Board of Directors and Officers
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Eric M. Welsh, Founder - President and CEO - Board Chair
Born and raised in Northern Arizona, Eric has always been fascinated with the beauty and intrigue offered through National Forests and Public Lands. His interest in Geology grew after taking an introductory class at Yavapai College while working on AA in Business Administration this inspired him to continue his education and enroll in the Geology Program at Northern Arizona University where he earned a BS in Geology. Upon graduating from NAU, he formed a consulting agency and began working as a geologic consultant with individuals and small companies looking to claim mineral rights or expand operations on existing claims by completing basic survey, mapping, and safety assessments on a contractual basis. After working with small miners in the Nevada desert, he was awarded a GeoCorps Internship with the BLM which lead to his being contracted as a liaison with the Bureau of Land Management in the Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program in New Mexico assisting in their inventory and remediation project work as a geologic consultant. It is through this experience that Eric decided to change his consulting agency into a non-profit organization benefiting geoscience students struggling to find jobs due to lack of experience or contacts within the industry. It is Eric's dream to create an environment through GEM's programming where students can apply the knowledge they have acquired in school to the practical industry applications used by many leading geologic and mining companies before they graduate, giving those students a higher chance at landing a job in their area of study, post graduation. Contact him at [email protected] |
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Ashley McDonough, Vice President - Executive Director
Ashley is a native Arizonan and has resided in the Northern Arizona area for over a decade. Graduating from the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School, she then went on to study physical and speech therapy at Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University. Throughout Ashley's decade-plus experience in hospitality management she cultivated a passion for leading and helping others, as well as improving upon systems and teams from the inside out. She created a Healthy Habits program for Prescott Unified School District, as well as enjoys tutoring, crocheting, and playing/teaching piano whenever possible. Contact her at: [email protected] |
Boards Members
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Mona L. Welsh, Board Member and Treasurer
Mona Welsh has lived in Prescott with her husband Gary for over 30 years where they raised two children. Her mission with the organization is to help develop and raise awareness for the scholarship program which will enable STEM students to help in funding their college education costs. She is enthusiastic about getting the community involved in fundraising. Throughout her life, Mona has worked with several nonprofit organizations in the Prescott Community where she has served as a board member for the YMCA to build a new pool and fitness center, as a board member on the Diamond Valley Water District special committee, and as a secretary for our local chapter of ABATE. Aside from work, Mona loves traveling in her motor-home with her husband where they visit National Parks and attend the Ranger programs. She believes that educational opportunities provided by programs such as the National Parks Ranger Program provide enjoyment, education and inspiration; all of which she hopes to foster in her continued work with G.E.M. Environmental. During her time off, she hopes to visit every National Park in the United States. Contact her at: [email protected] |
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Alejandro "Chino" Martinez, Board Member and Diversity Officer
As a native Arizonian, Chino has always felt a certain responsibility and commitment towards the community that raised him. This sense of responsibility inspired him to begin taking psychology classes at Yavapai College. While attending his first semester, Chino quickly developed a deep passion for charitable work. He fell in love with the rewarding feeling gained through nonprofit work while attending community college. This resolve stuck with him through the rest of his collegiate years, leading him to complete a Bachelors in Social Work at Northern Arizona University. After 5 years working with several different behavioral health nonprofit companies, Chino decided to continue his dream and further his education. Now working towards a MS in Professional Counseling, Chino hopes to continue his support for our local community and is happy spending his days keeping Arizona and Prescott an amazing place to live, one program at a time. Contact him at: [email protected] |
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Wayman Trujillo, Board Member
Wayman was born and raised in the outdoors of Prescott Az. He went to Prescott High School and after graduation, attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University. As a rodeo scholarship recipient, Wayman was part of the OPSU Rodeo Team. He graduated in 2015 with a BA in social studies/ political science. Wayman’s goal was to attend law school and pursue a joint law degree and masters in land conservation, however, his love for being outside lead him to work as a wild land firefighter, cowboy, hunting guide and river guide. In these pursuits, he has witnessed firsthand the importance of STEM education, from fire ecologists to hydrology engineers. His favorite hobbies include team roping, mountain biking and kayaking. Wayman enjoys spending time with his family and passing on his love of nature to his young son. Contact him at: [email protected] |
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Kayla Stazenski - Board Member at Large
A 6th generation Prescottonian, and Prescott area Realtor with Reality Executives, Kayla holds a deep connection with the community and contributes to the success of multiple nonprofits in the Greater Prescott Area, including the Arizona Crisis Team (ACT), the Prescott Association of Realtors (PAR), The Launch Pad, and G.E.M. Environmental NFP. When asked where she sees herself in 10 years, Kayla responded "Real Estate is all I've ever done, while I continuously work on expanding my business, I also focus on helping my fellow Realtors grow and succeed in their businesses as well. I just can't imagine doing anything I would love more with my time". Contact Kayla at: [email protected] |
