The Board of Directors is a diverse group of volunteers active in the community and champions for parks and recreation throughout San Diego County. They give their time, talent, and treasure to advance our mission, realize our vision, and enhance the quality of life in San Diego County.
President: Christine Stontz, NV5
Christine is from Southern California and is thrilled to support her local San Diego communities. A certified arborist and UC Berkely alum, Christine has worked in environmental management and outdoor education for over 10 years. When she isn’t enjoying the social dance scene, she is exploring the wealth of hiking trails that San Diego has to offer. For lovers of open space, Christine suggests the Santa Ysabel Preserve; for an immersive display of biodiversity, the San Diego Botanic Garden is a must.
Vice President: Ben Ritter, Jack Henry & Associates
Ben was born in San Diego and grew up in East County. He earned his BA in English from UC Irvine with a minor in film studies. Ben is a technical writing manager, an Eagle Scout, and a board game enthusiast. His favorite park memory is celebrating Easter with his extended family in Louis A. Stelzer County Park.
Treasurer-Secretary: Hewson Shepherd, TRC Companies, Inc.
Hewson Shepherd grew up in California exploring the outdoors. She received her bachelor’s in Environmental Analysis and Policy from Boston University and participated in The School for Field Studies and Sea Semester. Hewson has been studying and working in the environmental sector and project management for over 10 years. Hewson gained her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and a Board Certification from the Nonprofit Institute and The University of San Diego. Hewson loves attending outreach events, meeting new people, and talking about San Diego County parks! In her free time, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, walking her dogs, sailing, and gardening. She recommends Los Peñasquitos Canyon County Preserve.
Lan Nguyen
Lan has called San Diego home for over 10 years, where a love for the outdoors and a passion for supporting the community have shaped both her personal and professional life. With a background in accounting, Lan has spent years helping non-profits stay compliant and ensure financial transparency. She is deeply committed to using her skills to help organizations thrive while contributing to their positive impact on local communities. When she’s not working, Lan can often be found hiking the beautiful trails of San Diego, a region she admires for its scenic parks and natural spaces. As a firm believer in the power of open spaces for recreation and well-being, she is especially fond of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for its stunning coastal views.
Tasha Ardalan, San Diego County Farm Bureau
Biography is coming soon.
VACANT. We need you!
Are you interested in joining the San Diego County Parks Society Board of Directors to help enhance the quality of life in San Diego County by supporting exceptional parks and recreation experiences and preserving significant natural resources? Please send a cover letter and resume to us at info@sdcps.org.
SDCPS Staff and County of San Diego Representatives
The following individuals are employed or contracted by the San Diego County Parks Society or are representatives from the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation and are not voting members of the Board of Directors.
Davis Aspiras, General Manager
David is a long-time resident of San Diego. A San Diego State University graduate, David has been involved with the Parks Society for the past several years. David recommends the three-mile trail at Rohr Park.
Brian Albright, Dept. of Parks and Recreation Director
Brian is the Director of the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Previously, he was Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Carlsbad, Assistant Director for DPR, and Chief of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities for the City of Alexandria, Virginia. He is also a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Park Association. Brian oversees more than 200 staff who survey, design, build, maintain, and protect some 56,000 acres of land bearing 23 regional parks and over 380 miles of trails. Under his guidance and through the efforts of his leadership team, Brian is responsible for hundreds of specialized programs for kids, teens, adults, and seniors, along with a robust Experience the Outdoors program that focuses on awareness, accessibility, equity, and inclusion in park offerings.
Tony Richardson, Dept. of Parks and Recreation Liaison
Tony joined the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation as the Coordinator, Volunteer and Public Services overseeing the Volunteer Services Program in October 2022. He has a wealth of experience in volunteer leadership and intern administration, nonprofit management, and community engagement, working for such agencies as Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District, Riverside County Fire Department Office of Emergency Services, United Way, the American Red Cross, and is an alumnus of the AmeriCorps program. He serves as the Marketing and Technology Chair of the National Association of Volunteer Programs in Local Government (NAVPLG) board of directors and is a Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA). He previously served on the board of directors for the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE). Tony is an avid community volunteer and enjoys hiking, camping, museums, music, and art. His favorite Department of Parks and Recreation locations include Los Peñasquitos County Preserve Ranch House, William Heise County Park, and Agua Caliente County Park.