Staff

Don Scoles, Executive Director

Don Scoles is responsible for overseeing and directing open space property acquisition; habitat management; and operations including administration, fundraising, grants, outreach, and education. Don came to SDHC in 2009 with over 20 years of experience in the environmental planning and compliance field where he evaluated projects pursuant to environmental laws and regulations such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and resource agency permits. He has extensive experience in restoration, erosion control, hazardous materials review, stormwater, and field implementation of environmental commitments during construction. Don received his Bachelor of Arts in Geography with an Emphasis in Environmental Studies and a minor in Biology from San Diego State University, and has completed a Professional Certificate in Hazardous Material Management.

Kathleen Pollett, Senior Conservation Habitat Manager

Kathleen Pollett’s responsibilities include overseeing existing long-term management of open space preserves, and drafting estimates for Long-term Management, Conservation Easements, and Operating Agreements. Preserve management duties include general biological and sensitive species surveys, annual reporting, invasive species removal, and vegetation mapping. She provides operational support, including administration, website maintenance, and ensures compliance with accreditation standards. Kathleen came to SDHC in January of 2019 after working in the biological field for more than 20 years, including 10 years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She previously was the Program Coordinator for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and Central Coast Team Lead Biologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service where she worked predominantly with Ranchers designing voluntary habitat restoration. She has a Master’s of Science Degree in Biology and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Zoology with Botany and Chemistry minors.

Vince Rivas, Conservation Habitat Manager

Vince Rivas is responsible for performing field monitoring and maintenance activities pertaining to long-term management, as well as drafting cost estimates and proposals, tracking field activities, and preparing reports. Prior to joining SDHC in June of 2019, Vince served as a project manager at HELIX Environmental Planning for over 3 years, where he oversaw the installation and maintenance of habitat restoration projects, coordinated with clients and field staff, monitored budgets and invoices, prepared cost estimates and proposals, and developed and conducted training for restoration field crews. Vince also has experience as a program assistant with the I Love A Clean San Diego nonprofit organization, educating public audiences on environmental issues and sustainable behaviors. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Connie Winterstein, Acquisition Program Manager

As the Acquisition Program Manager, Connie overseas the acquisition of new preserves and manages all stages of the acquisitions process, ensuring projects adhere to organizational policies and procedures. She researches and implements new acquisition opportunities, assesses whether projects align with the organization's mission and goals, conducts in depth due diligence on potential acquisition projects, drafts key project documents, and facilitates the closing process. Connie has over 15 years of experience, managing large-scale and complex natural resource projects from the ground up. Her diverse background includes working with the private sector, U.S. government, and international and domestic nonprofits in Washington, DC, Hawaii, and California. She has an M.S. in Natural Resources Management from the University of Hawaii, Manoa and received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. Connie is originally from California and calls Carlsbad, California home. In her free time, she loves gardening, surfing, and wandering around local trails.

Connie Koros, Accountant

Connie joined San Diego Habitat Conservancy at the end of March of this year as the new Accountant. She is excited to be working for a nonprofit organization that is geared towards land conservation since she is passionate about the sustainability of natural resources. She has a degree in business with a focus in accounting and has been working in finance and accounting for over 25 years. Over the years, she has volunteered as Auditor and Treasurer for several boards, in addition to working as an Accountant for many small to medium sized businesses. The position of Accountant with SDHC is an exciting opportunity that will utilize her analytical skills in finance and accounting, as well as allow her to work closely with a great team to strengthen the financial sustainability of the organization. In her spare time, she enjoys taking wine education classes through San Diego State’s World Campus.

Mary Applon, Bookkeeper

Mary Applon's responsibilities include assisting with accounts receivable and accounts payable, managing the annual budget, preparing invoices, tracking endowments, scheduling the release of funds, and preparing thank you letters to our donors. Mary enjoys being active in the community and is involved with various organizations around San Diego County to help end hunger and assist our golden aged generation in maintaining a healthy living environment. Mary obtained her Bachelor of Science from California College and the University of Redlands and came to SDHC in 2016 with over 8 years of experience in the accounting and finance field.

Our Consultants

Jim Rocks, Habitat Manager

Jim Rocks, Owner and Principal Biologist of Rocks Biological Consulting, serves as SDHC's habitat manager. His responsibilities include habitat management, biological surveys, and public outreach and education. Jim began working with SDHC in 2007 and has over 16 years of biological experience in California, primarily in San Diego County. He has extensive experience conducting endangered species surveys and holds U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Permits for the California gnatcatcher, quino checkerspot butterfly, and all California fairy shrimp. Additionally, Jim has expertise in botanical surveys, wildlife, and general biological surveys; wetland delineation; native plant revegetation/restoration; and construction monitoring. Jim holds a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville and has consulted with such clients as the San Diego Natural History Museum, MCAS Miramar, Pacific Gas & Electric, the City of San Diego, FEMA, and the San Bernardino Water Conservation District.

San Diego Habitat Conservancy
Phone: (619) 365-4839
SDHC@sdhabitat.org