Stephen Watson
Sarah Wortman
Executive Director
Head of Finance
Mason Thurmond
Alissa Goldberg
Programs Manager
Fuels and Chipper Coordinator
Damien Peña
Evie Vermeer
Grants & Contracts Specialist
Wildfire Planning Specialist
Max Young
Mayra De León
Communications & Outreach Specialist
Head of Wildfire Safety
Natasha Saxena
Sara Rodriguez
Operations Coordinator
Regional Firewise Coordinator
Programs Manager
Mason Thurmond
Ext 703
Mason enjoys working with the rockstar VRFSC team, and, outside of work, mountain biking, dance, yoga, reading, and spending as much time as she can outdoors.
As Programs Manager, Mason's role at VRFSC encompasses program and team oversight, training, community outreach and education, grant writing and reporting, large event planning, and more. Mason also coordinates the Ventura County Wildfire Collaborative and the Ventura County Wildfire Coordinating Group.
She enjoys working with the rockstar VRFSC team, and, outside of work, mountain biking, dance, yoga, reading, and spending as much time as she can outdoors.
Prior to delving into community wildfire resilience, Mason spent 8 years as an environmental educator, living in Yosemite National Park, the mountain ranges of Southern California, and traveling to Peru all the while teaching students. She also served as an inaugural California Climate Action Corps Fellow at California Fire Safe Council and holds a B.S. in Environmental Chemistry from U.C. San Diego.
Stephen Watson
Executive Director
Ext 704
His unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and profound empathy has fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement within the organization. Makes a mean cheesecake.
Stephen stepped into the role of Executive Director of VRFSC in March 2023. He joined the VRFSC team in 2021 as Director of Operations. Stephen started his career in the nonprofit world while getting his Masters in Psychology and Counseling. After working as a therapist for many years, Stephen went on to manage a therapy center for troubled teens. He even aided in the creation of a new nonprofit community mental health center that provided low-cost therapy for teens and families who couldn’t otherwise afford it. He had served as the Secretary and Treasurer at this nonprofit for over two years. It was during this time that Stephen realized he had a passion for working in nonprofits and serving those in need. The VRFSC Board of Directors takes great pride in Stephen's leadership, recognizing his deep-rooted understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit landscape. Under his guidance, the Fire Safe Council has witnessed significant growth, as Stephen spearheaded the restructuring of key operational areas, including grant management and financial administration.
Evie was born and raised in Minneapolis, and enjoys skiing, biking, running, and surfing in his free time.
Evie joined the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council as its Wildfire Planning Specialist in March of 2025. He is a FFT2 and enjoys the dynamic and collaborative nature of wildfire planning. Prior to joining VRFSC, Evie received his Master's in Environmental Science & Management with a focus in Conservation Planning from UCSB's Bren School. At UCSB, he also participated in the school's Sustainable Forest Fellowship, La Kretz Fellowship, and the National Forest Foundation's Conservation Connect Fellowship. Evie has experience in wildfire mitigation, forest restoration, business development and portfolio management for a variety of nonprofits, for-profits, and startups. He attended Whitman College for his undergraduate studies, spending his time in the Pacific Northwest before moving to the Central Coast. Evie was born and raised in Minneapolis, and enjoys skiing, biking, running, and surfing in his free time.
Evie Vermeer
Wildfire Planning Specialist
Ext 708
Sara enjoys photography, exploring Ventura’s vibrant music scene, and spending time with her fiancé and their dog, Squidney.
Since joining the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council in August 2024, Sara has brought a wealth of experience in customer relations, hospitality, and business. With a career foundation built at renowned companies like the Walt Disney Company, Sephora, and Giorgio Armani, Sara has honed a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her journey into nonprofit work began with a passion for understanding cultures and people, sparked by her internship with Disney and further fueled by her pursuing a degree in Anthropology. This cultural immersion, combined with her love for community service, led to a career shift from hospitality and esthiology to working with nonprofits that align with her values. In addition to her role at VRFSC, Sara enjoys giving back to the community, having spent significant time volunteering at the Ventura County Animal Shelter. Now, she thrives in her position at VRFSC, where she connects with individuals, provides vital resources, and fosters relationships with like-minded organizations.
Sara Rodriguez
Operations Coordinator
Ext 706
He has authored 19 successful grants, restructured student engagement at three local colleges, and founded CLU’s first Summer Bridge program for first-generation students.
Damien Peña joined our team in September 2025 as the Grants and Contracts Specialist. With 28 years of equity-driven leadership, including 18 in executive roles, he is a seasoned higher education and student affairs professional. His expertise lies in building systems that expand access, empowering cross-functional teams, and leading initiatives that remove barriers for underserved communities.
Born and raised in Ventura County, Damien made a lifelong commitment to return to his community and give back to the programs and services that supported his family’s journey. That commitment has guided his career, whether writing and managing $8.1M in federal and private grants, overseeing 22 student-focused programs, or co-creating mental health and basic needs services. His work is rooted in service, strategy, and shared accountability.
Damien earned a bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies, a master’s in Social Work, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from California Lutheran University. He brings depth, strategy, and heart to every endeavor—always with the purpose of giving back to the community that gave so much to him.
Damien Peña
Grants and Contracts Specialist
Ext 709
On weekends you can find Alissa hiking with her family, bird watching, and beachcombing.
Alissa joined the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council in August of 2024. She received her degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management from CSU Channel Islands in 2020 and aspired to use her knowledge and experience to help her lifelong community: Ventura County. Prior to her degree, Alissa worked in the education and research fields flying drones, assisting students with research, and mapping areas of Ventura County. With a passion for helping people and the environment, she is excited to bring her skills to VRFSC as the Chipper and Fuels Coordinator.
Alissa Goldberg
Fuels and Chipper Coordinator
Ext 707
Sarah joined the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council team in February of 2022. She has lived in Ventura County her whole life and in 2020 she received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Resource Management from CSU Channel Islands, emphasizing Resource Management.
Working with VRFSC has given Sarah a deep understanding and appreciation for how nonprofits seek to improve knowledge and awareness throughout our communities. As the Finance and Administration Manager, Sarah is responsible for all accounting, financial and fiscal management aspects of VRFSC’s operations, and she provides leadership and coordination to our partners and our community.
Sarah Wortman
Head of Finance
Ext 705
Can be found trying out a new hobby on ClassPass (not paid nor endorsed).
Natasha studied Environmental Communications and minored in Environmental Science and Resource Management at CSU Channel Islands. With her experience climate action planning at her University, she cultivated a love for the environmental field. She enjoys connecting with people and engaging communities, making her a perfect fit to lead Ventura Regional's Firewise USA efforts. She has worked with certified B corporations and nonprofits and brings skills in marketing, facilitation, and event planning.
Natasha Saxena
Regional Firewise Coordinator
Ext 701
You may see Max running on Ventura’s trails on the weekends, or surfing its many breaks.
Max came to the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council in February of 2022 wanting to combine the passions developed as a Consulting Utility Forester, working in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties as a Southern California Edison contractor, and as a Conservationist 1 at the Camarillo Fire Center for the California Conservation Corps. There he became certified through CAL FIRE to work wildfires locally, and throughout the state, on a Type 1 Handcrew. The experience led him towards wanting to help develop community resiliency to wildfires and educating the public on how we can and need to adapt to living with them. He has a passion for resource conservation, and land management and studied Environmental Science within the College of Agriculture at the University of Nevada, Reno. A native Californian, Max has lived, worked, and studied in many different areas of the State, but holds a special relationship with Ventura and its many wonderful communities. You may see Max running on Ventura’s trails on the weekends, or surfing its many breaks.
Max Young
Head of Wildfire Safety
Ext 700
Can be found on a local trail, book store or thrift shop. Environment focused, food motivated.
Mayra joined VRFSC in February of 2022. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Communications from California State University Channel Islands. Prior to joining VRFSC, Mayra has worked with multiple nonprofits, providing event planning, educational programming, and marketing work. She is proud to have worked with organizations including the Ventura Family YMCA, Santa Barbara - Ventura County Dental Society, and the Santa Rosa Island Research Station at CSU Channel Islands. Born and raised in Ventura County, Mayra cares deeply about contributing back to the communities she grew up in and making education as accessible and inclusive as possible. She hopes to make an impact in her community by encouraging people to learn and teach others about the impacts of our changing climate, while helping preserve Ventura County's beautiful lanscape and cultural history.
Mayra De León
Communications and Outreach Specialist
Ext 702
Mobile VRFSC Team
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Transcript
Stephen Watson
Sarah Wortman
Executive Director
Head of Finance
Mason Thurmond
Alissa Goldberg
Programs Manager
Fuels and Chipper Coordinator
Damien Peña
Evie Vermeer
Grants & Contracts Specialist
Wildfire Planning Specialist
Max Young
Mayra De León
Communications & Outreach Specialist
Head of Wildfire Safety
Natasha Saxena
Sara Rodriguez
Operations Coordinator
Regional Firewise Coordinator
Programs Manager
Mason Thurmond
Ext 703
Mason enjoys working with the rockstar VRFSC team, and, outside of work, mountain biking, dance, yoga, reading, and spending as much time as she can outdoors.
As Programs Manager, Mason's role at VRFSC encompasses program and team oversight, training, community outreach and education, grant writing and reporting, large event planning, and more. Mason also coordinates the Ventura County Wildfire Collaborative and the Ventura County Wildfire Coordinating Group.
She enjoys working with the rockstar VRFSC team, and, outside of work, mountain biking, dance, yoga, reading, and spending as much time as she can outdoors.
Prior to delving into community wildfire resilience, Mason spent 8 years as an environmental educator, living in Yosemite National Park, the mountain ranges of Southern California, and traveling to Peru all the while teaching students. She also served as an inaugural California Climate Action Corps Fellow at California Fire Safe Council and holds a B.S. in Environmental Chemistry from U.C. San Diego.
Stephen Watson
Executive Director
Ext 704
His unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and profound empathy has fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement within the organization. Makes a mean cheesecake.
Stephen stepped into the role of Executive Director of VRFSC in March 2023. He joined the VRFSC team in 2021 as Director of Operations. Stephen started his career in the nonprofit world while getting his Masters in Psychology and Counseling. After working as a therapist for many years, Stephen went on to manage a therapy center for troubled teens. He even aided in the creation of a new nonprofit community mental health center that provided low-cost therapy for teens and families who couldn’t otherwise afford it. He had served as the Secretary and Treasurer at this nonprofit for over two years. It was during this time that Stephen realized he had a passion for working in nonprofits and serving those in need. The VRFSC Board of Directors takes great pride in Stephen's leadership, recognizing his deep-rooted understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the nonprofit landscape. Under his guidance, the Fire Safe Council has witnessed significant growth, as Stephen spearheaded the restructuring of key operational areas, including grant management and financial administration.
Evie was born and raised in Minneapolis, and enjoys skiing, biking, running, and surfing in his free time.
Evie joined the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council as its Wildfire Planning Specialist in March of 2025. He is a FFT2 and enjoys the dynamic and collaborative nature of wildfire planning. Prior to joining VRFSC, Evie received his Master's in Environmental Science & Management with a focus in Conservation Planning from UCSB's Bren School. At UCSB, he also participated in the school's Sustainable Forest Fellowship, La Kretz Fellowship, and the National Forest Foundation's Conservation Connect Fellowship. Evie has experience in wildfire mitigation, forest restoration, business development and portfolio management for a variety of nonprofits, for-profits, and startups. He attended Whitman College for his undergraduate studies, spending his time in the Pacific Northwest before moving to the Central Coast. Evie was born and raised in Minneapolis, and enjoys skiing, biking, running, and surfing in his free time.
Evie Vermeer
Wildfire Planning Specialist
Ext 708
Sara enjoys photography, exploring Ventura’s vibrant music scene, and spending time with her fiancé and their dog, Squidney.
Since joining the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council in August 2024, Sara has brought a wealth of experience in customer relations, hospitality, and business. With a career foundation built at renowned companies like the Walt Disney Company, Sephora, and Giorgio Armani, Sara has honed a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Her journey into nonprofit work began with a passion for understanding cultures and people, sparked by her internship with Disney and further fueled by her pursuing a degree in Anthropology. This cultural immersion, combined with her love for community service, led to a career shift from hospitality and esthiology to working with nonprofits that align with her values. In addition to her role at VRFSC, Sara enjoys giving back to the community, having spent significant time volunteering at the Ventura County Animal Shelter. Now, she thrives in her position at VRFSC, where she connects with individuals, provides vital resources, and fosters relationships with like-minded organizations.
Sara Rodriguez
Operations Coordinator
Ext 706
He has authored 19 successful grants, restructured student engagement at three local colleges, and founded CLU’s first Summer Bridge program for first-generation students.
Damien Peña joined our team in September 2025 as the Grants and Contracts Specialist. With 28 years of equity-driven leadership, including 18 in executive roles, he is a seasoned higher education and student affairs professional. His expertise lies in building systems that expand access, empowering cross-functional teams, and leading initiatives that remove barriers for underserved communities. Born and raised in Ventura County, Damien made a lifelong commitment to return to his community and give back to the programs and services that supported his family’s journey. That commitment has guided his career, whether writing and managing $8.1M in federal and private grants, overseeing 22 student-focused programs, or co-creating mental health and basic needs services. His work is rooted in service, strategy, and shared accountability. Damien earned a bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies, a master’s in Social Work, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from California Lutheran University. He brings depth, strategy, and heart to every endeavor—always with the purpose of giving back to the community that gave so much to him.
Damien Peña
Grants and Contracts Specialist
Ext 709
On weekends you can find Alissa hiking with her family, bird watching, and beachcombing.
Alissa joined the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council in August of 2024. She received her degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management from CSU Channel Islands in 2020 and aspired to use her knowledge and experience to help her lifelong community: Ventura County. Prior to her degree, Alissa worked in the education and research fields flying drones, assisting students with research, and mapping areas of Ventura County. With a passion for helping people and the environment, she is excited to bring her skills to VRFSC as the Chipper and Fuels Coordinator.
Alissa Goldberg
Fuels and Chipper Coordinator
Ext 707
Sarah joined the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council team in February of 2022. She has lived in Ventura County her whole life and in 2020 she received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Resource Management from CSU Channel Islands, emphasizing Resource Management. Working with VRFSC has given Sarah a deep understanding and appreciation for how nonprofits seek to improve knowledge and awareness throughout our communities. As the Finance and Administration Manager, Sarah is responsible for all accounting, financial and fiscal management aspects of VRFSC’s operations, and she provides leadership and coordination to our partners and our community.
Sarah Wortman
Head of Finance
Ext 705
Can be found trying out a new hobby on ClassPass (not paid nor endorsed).
Natasha studied Environmental Communications and minored in Environmental Science and Resource Management at CSU Channel Islands. With her experience climate action planning at her University, she cultivated a love for the environmental field. She enjoys connecting with people and engaging communities, making her a perfect fit to lead Ventura Regional's Firewise USA efforts. She has worked with certified B corporations and nonprofits and brings skills in marketing, facilitation, and event planning.
Natasha Saxena
Regional Firewise Coordinator
Ext 701
You may see Max running on Ventura’s trails on the weekends, or surfing its many breaks.
Max came to the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council in February of 2022 wanting to combine the passions developed as a Consulting Utility Forester, working in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties as a Southern California Edison contractor, and as a Conservationist 1 at the Camarillo Fire Center for the California Conservation Corps. There he became certified through CAL FIRE to work wildfires locally, and throughout the state, on a Type 1 Handcrew. The experience led him towards wanting to help develop community resiliency to wildfires and educating the public on how we can and need to adapt to living with them. He has a passion for resource conservation, and land management and studied Environmental Science within the College of Agriculture at the University of Nevada, Reno. A native Californian, Max has lived, worked, and studied in many different areas of the State, but holds a special relationship with Ventura and its many wonderful communities. You may see Max running on Ventura’s trails on the weekends, or surfing its many breaks.
Max Young
Head of Wildfire Safety
Ext 700
Can be found on a local trail, book store or thrift shop. Environment focused, food motivated.
Mayra joined VRFSC in February of 2022. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Communications from California State University Channel Islands. Prior to joining VRFSC, Mayra has worked with multiple nonprofits, providing event planning, educational programming, and marketing work. She is proud to have worked with organizations including the Ventura Family YMCA, Santa Barbara - Ventura County Dental Society, and the Santa Rosa Island Research Station at CSU Channel Islands. Born and raised in Ventura County, Mayra cares deeply about contributing back to the communities she grew up in and making education as accessible and inclusive as possible. She hopes to make an impact in her community by encouraging people to learn and teach others about the impacts of our changing climate, while helping preserve Ventura County's beautiful lanscape and cultural history.
Mayra De León
Communications and Outreach Specialist
Ext 702