About the Upper Sacramento River Exchange

Upper Sacramento River Exchange Staff

Sandra Spelliscy, Executive Director: Sandra joins the River Exchange with over 25 years of experience as an attorney working in the areas of conservation and environmental quality. Prior to moving to Siskiyou County with her family in 2005, she spent many years as General Counsel and senior lobbiest for the Planning and Conservation League in Sacramento. When not working at the River Center, she divides her time between her duties as a member of the Mt. Shasta City Council, and enjoying the outdoors with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Vince Cloward, Program Director: Vince is a River Exchange veteran, with the organization since its inception. Vince has directed REX programs, designed educational curriculum, led interpretive activities, and spearheaded restoration efforts. He is currently the on-site manager for our projects at Hedge Creek Falls, Upper Soda Springs, and Trout Creek. In his spare time, Vince is an avid angler and boater, and often leads on-the-water outings for the River Exchange.

Cindy Lawhon, Administrative Director: Cindy brings a wealth of administrative experience to her position at the River Exchange. Having worked in the legal profession for over 20 years, she is a master at multi-tasking and balancing the competing demands of the River Exchange's organizational work. Prior to joining REX in August of 2006, she worked for the Law Office of James Pierce in Mt. Shasta and the Siskiyou Land Trust. She and her husband Terry are active landscape photographers and members of the local photo group, Shasta Shooters.

Phyllis Skalko, Bookkeeper: Phyllis is the River Exchange's bookkeeper and numbers guru. Having spent over 30 years in the accounting field, she is an invaluable addition to the REX staff. Prior to her "retirement" to Dunsmuir, Phyllis was the Controller for The James Irvine Foundation in San Francisco. When not keeping us on our toes at the River Exchange, she loves to read, dance, collect unusual fabrics, and help out with the Dunsmuir Railroad Depot Historical Society and Dunsmuir Railroad Days.

Rene Henery, Research Director: Rene is the newest addition to the River Exchange staff. Rene is a landscape and food-web ecologist and an
eco-geographer. He recently completed a Ph.D. in environmental geography at UC Davis, and brings many years of experience with watershed issues to his new position. In addition to his work with the River Exchange, he will also continue as Research Director for the University of Nevada's Castle Lake Long Term Research Program.

River Exchange Board

• Mark Gibson, President
• Chris Stromsness , Vice President
• Rebekah Filipello, Secretary
• Dea Knox, Treasurer
• Larry Alexander
• David Filipello
• Carol Winston
• Fred Gordon