Kaila was born and raised in Ben Lomond, California, a small town nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. She grew up camping, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding with her family. She attended Cal Poly earning a B.S.in Animal Science with a concentration in Livestock Production and Rangeland Resources, and a M.S. in Watershed Hydrology and Soil Conservation. Kaila joined The Land Conservancy in 2005 to manage the Restoration Program and in November 2012took the helm of the organization as Executive Director. She now spends her working days supporting her team of professional staff, setting strategy for the organization, building relationships with land owners and partners, and ensuring the organization is operating efficiently and effectively.
Kaila and her husband Terry live in San Luis Obispo with their two boys. As a family they enjoy playing on the sandspit in Morro Bay, visiting Avila Valley Barn, hiking our phenomenal open space trails, and camping throughout the state. Kaila also enjoys horseback riding, sailing, kayaking, cooking, gardening, yoga, and photography. As a young girl she was fortunate to have unfettered access to the beautiful outdoors and fresh food from her mom’s garden. She is passionate about conserving our natural resources so that not only her kids, but all people, have access to the same opportunities. She is committed to finding innovative ways to help us live in and improve the environment we call home.