Natural Fit to Lead Organization
Sacramento, Calif. – Sierra Nevada Journeys , a Northern California-based organization focused on delivering science education programs to youth in order to develop critical thinking skills, announced today that Sean Hill has been appointed by the Board of Directors as the new CEO of the organization. As an experienced nonprofit leader, Hill will succeed outgoing CEO, Eaton Dunkelberger, and assume responsibilities on April 1, 2022.
After 10 years leading Sierra Nevada Journeys, Eaton Dunkelberger, has taken a new role as President and CEO with the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada. Hill and Dunkelberger have worked together for more than a decade creating an ideal transition for Sierra Nevada Journeys.
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Hill has been with the organization for more than 12 years and leads fundraising and development. Originally joining the organization as a credentialed high school science teacher, he has played multiple roles at Sierra Nevada Journeys, including educator, coordinator, manager, fundraiser, and ultimately director and vice president. Hill’s deep operational and program knowledge combined with his strong relationships with staff and the community provides a natural succession at CEO.
“Sean has been growing Sierra Nevada Journeys’ fundraising and relationships with tremendous success. He’s a natural leader and integral part of the nonprofit’s success in the many roles he’s held since 2009,” says Dan Klaich, Board Chair, Sierra Nevada Journeys.
“Sean is a natural fit to lead Sierra Nevada Journeys and inspires us all with innovation and foresight that the informal STEM education field is known for.”
Dan Klaich
Hill received a Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University, a Master of Science in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources from Colorado State University, a State of Nevada Teaching License in Secondary Biology, and a Wilderness First Responder through the Wilderness Medicine Institute (NOLS). He sits on the Advisory Council of the University of Nevada, Reno College of Science, as well as the Executive Advisory Board for the Nevada Teach program. As a published author on STEM programs and evaluations, Hill is an advisor to many education and environmental agencies on a local and national level.
About Sierra Nevada Journeys
Sierra Nevada Journeys is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. Through multiple points of contact, our classroom and virtual-based programs, overnight science camps, professional development for teachers, and parent engagement opportunities surround students with resources they need to succeed. All programs are designed to foster higher cognition and build long-term student achievement. Of the 24,000 children that annually participate in our programs, 74 percent come from communities that face financial barriers and 70 percent are BIPOC, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Also, 13 percent of the individuals who attend our programs, are living with a disability.
About Grizzly Creek Ranch
Grizzly Creek Ranch is located an hour north of Truckee, California and is 515 acres of outdoor space where Sierra Nevada Journeys operates its outdoor school, camps and other retreats. As a 360-bed camp in Plumas National Forest, Sierra Nevada Journeys creates customized experiences that include best practices for teambuilding, social-emotional learning, leadership and environmental learning from Next Generation Science Standards and University of California at Berkley’s BEETLES (Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning & Expertise Sharing) teaching techniques and pedagogy.
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