Directors

PRESIDENT

Alan Johnson

[email protected]

Alan is the very definition of an avid wheeler. Alan can be seen most weekends wheeling either on the Rubicon or somewhere in his home state of Nevada. Alan was a long time member of NAXJA and became aware of the Foundation through NAXJA support on the RTF Property.

Alan is the Cantina for the Con chairperson and RTF Property Chair.

Alan has two boys that are often wheeling on his adventures.
Trail Rigs: A Toyota without A/C Per his son

Alan was board elected 2021
Elected President July 2025

VICE PRESIDENT

Greg Castro

[email protected]

Greg's first-time off-roading after he lifted his Jeep was the Rubicon Trail. Once Arabias Overkill completed the lift, rims, tires, and skids, he went straight from the shop to Hollister Hills to check the articulation and get a feel for the rig. The next day he headed to the Rubicon Trail for the Cantina For The Con 2017 for its true maiden voyage. Greg fell in love with the Rubicon that weekend and upon return ordered his personalized plates: RBKNTRL.

While Greg is relatively new to wheeling, he's not new to Jeeps or fast cars. Greg's brother, Gary, has been into Jeeps for 20+ years starting with a CJ5, currently with a JLUR, and a TJ, LJR, CJ7, and a TJR in between. Gary's wheeled the Rubicon and other local trails over the years and was Greg's spotter for his maiden voyage.

Prior to off-roading, Greg spent ~15 years in the drag racing scene. He raced a 1988 Ford Mustang powered with a 434 cubic inch small block Chevy motor that ran a best of 8.0 @ 170+MPH in the quarter mile. Greg's last time down the racetrack was in 2010 back in Valdosta, Georgia. He spent the next few years building another race car and then decided to hang up his racing boots and decided to get into off-roading with his brother. He ordered his Jeep directly from the dealer, but there's not many stock parts left on it today.

Greg has two sons, Will and Tommy, who always wheel with him (as well as their puppy, Arlo) - including two trips for work parties on the RTF property. Greg was introduced to Ken and the RTF through Jack Tagart from Arabias Overkill.

Greg has worked in tech for most of his career - working at consumer-based businesses that are familiar to many including Yahoo! and Aol. Since then, he's worked in B2B focused companies and is currently the SVP, Sales & Business Development at an advertising company, Celtra.

Greg was board elected 2021
Elected Vice-President 2025.

TREASURER

Sherry Hawk

[email protected]

Sherry has over 30 years experience in accounting and tax preparation. She served as Treasurer for the Madhatters 4x4 club for 4 years and has been a member of that club for 8 years. In 2019, she started the Gold Ridge Forest Fire Safe Council and has been Chairman since, bringing in Grant funds to masticate forest areas to protect her neighborhood. She also had a strong influence in bringing the Neighborhood Radio Watch (GMRS) for fire communication to the public in Pollock Pines.

Sherry, like all of us, has a strong passion for the Rubicon Trail and moved to Pollock Pines from Sonoma County to be closer to the trail, so she could volunteer more often for events and trail maintenance and venture out in her 99 TJ 4cyl manual “Precious” named after her Mom. Sherry has been running the trail since Valentine's 2016 with the Madhatters 4x4 club when told (due to no snow and a last minute run change) "Suck it up Princess, You're going"! The addiction began!

Sherry was board elected 2022
Elected Treasurer 2022

SECRETARY

Diane Hawks

[email protected]

Diane was born and raised in the Bay Area and has always had an interest in vehicles since her family owns an automotive repair shop in San Francisco. Diane used to build and show muscle cars in Northern California. Her 1969 El Camino won a trophy at the Oakland Roadster show and her 1968 SS Chevelle won the best burnout contests at the Western Street Machine Association or WSMA events. Her early off-roading experiences were with her 1973 F-250 and her 1993 Toyota pickup, where she would frequent Hollister Hills SVRA and Frank Raines OHV Park. She also enjoyed riding her Yamaha Banshee with friends at Pismo Dunes.

In 2004, Diane and Scott bought horse property in Somerset where they raise Arabian horses.

Diane was a volunteer with the El Dorado County Search and Rescue OHV Team for 11 years. She has also done events on the Rubicon Trail such as organized trail staff for the Hi-Lander’s Annual Poker Run, driven female Veterans for Wheelers for the Wounded, attended Rubicon Scramble, Jeep Jamboree, Cantina on the Con, driven for several OHMVR tours, and attended other various trips.

Diane has been the VP of the Hi-Lander’s 4wd Club for four years helping with conservation and maintenance work parties on the Barrett Lake Jeep Trail and Southfork Campground. She also attends meetings and trail runs with other 4wd clubs, and is the admin of three Facebook off-road groups building relationships within the off-road community.

Diane brings many years of off-roading experience and looks forward to being a part of the Rubicon Trail Foundation team.

Primary rigs: 2015 JKU Rubicon, 2003 TJ Rubicon, 1981 CJ8 Scrambler

Diane was board elected 2020
Elected Secretary 2025
Past Treasurer 2021-2022

Aaron Mundine

aa***********@********************on.org

Aaron grew up in a family that went camping for fun instead of going to amusement parks. Aaron spent almost 20 years living in Denver and camping in the Rockies while growing up. He and his brothers were Cub Scouts, then Boy Scouts. Growing up and being in nature was something we always enjoyed. The family had a couple of Jeep CJs when he was young, and eventually, the family ended up with a Toyota pickup to haul the camping gear.

Aaron started working in the Off-road industry in 1998 with a friend in Fort Collins, CO. The shop ended up closing down, and he went to work for 4-Wheel Parts in 2001, where he is still working today. He has held many positions with the company over the last 25 years, from mechanic to regional manager. His tenure with the company is a testament to his work ethic and his passion for the outdoor lifestyle. His love of off-roading extends to dirt, desert, sand, or rocks on the Rubicon.

Aaron has supported multiple race teams in short-course, Baja, KOH, and desert over the last 15 years. His current rig is a built-up 2nd-gen 4Runner that is a full-body rig, linked, locked, cased, caged, and running 37” tires.

He is passionate about devoting time and energy to helping the RTF and continuing the efforts to support the Rubicon Trail.

Aaron was board elected in 2026

Chris Stoner

ch**********@********************on.org

Chris was born and raised in Reno, Nevada, and comes from a family with a strong legacy in the outdoors and public service.

His grandfather, who established Saturn Sports in Reno in the 1960s, served in the Civil Air Patrol and used his Jeep Wagoneers for search-and-rescue missions. These early influences shaped Chris’s lifelong passion for combining off-road capability with community support.

With more than 35 years in the automotive and off-road industry, Stoner has held key roles including sales and store manager positions at 4 Wheel Parts / Off Road Warehouse in Reno. He has also served as team manager and mechanic for prominent racing programs, including Yamaha Factory Racing’s snowmobile hill climb team, Winston Racing’s drag racing team, and Rod Hall Racing. His experience spans major events such as the Winter X-Games, VORA 300, KOH Stampede, and King of the Hammers.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Stoner dedicated 18 years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, serving communities in Sierra Valley, California, and the Greater Swan Valley Fire District near Yellowstone National Park. He is also an amateur radio operator who proudly uses his grandfather’s original call sign, WA7CRL.

A dedicated Rubicon Trail user for more than two decades, he remains actively involved in the off-road community. He and his family own five Jeeps, including a heavily modified Gladiator equipped with long-arm suspension, 42-inch tires, and a custom factory-bobbed bed.
“I’m honored to join the Rubicon Trail Foundation Board,” said Stoner. “The Rubicon is a special place that has been part of my life for over twenty years. I look forward to contributing my experience, mechanical knowledge, and passion for responsible recreation to help ensure the trail is preserved and accessible for future generations.”

Chris was board elected in 2026.

JC Jenkins

jc********@********************on.org

JC is a long time supporter of the Rubicon Trail. After retirement as a Correctional Officer, JC began volunteering at the trailhead Kiosk greeting users and handing out trashbags and other supplies. This position was part of the Rubicon Trail Patrol program, but eventually became an official El Dorado County position.

In 2016, JC was elected to the Rubicon Trail Foundation board and immediately made an impact creating the event Off The Rocks. Off The Rocks is held in the fall at Dry Diggins Distillery in El Dorado Hills. The event is off trail and gives users an opportunity to show off their rig and build friendships with other Rubicon users.

JC enjoys the trail in several rigs, his newest being a JL Rubicon.

JC was board elected 2016

Jeff Blewett

je**********@********************on.org

Jeff was born and raised in Lodi California, he started off-roading right after High School in his 1967 CJ5. He joined the California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs and the Joaquin Jeepers in 1982. In 1989 bought a 1979 CJ7 after he rolled his CJ5 off V Rock on Cadillac Hill. He currently lives in Valley Springs and owns a 2004 Jeep Rubicon on 37” tires.

Over the years he has been very active in the California 4 Wheel Drive Association, holding many positions on their Board of Directors including North District VP and the California 4 Wheel Drive Association President in 1999-2000. He has also enjoyed being an event chairman for quite a few the California 4 Wheel Drive Association events over the past 30 years. He chaired Sierra Trek 4 times, Winter Fun festival 2 times and the Win-a-Jeep program for 2 more years.

He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Rubicon Trail Foundation, Cal4 Safety and Education Foundation, Friends of the High Lakes, the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance and as the Norther Natural Resource Consultant for Cal4 Wheel. All of these organizations are 501c3 groups dedicated to keeping public lands open to the public.

This is Jeff's second tour as Director on the Rubicon Trail Foundation.

Jeff was board elected 2021
Past Vice-President 2021-2024
Past President 2024-2025

John Arenz

jo********@********************on.org

John is married to a frequent Rubicon user, and spends about a hundred days a year on the trail.

He lives in Pollock Pines, California. He is retired Fire Captain. His first time on the trail was in the late seventies and he has been on the trail every year since 1983.

He started working for FOTR in 2005 and joined the board in 2008. He is the longest current active board member. His responsibilities include the Political Action Committee, the Bylaws Committee, and the Grants Committee as well as coordinating and teaching Ham radio classes.

Affiliations: ROC, Jeepers Jamboree volunteer, Rubicon Trail Partnership
Primary rig: 1977 CJ7 on 40” tires

John was board elected 2008
Past Vice President 2010-2017
Past President 2017-2019

Ken Hower

ke*******@********************on.org

Ken has been a Rubicon user since 1979. The Rubicon Trail has been a family affair since the late 1950's when his Dad built a 1953 Willys and put a V-8 in it. His Grandfather ran the Jeepers Jamboree in a 1969 Ford Bronco that got into 4Wheel Magazine on V Rock in Big Sluice. His Uncle Ernie and Cousin Jim Hower got the Rubicon in his blood in their 1944 Willys named High O'l Silver, and 1941 Ford MB, respectively. So it was only natural that the first vehicle that he purchased in 1982 was a 1947 Willys CJ-2A that he still owns today.

Ken started his path to RTF in 2004 by volunteering with the Rubicon Trail Patrol ran by Big Rich. In 2006 when Big Rich stepped aside to focus on WeRock, Ken and Scott Emmons co-directed Trail Patrol program from 2006 to 2011 and focused on the educational aspects. Trail Patrol eventually became the Mid-Trail staff program that users know today.

His primary interests are the political aspects of the trail and the Rubicon Trail Property that was purchased in 2010. He is a member of the Political Action, Property and IT Committee.

He has 2 children, Monica and Kenan who both grew up on the Rubicon. He runs a social media company focused on off-roading called: Granite View Media, a nod to the Granite View Loop road on the RTF property.

Trail Rigs: 1947 CJ-2A and 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon

Ken was board elected 2011
Past Vice President 2017-2021
Past President 2021-2024

Ron Cannon

ro********@********************on.org

Ron was born and raised in Placerville. He graduated from El Dorado High School in 1985. In 1991, married his first love “Tami” after dating for 5 years.

He attended the police academy in 1995, served with the Placerville Police Department for 24 years, and retired in September 2020. Ron was also a volunteer firefighter for Diamond Springs/ El Dorado Fire for 10 years where he was a member of the volunteer firefighters association. He served as the President of the Union Mine Junior Rattlers youth football and cheer and served as the inaugural president for the merger of Hangtown and Timber Little League in 2009. He has always considered himself a public servant.

Ron became interested in off-roading relatively recently. His love for the Jeep developed after renting two of the JKU’s while in Hawaii on vacation in 2012. Upon return he found himself regularly having coffee with members of Jeepers Jamboree spending hours listening to jeeping stories (sorting through the BS), watching jeeping videos, and falling in love with the idea of owning a Jeep. In 2015 he purchased a used 2013 JKUR with the intent of building it for the 2016 Jeepers Jamboree. He built it with a basic lift, bead lock wheels, and all the steel he could find to protect it! The 2016 Jeepers Jamboree was "go big or go home" introduction to rock crawling that he and his wife both loved. Afterward he began volunteering at Jeepers Jamboree and he joined the Hangtown Crawlers. His newest goal is to Jeep the entire country, but the Rubicon Trail is his first love.

The Rubicon Trail Foundation became a source of information, so he began attending meetings, donating to Black Tie & Boots, volunteering at Cantina, and donating directly to RTF. Ron's past experience serving the community makes him very familiar with the demands of organizational service. Being recently retired, Ron can now dedicate time to serve the greater good of the Rubicon Trail. He believes in private property rights and year round access to public lands with reasonable limitations for responsible conservation. Service to that end is his honor.

Ron was board elected 2020
Past Vice President 2021

Ron Humphrey

ro**********@********************on.org

Ron Humphrey is a longtime advocate for the Rubicon Trail and a dedicated supporter of the Rubicon Trail Foundation. He has been wheeling the Rubicon regularly since 2003, with his passion for the trail ignited more than 20 years ago after his first trip to Gatekeeper. Since then, Ron has run the Rubicon multiple times each year, building several capable trail rigs and participating in countless trail rides while forming strong relationships throughout the off-road community.

What truly distinguishes Ron is his commitment to giving back. He is an active volunteer who finds great fulfillment in RTF trail work days and supporting Cantina for the Con, which he considers highlights of his summers. His hands-on stewardship and willingness to contribute align perfectly with the Foundation’s mission of preserving and protecting the Rubicon for future generations.

Professionally, Ron serves as an Automation AI Manager. He brings deep passion, practical trail experience, and a strong service-oriented mindset to the RTF Board of Directors.

Ron’s combination of longtime trail advocacy, volunteer leadership, and genuine care for the Rubicon makes him a valuable addition to the Foundation’s leadership team.

Ron was board elected 2026

Sal Sunzeri

sa*********@********************on.org

Sal has been wheeling on the Rubicon Trail since the 1970s. In 1976, he bought his first rig a 1972 Toyota FJ40, and he ran the Sierra Trek (Fordyce Trail) several years before doing the Rubicon Trail.

In 1977, he tried to join the Hi Los in South Lake Tahoe, but no Toyotas were allowed. So in 1978, he bought a M38 Flat Fender and joined the Hi Los in 1979.

That same year, he ran the Rubicon Trail for the very first time and has been hooked ever since.

Sal has done lots of work in the Rubicon Springs, and working Jeepers Jamboree to make the trail better for everyone. After joining the board, Sal committed to cleaning the Tahoma Staging Area restrooms, that were a real problem. The LTMBU was extremely grateful, and the Foundation built a Power Washing trailer for Sal to make cleaning the restrooms easier.

Sal was board elected 2021

Will Battenberg

wi*************@********************on.org

Will Battenberg is a resident of Camino, California, and a longtime advocate for responsible motorized recreation and public land access. An active member of the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo’s 4-Wheel Drive Club, he has spent many years exploring and enjoying the Rubicon Trail while remaining committed to its long-term preservation and stewardship.

Will has been a consistent volunteer supporter of the Rubicon Trail Foundation, notably serving several years as the Lake Tahoe Hi-Lo’s Point of Contact for parking coordination at Cantina for the Con. In this role, he worked closely with Foundation leadership, volunteers, clubs, and participants to help ensure the success of the Foundation’s premier fundraising event.

Prior to his civilian career, Will served nearly 21 years in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic, maintenance manager, and senior enlisted leader. His military service culminated as Maintenance Flight Chief for the U-2 reconnaissance fleet at Beale Air Force Base.

Professionally, Will serves as a Production Planning Manager for a utility infrastructure manufacturer in the Sacramento region. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Management through the University of Phoenix and plans to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Will brings valuable volunteer leadership, military experience, operational expertise, and a deep passion for the Rubicon Trail to the RTF Board of Directors.

Will was board elected 2026

Del Albright(Pres)
Marlon Allen
Tom Allgaier
Kevin Arnold
Doug Barr
Chris Bassett
Dave Beam
Aaron Beckstead
Laura Blake
Kevin Carey
Chris Cowan
Dan DeWolf
Matt Farley
Rusty Folena
Frank Funk
Ted Gaines(Non-Voting Placer)
Mike Gerondakis
Dave Gross
Tyler Hovelsrud
Scott Johnston
Rich Klein
Bruce Kranz(Non-Voting Placer)
Mark Langford
Jen Lillund
Dan Mainwaring
Rich Mainwaring
Dennis Mayer(Trsr)*
Troy McClintock
Ryan Mohondro
Jeff Nilluka
Aaron Nunley
Mike Overmeyer
Bob Reed
Sean Russell
Vicki Sanders(Non-Voting El Dorado)
Amy Sawgraves
Mark Smith*
Jeff Spellman(VP)
Don Spuhler
Cole Sweatt
Jack Sweeney
David Thomas
Ryan Wallace
Jason Warden
Lori Warden
Matt Warden

Bold = Founding Director
* = Deceased

PO Box 2188, Placerville, CA 95667

1-888-6RUBICON

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