Staff
The Coalition employs a full-time Executive Director, a part-time Program Associate, and a part-time Administrative Associate. In addition, several member organizations have staff members who dedicate their time to Coalition work, and many individuals from the community at-large donate their time and energy to make the numerous and ambitious projects of the Coalition possible.
Executive Director
Carolyn graduated from Arizona State University in 1982 with a B.S. in Political Science. She worked as a Congressional Aide to Rep. Morris K. Udall in his Phoenix office from 1984-1990. In 1990, she relocated to Tucson to work with a new political education organization founded by Richard Kimball and former U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, now called Project VoteSmart based in Philipsburg, Montana.
From January 1994 until December 1997, Carolyn worked as a Council Aide for Tucson City Councilmember Molly McKasson, working with constituent services as well as environmental and economic development issues.
Carolyn helped found the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, for which she was hired as Executive Director in February 1998.
Her other activities include:
- Former Board Member, Arizona League of Conservation Voters Education Fund;
- Member of Pima Association of Governments Regional Task Force for Long Range Transportation Plan;
- Steering Committee Member for the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan and both the Town of Marana's and City of Tucson's Habitat Conservation Plans;
- Vice-Chair of Pima County Bond Advisory Committee.
- Member of the Regional Transportation Authority Citizens' Advisory Committee
- Member of the City of Tucson Resource Planning Advisory Committee
- Member of the Regional Transportation Authority Wildlife Linkages Sub-committee
Carolyn was also a former national board member of the Center for Voting and Democracy, the former Chair of Community Advisory Board for KXCI-FM Community Radio. She founded the Arizona Green Party, and served as State Green Party Chair from 1991-1998. In 1992, Carolyn was an Arizona Legislative Candidate.
Kathleen Kennedy, kathleen DOT kennedy AT sonorandesert DOT org
Program Associate
Kathleen started working for the Coalition in 2007 and has called Arizona home since 1996. She graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2000 with a B.S. in Geology and from the University of Montana in 2005 with a M.S. in Environmental Studies. Before joining the Coalition, she worked for the Town of Marana as an Environmental Projects Coordinator where she was in charge of the Town’s Habitat Conservation Plan efforts, among other projects.
At the Coalition, Kathleen works on a variety of projects, including almost all of the Coalition's comment letters and written documents. She serves on the RTA Wildlife Linkages Technical Group and is an alternate for various other advisory committees.
Kathleen has worked as a Hydrologic Technician for the USDA-ARS Southwest Watershed Research Center. She conducted original research on glacial geochemistry and geomorphology at NAU, and on public participation in the privatization of U.S. water utilities as a graduate student. She is a mom to two boys, Liam and Isaac.
Gabe Wigtil, gabe DOT wigtil AT sonorandesert DOT org
Administrative Associate
Gabe joined the Coalition staff in February 2010. He graduated from the University of Arizona in May 2008 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. After graduation, he volunteered as a researcher for an environmental policy group in Brighton, England. At the Coalition office, he handles all the administrative tasks while also working on specific projects.
Growing up in Tucson, Gabe learned to love the Sonoran Desert on hiking and camping trips. He is a coach for the UofA Women's Ultimate team.
Isaac Kennedy, Office Baby
Isaac joined the Coalition in January 2010 at the age of three months. He helps his mom out at the office and naps at home while his mom works. He is currently learning how to hold on to objects, roll over, and strengthen his core muscles.
Liam at 6 months Liam at 1 1/2 years
Liam at 2 years, 2 months Liam at 2 years, 9 months
Liam Kennedy, Office Kid
Liam is the second youngest member of the Coalition team. A part-time staff member from October 2007-February 2008, Liam now comes in for occasional visits. His interests include reading; learning his numbers and letters; going hiking; learning about various desert animals and plants; enjoying the Arizona sunshine at the playground; swimming; and being an awesome big brother to baby Isaac.
Page last modified: February 26, 2010 at 04:20 PM