Welcome New Trustees

DR. RICHARD BESWICK

Dr. Beswick serves as VP for Research and Chief Research Officer for Cottage Health Research Institute and is an accomplished scientist with expertise in hypertension and kidney disease in minority populations.

He previously served as Senior VP and Associate Dean for Research at Baylor Scott & White Healthcare at the Texas A&M College of Medicine Health Sciences Center.

Rafael Gonzalez

Originally from Puerto Rico, Rafael moved to California with his family in the late 1980s and attended UC Santa Barbara and the University of Arizona. After law school, he joined the law firm of Mullen & Henzell LLP in Santa Barbara.

As a Partner in the firm’s Labor & Employment group, Rafael’s practice is focused on representing companies in employment and complex litigation matters. He also serves as legal counsel for the

Lynn Scarlett

Lynn Scarlett retired in December 2021 from The Nature Conservancy, where she served as Global Chief External Affairs Officer, influencing climate and conservation policy in the US and around the world.

Lynn served at the US Department of the Interior, which manages 500 million acres of public lands (2001-2009), including as Deputy Secretary/Chief

Dr. Beswick’s board service includes the White House initiative to increase minority involvement in clinical trials, the National Alliance to Improve Aging, Freedom 4 Youth, Sustainable Change Alliance, and the Central Coast Black Leaders Roundtable, where he currently serves as President.

In his spare time, he loves to fish at the Channel Islands, work in his yard, and work on wood projects.

Grower Shipper Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties representing growers and shippers throughout California.

Rafael has served as a board member of the Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara, Channel Islands/Ventura YMCA, and the Santa Barbara Human Resources Association.

In his spare time, Rafael enjoys spending time with his wife, Julie, and three daughters. He loves to fish, surf, and ocean swim.

Operating Officer (2005-2009) and as Acting Secretary (2006).

She serves on the advisory boards of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, as well as on the boards of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, Sand County Foundation, and more.

Lynn lives in Santa Barbara and is an avid birdwatcher.