Joan Clayburgh is the Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada Alliance, joining the organization in December of 2001. The Sierra Nevada Alliance has been protecting and restoring Sierra land, water, wildlife and communities since 1993. The organization has over 80 member groups that work on conservation issues throughout the 400 mile long region. Primary programs address climate change, water quality and growth and development. Joan has over 20 years experience in non-profit management. Prior to the Sierra Nevada she was the Sierra Club national press secretary, a founder and campaign director for the coalition Californians for Pesticide Reform, executive director of Pesticide Watch, and campaign director for CALPIRG. She has provided technical assistance, training, and consultation to grassroots organizations throughout her career. Her specialty is leveraging coalition resources to achieve reforms at the local, state and national level. Joan graduated from Tahoe Truckee High School in 1981 and has a BA in communication from the University of California, San Diego. She is an outdoor enthusiast enjoying skiing, hiking, and camping with her husband and two dogs.