I bring people together to turn good ideas into positive impact and on-the-ground results to build resilient communities and landscapes in California’s Sierra Nevada and beyond.
Our clients include nonprofit organizations and companies working in public-private partnerships to address key issues such as wildfire and forest resilience, sustainable recreation and tourism, and community development.
SERVICES
Community Engagement
Collaborative Planning
Policy and Strategy
Meeting Facilitation
Stewardship is my guiding principle—taking care of people and places. Meaningful community engagement and heart-centered, people focused leadership and systems building are key to my approach.
ABOUT STACY CORLESS
I bring people together to turn good ideas into positive impact and on-the-ground results to build resilient communities and landscapes in California’s Sierra Nevada and beyond.
I am at home in the mountains, after more than two decades of living at 8,000 feet in Mammoth Lakes, California. Mountain communities and the incredible natural environment surrounding them are at the heart of my work. Starting with my days as a newspaper staff writer and community organizer to leading two nonprofit organizations, serving eight years as a county supervisor and catalyzing change as a public affairs professional, I’ve dedicated myself to lifting the voices and advocating for the needs of California’s largest mountain region, the Sierra Nevada, and its communities. Through this work, I’ve forged strong connections far beyond the region and become a trusted partner and resource to local, state and national governments representatives, organizations, and decision makers.
APPROACH
Stewardship is my guiding principle—taking care of people and places. Meaningful community engagement and heart-centered, people focused leadership and systems building are key to my approach.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
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Responsibilities included leading regional advocacy efforts for policies that enhance the communities, economy, and environment of California’s Sierra Nevada, working with a broad range of local, regional, and statewide partners on issues such as wildfire and climate resilience, land conservation, and sustainable economic development, with focus on connecting urban lawmakers to value of investment in Sierra Nevada
Key achievement: successfully advocated for legislative passage of $10 billion climate and natural resources bond measure, Proposition 4, which was approved by California voters in November 2024 containing millions of dollars in funding for Sierra Nevada regional programs
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Elected to two terms of full-time service representing Mammoth Lakes on the Mono County Board of Supervisors, Board Chair 2020 and 2017
Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Board of Directors 2017-2022; Mono County’s delegate for association of 39 California counties; as elected board chair and officer 2019-2022, led state and federal advocacy for policies that benefit rural mountain communities
California Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, Executive Committee Member, 2020-2022; shaped direction for California’s innovative and effective response to the state’s forest health and wildfire crisis
Sierra Nevada Conservancy Board of Directors
Mono County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, continuous service on county commission overseeing mental health services, including two years on the governing board of the California Association of Behavioral Health Boards and Commissions
National Association of Counties, Public Lands Steering Committee 2016-2022; represented California counties on national policy board
Credentialed County Supervisor and Faculty Member, California State Association of Counties Institute for Excellence in County Government
Key Achievements:
State and Federal Advocacy: Leveraged roles as RCRC officer and executive member of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force to advocate at the state and federal level for increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration and wildfire prevention on public and private land throughout the state for improved natural resource and public health and safety outcomes, helped obtain increased, equitable state investments in wildfire and forest resilience
Community and Civic Engagement: Hosted regular community forums and provided social media updates on local government activities and issues, developed strong relationships with local, regional, state, and federal agencies and officials
Regional Collaboration: brought together local governments, Tribes, federal land management agencies and non-governmental organizations to build consensus and find solutions for sustainable recreation and tourism, wildfire resilience, regional air service, housing, public safety, and other pressing public policy issues
Fiscal Resilience: continually improved budgeting process, increasing County’s financial reserves year over year
Pandemic Response: as Board of Supervisors Chair in 2020, presided over numerous public meetings and provided opportunity for public engagement and information sharing, emphasizing public health and safety, mental wellness, clarity, kindness, compassion, and civility
