DISHMAN HILLS CONSERVANCY
Board of Directors Candidate Questionnaire
For 60 years, Dishman Hills Conservancy has protected and cared for Dishman Hills. The Governance Committee would like to inform Members to learn more about the individuals seeking to serve on the Board of Directors.
Candidate Name: LUNELL HAUGHT
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of Dishman Hills Conservancy?
I have a lifelong commitment to natural spaces for people and animals to enjoy and rely on. It seems this is a time when my skills could be used by the Conservancy.
2. What experience, skills, or perspectives would you bring to the Board?
My skills identified in the skills assessment would be available to the Conservancy and board. Additionally, I chaired (3 times) the successful Conservation Futures Initiative in Spokane County so political coalition building is also something I could bring.
3. What does conservation mean to you, and what aspect of DHC’s mission is most important to you?
To conserve – to not waste a resource (such as the Dishman Hills). The mission aspects are interwoven, and protection and connection would not be possible without education, conservation (animal/habitat) recreation (passive as well as active) and care for the land and critters, including the board and staff.
Mission: permanently protect the Dishman Hills while connecting people to nature through conservation, education, recreation, and stewardship.
4. How would you help support the future of DHC, including land acquisition and protection, community engagement, and long-term sustainability?
I would give my time, talent and treasure. I would like to attend to the health of the people involved in DHC as well as the land and sentients.
5. Board service requires attending meetings, participating in discussions, and supporting the organization’s mission and responsibilities. Are you prepared to make this commitment? x Yes
Optional: Is there anything else you would like members to know about you?
I am interested in a region (Spokane and Kootenai) wide conservation and trail consortium. I should live so long!
DISHMAN HILLS CONSERVANCY
Board of Directors Candidate Questionnaire
For 60 years, Dishman Hills Conservancy has protected and cared for Dishman Hills. The Governance Committee would like to inform Members to learn more about the individuals seeking to serve on the Board of Directors.
Candidate Name: CARL BARRENTINE (transcribed from hand written by Carol Neupert)
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of Dishman Hills Conservancy?
I’m too old, I think. Perhaps, if I were 30 years younger, in my mid-40’s rather than my mid-70’s, I might be of more use. But, having said that, my sense is that DHC might still value my experience as an advocate for conservation.
2. What experience, skills, or perspectives would you bring to the Board?
44 years in higher education and 12 years of retirement experience to bring to DHC.
3. What does conservation mean to you, and what aspect of DHC’s mission is most important to you?
Biology: “Conservation biology is a mission-oriented science that focuses on how to protect and restore biodiversity, or the diversity of life on earth”. ~ Society for Conservation Biology
4. How would you help support the future of DHC, including land acquisition and protection, community engagement, and long-term sustainability?
I see my role as an advocate for the inhabitants of the Conservancy. My aim would be to ‘give voice to the voiceless’ (the organisms that give value to the DHC).
5. Board service requires attending meetings, participating in discussions, and supporting the organization’s mission and responsibilities. Are you prepared to make this commitment?
x Yes ☐No
I’m retired and have few other obligations or responsibilities to distract me from participating in this important responsibility – to represent the mission of DHC.
Optional:Is there anything else you would like members to know about you?
I’m literate, widely-read, and people friendly. I see my roles as not only as not only ‘advocate for the voiceless’, but a public voice for the conservancy itself, especially as it relates to getting local colleges/university students and faculty involved in the DHC.
DISHMAN HILLS CONSERVANCY
Board of Directors Candidate Questionnaire
For 60 years, Dishman Hills Conservancy has protected and cared for Dishman Hills. The Governance Committee would like to inform Members to learn more about the individuals seeking to serve on the Board of Directors.
Candidate Name: _BRUNO CAPREZ _________________________________
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of Dishman Hills Conservancy?
Land conservancy for future generations is very important to me. Valuating every dollar donated and making the most use of hard earn donation dollars.
2. What experience, skills, or perspectives would you bring to the Board?
With 42 years of experience owning a successful small computer software business alongside an MBA from Washington State University, I bring a proven ability to wear multiple hats and drive operational success. My background uniquely equips me to manage tight financial ecosystems—carefully balancing incoming revenue and donations against expenses to ensure every dollar directly furthers the organization's mission. I understand that both capital and human resources are precious; I am deeply committed to protecting the time of staff and board members by keeping efforts strictly aligned with strategic goals. Additionally, I offer hands-on technical skills in bookkeeping and modern business software to ensure seamless execution.
3. What does conservation mean to you, and what aspect of DHC’s mission is most important to you?
Conservation for me is saving key properties for future generations to enjoy! The need to preserve the trees, streams, animals and habitat for future generations to enjoy in my local area.
Land Conservancy, stewardship.
4. How would you help support the future of DHC, including land acquisition and protection, community engagement, and long-term sustainability?
Continue to volunteer for bookkeeping, making donations towards land purchases, and support the DHC 60-year-old organization.
5. Board service requires attending meetings, participating in discussions, and supporting the organization’s mission and responsibilities. Are you prepared to make this commitment?
Yes, already have been attending board meeting for the last two years as a non-board member. Also have the highest volunteering hours the last two years doing the bookkeeping.
Optional:Is there anything else you would like members to know about you?
I enjoy the outdoors, biking, hiking, climbing, skiing, and wind surfing. Including using the Dishman Hills trails!
DISHMAN HILLS CONSERVANCY
Board of Directors Candidate Questionnaire
For 60 years, Dishman Hills Conservancy has protected and cared for Dishman Hills. The Governance Committee would like to inform Members to learn more about the individuals seeking to serve on the Board of Directors.
Candidate Name: STEVE DAVENPORT, AICP
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of Dishman Hills Conservancy?
I admire the role that DHC has had in protecting natural areas and would like to be an active participant in continuing this effort into the future. I also recognize the organization's more recent challenges and believe I could contribute to building a stronger, more vibrant organization.
2. What experience, skills, or perspectives would you bring to the Board?
My relevant experience includes a Bachelor of Science degree in geology and a master’s degree in urban and Regional Planning. I spent most of my career working for state and county government as a land use planner. Much of this work focused on conserving and protecting the natural environment.
3. What does conservation mean to you, and what aspect of DHC’s mission is most important to you?
I am a conservationist who sees beauty, complexity and peace in the natural environment. I believe that we have a duty to actively manage and protect natural areas from the harmful impacts of human activities. For me, stewardship is the most important component of the mission and is the area where I feel I could most successfully contribute.
4. How would you help support the future of DHC, including land acquisition and protection, community engagement, and long-term sustainability?
As an urban and regional planner, I have gained experience in social science, political science, physical science and law. I have worked with elected officials, community groups and other government agencies. I believe my background would be helpful to the DHC as they continue in their mission.
5. Board service requires attending meetings, participating in discussions, and supporting the organization’s mission and responsibilities. Are you prepared to make this commitment?
Yes
Optional:Is there anything else you would like members to know about you?
Over the last few years, I have volunteered for DHC. My contributions include developing a site map of the Wilson Conservation Area, including trails, service roads and existing structures. I have GPS-mapped existing and planned trails and am currently assisting with forest management activities.
DISHMAN HILLS CONSERVANCY
Board of Directors Candidate Questionnaire
For 60 years, Dishman Hills Conservancy has protected and cared for Dishman Hills. The Governance Committee would like to inform Members to learn more about the individuals seeking to serve on the Board of Directors.
Candidate Name: ____TOM DINGUS___________________________
1. Why are you interested in serving on the Board of Directors of Dishman Hills Conservancy?
I have hiked and trail run in the Dishman Hills (Natural Area, Iller Creek, and Phillips Creek) for over 30 years. In late 2025, I became an active volunteer for the Dishman Hills Conservancy (DHC) primarily performing forest stewardship work 2-3 times a month at Phillips Creek and Wilson areas. Dishman Hills is part of my community, and it is uniquely located very close to urban areas – which provides an opportunity for easy access for many to see and experience nature – which encourages more to see the value in land conservancy. I also recently retired and see serving on the DHC Board of Directors as a way to give back to my community.
2. What experience, skills, or perspectives would you bring to the Board? My 40-year career was as a CPA serving exclusively not-for-profit and local government entities. I have experience with not-for-profit IRS form 990 preparation, financial statement auditing, and consulting. I regularly met with Boards. I also served 17 years on the Central Valley School District Board of Directors. I also currently serve on the Spokane Valley Planning Commission and the Washington State Board of Accountancy.
3. What does conservation mean to you, and what aspect of DHC’s mission is most important to you? Conservation to me means land preservation and stewardship for habitat for wildlife and plants. DHC provides a unique opportunity to provide access, recreation, and education close to urban areas – so the broader community can see the benefits.
4. How would you help support the future of DHC, including land acquisition and protection, community engagement, and long-term sustainability? I would support the long-term future of DHC with my financial stewardship skills, governance experience, and strategic planning experience. I would support land acquisition with providing and helping obtain financial support.
5. Board service requires attending meetings, participating in discussions, and supporting the organization’s mission and responsibilities. Are you prepared to make this commitment? X☐ Yes ☐ No YES
