SLT Board Welcome
Please join Land Trust Board and staff in welcoming three new Board members: Aaron “Troy” Hockaday, Greg Francois, and John Vona. Each new Board member deepens SLT’s connection to community and our ability to do this important conservation work. We are appreciative Troy, Greg, and John have joined the Siskiyou Land Trust Board at this momentous time as the organization roots and reaches to conserve 100,000 acres by 2030. Special thanks to SLT’s Board Development Committee for their outstanding job growing and supporting the Land Trust.
Get to know SLT’s newest Board members:
Aaron “Troy” Hockaday
Troy brings a wealth of experience in forestry, fire management, and tribal leadership to the board. But most of all, he brings his heart to the forefront of conversation and all areas of his work. A native of Happy Camp, Troy started his career with the U.S. Forest Service, transitioned to firefighting, and later spent 25 years in the catering industry.
Since 2020, Troy has served on the Karuk Tribal Council, where he leads the natural resources fire group and advocates for cultural fire practices. He works closely with the Department of Natural Resources and fisheries, collaborating with government agencies to promote sustainable land management practices that integrate traditional tribal wisdom.
Troy’s expertise extends beyond fire management to broader tribal issues, including elder and youth programs, and tribal health initiatives. He also plays a key role in the Klamath Basin Projects, managing $70 million in federal funds and fostering inter-tribal collaborations.
With his background in resource management, tribal governance, and project administration, Troy offers valuable insights to the land trust board. His hands-on experience in crew management, strategic planning skills, and dedication to community service make him a committed advocate for sustainable land use and cultural preservation.
Greg Francois
Largely moving westward from New England, New York City, and Denver, Greg has recently settled in Siskiyou County. A lifelong outdoors enthusiast, he is excited to join the Siskiyou Land Trust Board during this dynamic period of growth. His background includes sustainable development, wildlife biology, education, and communications.
In the past decade, Greg has tackled invasive species with the US Fish & Wildlife Service on a remote island in the Pacific (Johnston Atoll), managed university-level environmental science programs across Australia, Bhutan, Laos, New Zealand, Tanzania, and Thailand, and earned a graduate degree in Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in May 2020.
Currently, Greg is a freelance creative producer with an entrepreneurial edge, leading strategies for public outreach and education campaigns across the US and California. Specializing in video production, he uses visual storytelling to unite people and convey complex ideas.
Now a proud resident of Mt. Shasta, Greg embraces life’s flow and is grateful for opportunities to explore new places, enjoy live music, and eat delicious food. He welcomes the chance to connect and learn what inspires others!
John Vona
John is a California registered professional forester and brings over 30 years of experience managing natural resources for private landowners in the Pacific Northwest and the US South. In his current role as regional manager for F&W Forestry Services, he oversees the management of private timberlands situated in Siskiyou, Shasta and Trinity Counties.
During his time in the industry John participated on numerous conservation related projects including working forest easements, conservation land sales, and grant-funded transfers of private forestlands to Native American Tribes. John also brings to the SLT Board an expertise in resource management, operations, finance, and acquisitions.
John’s passion for conservation and his desire to provide guidance for Siskiyou Land Trust is what brought him to the SLT Board. John and his wife Sandy reside in Mount Shasta and spend much of their free time exploring the beautiful landscapes that the region has to offer.
Board of Directors Roster
For a full list of current SLT Board Members, visit Board of Directors – Siskiyou Land Trust!
