The California Wolf Foundation (CWF) was founded in 2021. The current Board of Directors have been in service with the foundation since the beginning.
Susan Dewar (President and founder) – Susan is an ecologist based in northern California with over 25 years of experience. Susan determined there would be a need for an organization such as CWF when the first known gray wolf (OR-7) was discovered within California in 2011. She founded the organization as wolves first began to take a foothold in the state and conflicts with ranchers began occurring. Susan received a Master’s degree in ecology with an emphasis on habitat restoration from the University of California, Davis. Pictured here with Rick McIntyre in his natural habitat of Yellowstone.
Brenda Infalt (Treasurer) – Brenda is currently a Senior Vice President at a large banking institution. Brenda earned a Bachelor of Science business degree in strategic management from the California State University of Sacramento and spends her volunteer time working with CWF as the treasurer given her finance background. Brenda became involved with the foundation through her love of animals and a desire to preserve our environment for future generations.
JoAnna Lessard (Secretary) – Dr. JoAnna Lessard joined the Board of the CWF at its inception as the Board Secretary. She has a long personal and professional relationship with the founder of the CWF and was excited for the opportunity to serve in this worthy cause. She is an ecologist with over 24 years of experience working on environmental impacts from humans on mostly aquatic populations, she has a PhD in Aquatic Entomology from Michigan State University. She lives in northern California and has always had an interest in the protection of all native wildlife.
Dave Kelly (Board Member) – Dave Kelly also joined the Board at its inception, and has a long professional relationship with the founder. He has a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona. Recently retired, he was an ecologist and environmental consultant for almost 40 years in California and throughout the western U.S.
California Wolf Foundation 