FRC Board of Directors
Timothy Kelly – President
Timothy has been an educator for over 13 years. His goal is to facilitate youth access to nature and his work with Ft. Ross has focused on expanding educational programming. Tim Kelly is an attorney with his own practice and is also an author of a number of books for children. He grew up in the Ft. Ross region and is devoted to using his professional career to protect and promote the incredible natural beauty of the region and the unique history of the park.
Robin Joy Wellman – Vice President
Robin Joy Wellman has been connected to Fort Ross for over 40 years and remains actively involved today. She started out as a park aide in the early 1980s, working with the visiting public and schoolchildren. After many years in this role, she was hired by California State Parks to create and run educational programs for all ages, develop curriculum, coordinate and lead events, and serve as the welcoming face of Fort Ross. The early 1990s marked a "time of enlightenment" at Fort Ross, an era when historic discoveries were rapidly being made, and Robin was thrilled to be a part of it. Becoming a leader for the programs and events at Fort Ross was always a heartfelt honor for her, as well as a great responsibility. Her passion throughout her nearly 30-year State Parks career remains a true highlight of her life. In 2013, following her dedicated role as Chairperson for the 2012 Bicentennial Events, Robin was recognized as the California State Parks Interpreter of the Year. Throughout her career, she has worked with all age groups, academic organizations, diplomats, and community stakeholders, and she has presented in numerous academic settings across Russia, France, and the United States. Robin is deeply dedicated to accurately sharing the stories of the people connected to Fort Ross, both past and present.
Deborah C. Gordon – Secretary
Ms. Gordon is the Retired Executive Director of the Preventive Defense Project. She is currently an independent advisor and consultant to several high-technology companies and has over 40 years of experience in algorithm design, signal processing, network design, and network security. Former Mayor of Woodside, California.
Jonathan Tiemann – Treasurer
Founder and President of Tiemann Investment Advisors, LLC, an investment management firm in Menlo Park, California. He has served in investment and finance roles in several Bay Area nonprofit organizations. He researches the economic history of California and the Pacific Basin and is an associated researcher with the Global History of Capitalism Project at the University of Oxford.
Rich Panter – Director
Bodega Bay resident, filmmaker, editor, writer, and producer. As a member of the board of director at the Fort Ross Conservancy, Rich Panter brings his extensive video production and educational background and long-time interest in international, historical, and cultural programs to support the FRC’s mission as a California Historic State Park Conservancy to bring innovative educational, historical, and cultural programming to as many people as possible.
Sabrena Rosenberg – Director
Sabrena serves FRC as an Alaska Native representative. She is a Sonoma County native with Alaska Native and Northern European ancestors, enrolled with the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska and related through her grandfather to Dushkins of Aleutian descent. Sabrena is a shareholder of the Aleut Corporation and has been employed as an operating engineer for 34 years.
Igor Polishchuk - Director
Igor brings over two decades of combined experience in communications, media, heritage preservation, and international collaboration. Previously, he served as Director of External Relations and Community Partnerships at Fort Ross Conservancy. His background includes leadership in public outreach, media production, and cross-cultural diplomacy. Igor is dedicated to fostering transparency, collaboration, and community engagement in support of Fort Ross Conservancy’s mission. He holds three master’s degrees, including one in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Oxford.