Board of Directors
James Dodson (Chair) majored in biology as an undergraduate student in Colorado and that sparked his interest in the environment. Later he decided he could do more for his passion as a lawyer than as a scientist. He practiced law in San Diego for over twenty-three years, including ten as an environmental lawyer at Sempra Energy. For the last few years he has been active with the River Park and has served as a consultant and volunteer by conducting water quality monitoring, photographic documentation, and providing legal services.
Scott Anders is the Director of the Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC), an academic and research center of the University of San Diego (USD) School of Law that studies how energy policy issues affect the San Diego County region and California. EPIC integrates research and analysis, law school study, and public education, and provides legal and policy expertise and information about efficient and environmentally responsible solutions to our future energy needs. Scott lives in Lakeside with his wife and two children. He looks forward to the day he can take his kids to the River Park for a hike and a picnic.
Bruce April (Vice Chair) is a Deputy District Director, California Department of Transportation in his professional life and a lover of native plants and palms and cycads in his private life. Bruce brings a wealth of practical experience in restoration and planting of native species to Lakeside’s River Park. As a young man, he worked on a nearby site when it was a sand mining operation and knows a great deal about he history of the site. Bruce is an avid birder and as the father of two grown children is finding more and more time to devote to the things he loves: nature, restoration and sports.
Patricia Dintrone spent most of her career as a faculty member and adminstrator in the College of Business Administration at San Diego State University. Since her retirement she has pursued her interests in travel and the environment. Her interest in the Upper San Diego River area began in 1980's with her involvement on a citizen committee about re-zoning of the area and she is excited to see the River Park grow. In addition to her Board duties she contributes volunteer hours in the Plant Nursery group and is the Conservancy's webmaster.
Kevin Hale is regional Vice President of Gordon Prill, Inc. He has over 20 years of experience in construction project management and design. He is involved with other local civic organizations such as the Lakeside Optimist Club and the Lakeside Girl’s Softball League. He has been instrumental in fundraising for improvements to Cactus Park. He lives in Lakeside and is very interested in what the community can do for children, as he and his wife have five children ranging from 5 years to 15 years old.
Betty McMillen (Secretary) is most notably past three-term President of the Lakeside Historical Society and a member of Supervisor Jacob's Lakeside Revitalization Committee. She also is active in many community groups, including the Maine Avenue Revitalization Association (MARA) and Street Dance Association both of which she is a co-founder. She writes the "Around Lakeside" column for the East County Californian newspaper. Ms. McMillen heads the Conservancy's Heritage Park efforts.
Sandra Richardson has been an Account Executive with AFCO Credit Corporation for 5+ years and provides commercial insurance premium financing services for insurance agents in San Diego County, Arizona and Nevada. She came to the USA as an international student from Germany, graduated with a degree in Finance from Sacramento State University, and is currently enrolled in the Fundraising and Development program at UCSD to pursue her true passion. Sandra moved to the San Diego area in 2006 and has been captivated by the success of Lakeside's River Park ever since. Sandra and her husband enjoy all that San Diego has to offer: running at the beach, walking along the river, and hiking in the mountains.
Marilyn Turner, CPA (Treasurer) has rejoined the board as the current Treasurer. Marilyn has been in public accounting for over 20 years and specializes in nonprofit organizations. Marilyn has a master’s degree in accounting and an undergraduate degree is in biology. The Lakeside River Park Conservancy provides park and trails to Lakeside improving the lives of many people. Marilyn and her husband enjoy riding their horses on many of the trails in and around Lakeside.
Maryanne Vancio has more than twenty years of trails experience in San Diego County and served as a governor's appointee to the California Recreational Trails Committee for five years. Through her experience she has had numerous opportunities with design, construction and development of trail projects throughout the State. Ms. Vancio, a Lakeside resident, is currently working on the Regional Trails Master Plan for the County of San Diego, Parks and Recreation Department.