Board of Directors

Directors Duties

PRESIDENT

Carry out the day-to-day business in accordance with the By-Laws, and act in the best interest of the corporation by:

Oversee and delegate, along with assist and advise other Officers on the Board;
Serve as TRVEA representative at official functions attended; and
Conduct monthly BOD meetings;
Schedule and oversee two membership meetings annually; and
Attend meetings for TRVEA related issues to promote equestrian presence in the valley.

Vice-President

Carry out the day-to-day business in accordance with the By-Laws, and act in the best interest of the corporation by:

Assisting the President; and
Carrying out Presidential duties when the President is unavailable, such as conducting meetings of the Board of Directors.

Secretary

Carry out the day-to-day business in accordance with the By-Laws, and act in the best interest of the corporation by:

Prepare the BOD Meeting Agenda one week before each meeting;
Attend and take minutes at all TRVEA meetings;
Write minutes and email them to BOD within one week of each official meeting for amending or approval;
Keep current record of minutes and agendas (both hard copy and digital) to be turned over to the BOD upon leaving office; and
Mail welcome packets to new members each year.

Treasurer

Carry out the day-to-day business in accordance with the By-Laws, and act in the best interest of the corporation by:

Maintain timely financial records;
Perform banking activities;
Receive payments, donations, and assets;
Disburse invoices and payments;
Maintain & monitor operational cash activities such as cash boxes used by the Association;
Report and file tax and reporting obligations to government agencies;
Monitor and analyze the financial health of the corporation; and
Report financial activities and analysis to the Board of Directors.

EVENT Coordinator

Carry out the day-to-day business in accordance with the By-Laws, and act in the best interest of the corporation by:

Coordinate or assist with events as needed.

MEMBERSHIP OFFICER

Carry out the day-to-day business of membership enrollment and recruitment in accordance with the By-Laws, and act in the best interest of the Association by:

Maintain current membership applications in appropriate formats;
Receive membership applications from prospective members;
Ensure new member applications are correctly completed;
Enter completed member applications into designated membership listings and insurance reporting forms in a timely manner;
Report each month new member information to appropriate insurance agencies;
Act to reasonably preserve privacy of member information; and
Give membership reports to requesting officers and report membership totals at BOD meetings.

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Carry out the day-to-day business in accordance with the By-Laws, and act in the best interest of the corporation by:

Assist Events Coordinators as needed.

Meet the Board of Directors

Interested in becoming a TRVEA Director? Email us for more information!

President

Mary Johnson Powell

I’ve been “horse crazy” since childhood when I met soft-nosed plow horses in Chula Vista tomato fields. I read all the horsey library books, took riding lessons at Bradley’s and taught myself to draw horses. As a
teen, we moved to Lakeside and bought a horse plus I won a young Morgan in a 4-H essay contest.

After college I set horses aside to start and run a business making puppets for national sales. 25 years in, foreign imports ended that…so I
bought a horse. And another….and another... until the purchase of a stallion necessitated my moving the herd to Suncoast Farms in the TRV. I’m interested in preserving equestrian trails and cleaning up the TRV.

I’ve serve on the Citizen’s Forum of US-IBWC and the Steering Committee of the Tijuana River Valley Recovery Team.

Vice President

Rachel Myers

When I retired, I wanted to reconnect with my childhood passions—horses and art. A friend introduced me to the Tijuana River Valley, and I’ve found a home here ever since.

I appreciate the openness and generosity of the people I’ve met here, the pleasure of being around horses, and the beauty of the valley.

I’ve also become all too aware of the ecological devastation that plagues the TRV and the political complexity of finding and implementing solutions. TRVEA has given me a way to learn and grow by being part of a wonderful equestrian community and doing my small part to preserve the watershed and advocate for open spaces for horses, wildlife, and all who love the valley.

Treasurer & Membership

John Gabaldon

I fell in love with the Tijuana River Valley in 1996 when my wife returned to riding horses. And then I fell in love with horsemanship, trail riding, and the Peruvian breed.

I joined TRVEA in 2002 and became a Valley activist.

Now through horses and TRVEA, I work with terrific people throughout the horse community, and serve on TRVEA's Board of Directors and in officer positions.

Executive Secretary

Lynn Reizer-Heftmann

My life with horses started in 2016 with riding lessons. One thing led to another and three years later my beautiful smart mare
came into my life. She's been very patient with me, and together we enjoy the varied experiences of the TRV. Everything, that is,
except the scary ocean!

Event Coordinator & Facebook Manager

Mary Christensen

I have always loved horses and rode whenever I had the opportunity. I bought my first horse in 2002, a 2-year-old grey paint mare. I still own her and my sweet old gelding. I enjoy riding the many miles of trails in the Tijuana River Valley, riding with other equestrian groups, and camping with my horses.

I have previously served on TRVEA’s BOD for over ten years, mainly organizing special events. I have helped organize Western Day for underserved children and their families. I truly enjoy teaching, learning, and getting kids connected with horses. Life is good, but better with horses!

Event Coordinator

Samantha Tunks

I started volunteering in the Tijuana River Valley at 13 with my mom, who served as TRNERR’s volunteer coordinator and led the Shorebird Stewards program at the time. Through cleanups, events, and volunteer days, the valley quickly earned its place in my heart.

At 15, I joined my high school’s Equestrian Club, joined TRVEA, started volunteering for local equine rescues and therapy programs, and connected with trainers and boarders in the area.

Over 10 years later, I'm still volunteering every chance I get and looking forward to my 4th year on TRVEA’s board of directors! The TRV is very dear to me. I'm grateful I can play a role in a community that's offered me so much joy and fulfillment. I am passionate about preserving its integrity so we all may continue to enjoy horses in harmony with habitat.

Trails Reporter

Kay McCauley

I have loved horses since before I even knew how to say “horse”. My father was in the military so having a horse of my own was only a dream.

When I was 14, we moved to San Diego and I saved babysitting money to rent a horse at Dairy Mart Stables. We rode to the beach along Monument Road.

I finally realized my dream of horse ownership at 30, starting with a nine-month old gelding named T.C. We both developed our horse-human communication skills.

Many wet saddle blankets and miles in the saddle later, we became inseparable. I learned so much from him and continue to learn from
every horse I interact with.

I’ve had a lot of experience hauling horses and other livestock since the 2003 wildfires. I currently have two horses, enjoy riding regularly in the TRV and volunteering for many horse and trail activities. Hope to see you all out on the trail!

Instagram Manager

Camelia Tzadok

My love for horses and horseback riding started when I was eight during a summer camp. Since then I’ve had the privilege of getting to do different riding styles ranging from endurance riding to show jumping.

I moved my horse to the TRV three years ago, joined TRVEA, and have had so much fun meeting the wonderful people and their wonderful horses. Trail riding around the valley is mine (and my horse’s) favorite thing to do! I am very passionate about the environment and animal welfare and am so excited to serve on the Board of Directors!

Member At-Large

Alisa Van Ginkel

Bio coming soon!

Non-Board Volunteer Positions

Website Manager

Chardae Jones Khimchenko

Inheriting the love of horses from both her mother and her aunt, Chardae joined the United States Pony Club at the age 9 and has since dabbled in a variety of disciplines; from western pleasure to team penning to foxhunting and hunter/jumper.

While attending the University of California, Davis, she participated on and served as the President of the 3-Day Event Team. Today, she enjoys trail riding around the TRV with Indominus Rex, her much-beloved Holsteiner.

Chardae joined TRVEA in January 2019 and manages the website.