The last few years have been a strength-building exercise for California Trout. This led to us doubling our impact with projects that advance our mission of ensuring healthy waters and resilient wild fish for a better California. Today, we are focused on developing more solutions to resource issues in California- solutions that are equitable and serve the needs of both fish and people. To achieve our goals, we rely on a dedicated team of staff.

Please welcome the following employees to California Trout: Kam Bezdek─ Policy Associate, Claire Buchanan─ Bay Area Senior Project Manager, Kate Hall─ North Coast Administrative Assistant, Ran Huynh─ HR Manager, Marrina Nation─ Eastern Sierra Project Manager, Holly Swan─ Shasta-Klamath Project Manager, and Yohannes Tilahun─ South Coast Grant Contract Administrator. 

We invite you to get to know our new staff members through their bios and answers to the question “What are you most looking forward to working at CalTrout?” 

Kam Bezdek, Policy Associate

Previously a Policy Intern with CalTrout, we are pleased to have Kam as a full-time staff member. From Kam: “My internship was an incredible introduction to the work environment at CalTrout. I’m so excited that I get to continue working on issues that are important to me with a staff that is uplifting and committed to working together towards a common goal. I am also looking forward to learning and growing in my role to become a better advocate for California’s natural resources.”

Claire Buchanan, Bay Area Senior Project Manager

“As an enthusiastic angler and fisheries biologist who loves to build connections and learn from others, I am thrilled for this opportunity to work for CalTrout. I am looking forward to meeting all the passionate and intelligent folks of CalTrout and working together to find creative solutions, build relationships, and make a measurable difference for fish.”

Kate Hall, North Coast Administrative Assistant

“Growing up in Humboldt, I have many fond memories of times spent along our local rivers and I am excited to be part of an organization that is making such a difference in our local waterways.”

Ran Huynh, HR Manager

Ran Huynh is an ambitious HR professional that has worked in various industries throughout his career.  As a 1st generation Asian American and a Bay Area native, he is hoping to bring his diverse background and HR expertise to build CalTrout’s foundation of HR from the ground up. One fish at a time!

Marrina Nation, Eastern Sierra Project Manager

“I’m excited to be back in the Eastern Sierras working for CalTrout and I look forward to my work with Lahontan cutthroat trout populations, and implementing SM-WRAMP (Sierra Meadows – Wetland Riparian Area Monitoring Plan) protocols in meadows along the Sierras.”

Holly Swan, Shasta-Klamath Project Manager

Holly has lived in Chico for 20 years and has strong ties to the local and surrounding communities. She is excited to be a part of the growth of California Trout by opening the new Mt. Lassen office of the Shasta-Klamath Region. The ability to make a difference in her home state in regards to conservation is what she is most looking forward to by working at California Trout.

Yohannes Tilahun, South Coast Grant Contract Administrator

“I look forward to understanding the Involvement, Process and Results of CalTrout and the projects involved. For a long-time I’ve had a distant look at the work non-profits & environmental groups do and always been curious about what’s involved.”