The Board of Friends of Snow Canyon is a dedicated group of local residents who care about the park and want to help preserve, protect, and support it. Members serve two-year terms and can be reappointed for future terms. If you have an interest in serving on the board, please contact us at friendsofsnowcanyon@gmail.com or make your interest known to a current board member.

Kristen Comella – Park Manager and Jordan Perez – Assistant Park Manager- serve as nonvoting members. At least one of the park managers attends each meeting.

Board meetings are open to the public.

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

George Otott
President

George Otott - retired to Ivins from Southern California with his wife Denise in 2017 following a career in geology, engineering, and management.  Over the years they passed through southwestern Utah many times with their children to camp in National Parks and wilderness areas throughout the western U.S.  In retirement they enjoy jeeping and hiking in the spectacular color country, canyonlands and mountains of Utah which lies in the geological province known as the Colorado Plateau. George’s passion is studying the region’s geological history and rock formations, including the Navajo Sandstone splendidly showcased in Snow Canyon State Park.

 

Jim Bily
Secretary
Jim Bily – After a 40 year career managing commercial insurance company operations, Jim retired in 2013 and moved to the St. George area 3 years later. Since 1980, Jim and his family vacationed often in Zion and Southern Utah and always felt greater peace when visiting these special areas. Upon arrival in St. George, two of the first things he did was to volunteer as a trail steward for both Snow Canyon and Zion parks. Jim is an avid hiker, hitting the trails most days. He has served on the Boards of several other non-profits and hopes to use that experience, his business sense and his passion for the outdoors to help FOSC complete its mission.
Linda Neff
Treasurer

Linda Neff - was hooked on Southern Utah after her first trip to the area over 15 years ago and was ecstatic to finally make the permanent move from Chicago to Ivins in 2012. She enjoys hiking, motorcycle riding, playing pickleball and waking up daily to our beautiful red mountains. Having worked the last 10 years prior to retirement in non-profit administration she is happy to use her skills in any way she can to preserve the beauty of this special place called Snow Canyon.

Dick Coe
Past President
Dick Coe – Left the US Ski Team and snowy Park City for the stunning beauty of Southern Utah. My wife, Susie, and I are avid outdoors enthusiasts and Snow Canyon State Park provides endless hikes and vistas for us to enjoy. I joined the Trail Stewards program and spend as much time as I can assisting our “guests” and making sure the Park retains its pristine beauty. My recent background in non-profits and fundraising should help provide additional opportunities to the Friends.
Lori Capshaw

Lori Capshaw - was drawn to Snow Canyon after years of cycling and hiking through the park in anticipation of Ironman Triathlon races. After pursuing careers in event management, recruitment and most recently personal training, Lori settled in Ivins in view of Snow Canyon State Park. Having lived on Mount Tamalpais in the San Francisco Bay Area for the last 20 years, she has experienced the effect of explosive growth on national and state parks and is delighted to have the opportunity to work with others to preserve, protect and support Snow Canyon State Park.

Dean Cavaletto

Following careers in environmental remediation, energy conservation, telecommunications, and energy resource development spanning the intermountain west, the United Kingdom and the Middle East, Dean and his wife Helen were drawn to the diverse landscapes and outdoor activities readily accessible at the convergence of the Great Basin, Mojave Desert and Colorado Plateau.  They enjoy exploring the region’s many canyon and mountain routes, and absorbing its rich history.  As a lifelong outdoorsman, Dean turned his enthusiasm and energies toward conservation and preservation of the fragile natural habitats and resources of Snow Canyon State Park. 

Ellen Nathan

Ellen Nathan - came upon the beauty of Snow Canyon State Park in August 1995 while looking for land in Ivins. Many days were spent walking the trails of Snow Canyon State Park. Ellen found that she was continually amazed at the different features that the park has to offer. Ellen's professional background in management is an asset to the board at Friends of Snow Canyon and she can think of no better place to volunteer.

Barry Neff
Barry Neff - moved to Ivins, UT with his wife Linda from the Chicago area. Having visited the area many times they settled here permanently in 2012. They enjoy motorcycle riding while enjoying the wonderful roads and scenery of the southwest.  When close to home they enjoy hiking  the beautiful trails of Snow Canyon. With a background in IT management, data collection and insurance, Barry brings a welcome skill set to the board. He is already a "Friend" of Snow Canyon.
Sandy Nelson
Sandy Nelson - After working for a large nonprofit assisting other nonprofits for many years in Sonoma County, CA, Sandy is pleased to serve as a volunteer board member for Friends of Snow Canyon.  Always an outdoor person with a love of nature, she enjoys helping Friends in all respects as we endeavor to protect and preserve the park for generations to come.
Alan Risenhoover

Building on three decades devoted to conserving and managing the Nation’s living marine resources, Alan is committed to helping ensure a bright future for Snow Canyon State Park. He has always been fascinated by the outdoors - from catching minnows as a kid in Colorado to exploring the urban wilderness of Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC. Reflecting this life-long interest in nature, he is captivated by the Park’s spectacular and unique beauty and recognized the need for the local community to aid in safeguarding its future. 

Phyllis Winkler
Phyllis happily retired to this area to enjoy all outdoor recreation opportunities including bicycling, hiking, and camping with her husband and German Shorthair Pointers. As a Trail Steward, she’s learning the history of the park, the geology and about the various park inhabitants to share the information with visitors, instilling a respect of nature to help preserve and protect the park for the future. She looks forward to enthusiastically working with the Friends Board of Directors to share its success and educational mission on social media.