MEET THE TEAM
Mitchell Coleman, Interim Executive Director
A Bakersfield native, Mitchell grew up in the orbit of Tejon Ranch, having visited several times in his youth, mostly through the Scouts BSA. In 2015, Mitchell received a grant to conduct his master's thesis research on the Ranch, during which he got to know the Conservancy's staff and came to appreciate the Conservancy's mission. Shortly after defending his thesis in 2017, he joined the Conservancy as a staff biologist. Between 2019-2025, he worked as the Conservation Science Director, overseeing the Conservancy's science and stewardship programs, and serving as the designated conservation easement monitor. In April 2025, Mitchell transitioned to the role of Interim Executive Director. Mitchell specializes in plant physiological ecology, with an emphasis on restoration strategies in systems affected by global change — his favorite of which is salt-loving plants (halophytes). His passion for Tejon Ranch and the Conservancy transcends ecology alone, and he loves sharing the ranch's many wonders with visitors, supporters, and students. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Westmont College, an M.S. in Biology from CSU Bakersfield, and is almost ready to defend his PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology from UC Riverside.
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Reema Hammad, Public Access and Education Manager
Reema started at the Conservancy in 2016 as a docent after completing her California Naturalist certification. In 2018, she was hired as a Public Access and Education Assistant, where she helped lead hikes and tours on the Ranch. Now, she serves as the Public Access and Education Manager, overseeing various activities on the Ranch for both the public and educational purposes. Being on the Tejon Ranch has provided Reema with the opportunity to further pursue her passion and career as a landscape and nature photographer.​​
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Monica Uriaz, Biological Technician
Monica grew up in Bakersfield with a deep appreciation for the high biodiversity and endemicism found in the San Joaquin Valley. She obtained her B.S. in Biology from California State University, Bakersfield, and continued onto graduate studies at her alma mater in the Fall of 2024 to pursue an M.S. in Biology with a focus on plant physiological ecology. During this time, Monica joined the Conservancy through a valley oak restoration internship. This internship granted her the opportunity to focus her ongoing master's thesis research on the factors limiting valley oak seedling recruitment in the southern San Joaquin Valley.
In the Spring of 2025, Monica began her new role with the Conservancy as the Biological Technician. Her main duties include the monitoring of 10 active conservation easements on the Ranch and assisting with administrative tasks. She is excited to continue her master's research while helping to preserve the precious ecosystems of Tejon Ranch.
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