fuels his commitment to ensuring others can enjoy these activities as well. He holds the Oat Hill Mine trail in high esteem for its rugged path leading to the untouched wilderness.
Doug Cutting
Joanne Goldstein
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Joanne Goldstein, originally from Chicago, has called the Bay Area home since the late 80s, with a property bordering Bothe State Park since 2012. Alongside her husband, she has embarked on a journey as vintners under the Fe label. Joanne’s involvement with the Napa Valley State Parks Association is driven by a deep desire to protect and preserve the rich history of the park. Her favorite trail, the Ritchey Canyon Trail, holds special significance as it winds along the creek and passes the Historic Hitchcock Family site, offering a unique connection to the changing seasons and the park’s history.
Shane Kelly
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Shane’s connection to the Napa Valley State Parks dates back to 2007 when he first joined the park community as a pool lifeguard. Over the years, he forged meaningful connections with key individuals at the park, notably Tyler and Ranger Sandy, who inspired Shane with their deep passion for these parks and providing these recreational opportunities to everyone. After working at the park, he joined the NVSPA board in 2013.
Together with his wife, Shane leads the Two Friends Foundation, a cornerstone in supporting the park’s educational programs. He strongly believes in the importance of introducing youth to nature and educating them about its significance. Growing up in Oakland, Shane recognizes the value of nature and the need to escape urban life. He is thrilled to see families come out to the park, enjoy camping, and learn about nature even if it’s just for a night. Shane’s infectious love for parks and nature is evident in his conviction that everyone should experience the sheer joy of connecting with the outdoors. Shane’s remarkable dedication to park development continues to make a lasting impact on the community, making him a driving force behind NVSPAs mission to support the growth and enrichment of these parks.
Mark Oppenheim
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Mark Oppenheim works for nonprofit boards and chief executives, and leads one of the nation's premier executive search firms dedicated solely to strengthening nonprofits. After senior roles with the Child Welfare Administration of New York City, Ernst & Young in New York, Price Waterhouse in Europe, and Oracle Corporation in San Francisco, Mark founded m/Oppenheim Executive Search, eventually moved to Calistoga in Napa County, and joined the Napa Valley State Parks Association in 2023 to support the Board's efforts to bring the region's visitors and residents into closer dialogue with this part of America's history. An avid reader, one of Mark's favorite authors is Robert Louis Stevenson who honeymooned at an abandoned mining camp in the midst of one of our parks - Robert Louis Stevenson State Park - and wrote the book Silverado Squatters about the experience. The Napa County of 1880 described by Stevenson describes is still recognizable today, with stories of the Jacob Schram Founder of Schramsberg Winery, Calistoga's Hot Springs, Mount St Helena and various characters of the time.
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Michael Pratt, a resident of Napa since 2011, brings a wealth of educational expertise and a deep passion for history to the Napa Valley State Parks Association. As an accomplished educator, Michael has served as the Head of School in two independent institutions, leveraging his background in history to contribute to the academic realm. His dedication to sharing knowledge is evident through extensive public speaking engagements on a range of historical and educational topics, as well as the publication of numerous articles and a book.
Beyond the classroom, Michael is a fervent advocate for public access to outdoor experiences and the preservation of historically significant sites and resources. His commitment aligns seamlessly with the mission of the association. Michael holds a special affinity for Bale Grist Mill, considering it one of the most valuable historical resources in the county. His profound appreciation for the intersection of history and nature makes him a valuable asset to the Napa Valley State Parks Association in preserving these parks for future generations.
Michael Pratt
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Ahren Trumble grew up in Napa Valley and has maintained a deep connection to the area for 43 years. As a local business owner of the "outdoor store", Sportago in St. Helena since 2013, Ahren brings a unique perspective to the board with his close connection to outdoor recreation, local active pursuits and merchandise sales. His personal connection to Bothe State Park, where he’s camped over 500 times, makes it a place of special significance. Ahren holds Coyote Peak in high regard for its challenging yet rewarding ascent, as well as climbing on Bubble Rock in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, where he learned to climb as a kid.
Ahren Trumble
Tom Koch
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Tom Koch, has been splitting his time between Calistoga and Laguna Beach for the last 13 years. He brings a wealth of experience in retained executive search and HR leadership to the board. With a career spanning two decades in executive search, Tom’s expertise in optimizing experiences aligns with the mission of the association. Over the years Tom has come to cherish North Richey for its extensive trail that leads deep into the heart of the park, offering a true escape from daily challenges. He’s hiked Bothe and Oat Hill Mine Trail hundreds of times and has enjoyed introducing the park to scores of friends. “Our parks are a great resource and escape from life’s challenges and work; they should be shared, and they need our support to optimize their use and experiences.”
Brad White
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Brad is a highly experienced retail operations leader based in Napa, California. With his extensive background overseeing multimillion-dollar businesses and leading store openings across the United States, he has developed a wealth of knowledge in operations analysis, financial management, and cross-functional teamwork. Additionally, Brad’s passion for supporting and improving community resources is evident through his role as a board member of the Napa Valley State Parks Association. He is committed to the organization’s mission and success, and his insights have been invaluable in helping these parks work towards a more self-sustaining existence.
Chris ‘Howdy’ Fowler
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Chris “Howdy” Fowler, a board member with a diverse background, has a strong connection to St. Helena, where he grew up, and returned with his family in 2018 after living 18 years in Truckee. His professional journey spans various roles, including professional ski instructor & rock climbing and backpacking guide, licensed real estate agent, owning a high-end German auto repair shop in Truckee, and continuing as the second-generation custom picture framer for a shop his father started in 1977 in St. Helena. Chris’s involvement with the Napa Valley State Parks Association is driven by his desire to nurture the growth and preservation of the three often overlooked parks in the valley, ensuring that everyone, including his own family, can continue to enjoy these special spaces. He holds Table Rock in high regard, captivated by its awe-inspiring rocks and breathtaking vistas. One day, he hopes to ski Mount Saint Helena and check that one off his bucket list.
Kay Vang
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Kay Vang has resided in California for over 45 years, living the past five years in Napa. She has over 25 years of experience in public education and is currently the Chief Business Official for St. Helena Unified School District. Kay enjoys spending time outdoors with families and friends, exploring new hiking trails in state parks. Growing up, she spent many weekends hiking in different places throughout northern California. As an educator, Kay understands the education that parks such as the Bale Grist Mill can offer students. She is committed to helping students have access to the Napa Valley State Parks as part of their learning.
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Originally from Wisconsin, Kerry Brackett began her career in Health and Wellness with a degree in Nutrition and worked her way into Spa Management, where she stayed for 27 years. Locally she has worked at both Meadowood Napa Valley and Health Spa Napa Valley since 1997. During this time, she also became a fitness instructor, personal trainer, massage therapist and health coach. Although always loving the outdoors, when everything shut down during Covid, Kerry began a hiking program with her students and clients. That is where she became familiar with all the wonderful hiking trails we have here in the Napa Valley. Her favorite trail at Bothe is the Coyote Peak Trail – it offers a great climb for a workout, some beautiful views and walk through thick and beautiful redwoods. In 2024, Kerry was asked to join the board of the Napa Valley State Parks to develop community-based hiking and fitness programs. She is currently offering Eco Fitness at Bothe Napa Valley State Park, the second Saturday of each month. This class combines hiking with other exercises (such as squats, core and balance work) and ends with a full body stretch making for a great overall workout. A volunteer at Rianda House Senior Center, Kerry is bringing a group out once a month for a lovely 90-minute hike in the forest.
Kerry Brackett
Julie Johnson
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Julie Johnson is the winemaker and owner of Tres Sabores, a winery nestled into the western Rutherford bench land of the Napa Valley. Passionate about food, wine, and the land, for the last 37 years Julie has lived on her certified organic farm, growing wine grapes (Cabernet, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah), pomegranates, lemons and olives, and raising her children --not to mention Golden Retrievers, Guinea Hens, and sheep!
A native of California, Julie graduated from Columbia University with a B.S.N., P.H.N. after receiving a B.A. from Bowdoin College. Relocating to the Napa Valley in 1980, she practiced nursing even as she founded Frog’s Leap Winery in 1981 (with her first husband, John Williams and partner, Larry Turley) serving as Director of Hospitality, Sales, and Marketing. In 1990 she joined with Michaela Rodeno, former CEO at St. Supery Winery, and founded “Women for Wine Sense, a national organization whose “vision is to support the appreciation for and responsible consumption of wine”.
Julie started Tres Sabores in 1999, a single-vineyard estate winery, and soon began making her own wine from the heritage Zinfandel growing right outside her front door. Together, Julie and her husband, Jon Engelskirger, produce not only classic varietals but fascinating ‘studio wines’ from appellations outside of the Napa Valley.
Julie speaks and participates in seminars on the subjects of Women in Wine and Regenerative Farming for a variety of clients and at educational venues around the country. Recently, she has been a featured panelist at the World Climate Research Program, AGU Conference, Napa Green’s Thrive Conference, ZAP flights program, and works with chefs around the country to do Tres Sabores Winemaker dinners and events. She is currently active in C.C.O.F (California Certified Organic Farms), Wild Farm Alliance, Napa Green, Slow Food Wines, the Napa Vintners and Grape Growers, Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (ZAP), and the Rutherford Dust Society. At the end of the day, she sleeps best if she feels that she has been a thoughtful and energetic steward of the land and has enjoyed a good glass of wine with friends and family!
