CWC is pleased to welcome Richard Castillo to our Board of Directors. Richard works as the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Manager for Regeneración – Pajaro Valley Climate Action, and brings to CWC experience in climate resilience, partnership building, bilingual communication, marine policy, and project coordination across community, nonprofit, and government settings.
“CWC’s work feels both practical and deeply rooted in the heart of the City of Santa Cruz, bringing the San Lorenzo River back to life for all community members,” Richard said. “The San Lorenzo River is such an important part of Santa Cruz’s identity, and I appreciate CWC’s commitment to helping people connect with the river not just as a natural and cultural resource, but as a shared community asset.”
Richard Castillo in Yellowstone National Park
Much of Richard’s work has focused on bringing people together around complex environmental issues, translating technical information into clear and accessible language, and helping collaborative efforts stay organized and moving forward. “I also have experience in policy analysis and supporting community engagement processes that center diverse perspectives, which I think will be valuable in advancing CWC’s mission and expanding its reach,” he said.
Richard’s interest in the natural world began with a deep appreciation for the wildlife and coastal environments of his home country, Costa Rica, where it grew into a lasting commitment to understanding how human and ecological systems can sustainably coexist. He has a formal background in law and marine policy, and experience in research, stakeholder engagement, and cross-sector collaboration to advance the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems. Richard holds a Master’s degree in International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California, and is fluent in both Spanish and English, enabling him to engage across communities and support inclusive, long-term solutions for coastal, ocean, and land stewardship. Please join us in welcoming Richard!