Contact us: manager@eastmercedrcd.org
Staff Members
EMRCD currently consists of 4 staff members who create and implement goals and projects for Merced County and surrounding communities. Check the Jobs page for any open positions with us.
Zachary Wells
Executive DIrector
Zach grew up in Merced, and attended Merced High School(GO BEARS). He lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 10 years working with CAL Athletics, CAL Sports Medicine and the YMCA. Zach moved back to Merced in November of 2020 with his wife and two children. He is also a Veteran of the United States Navy.
Equitable access and inclusiveness in outdoor spaces is something very important to Zach, which lead him to Co-Found the Bear Creek Yacht Club in 2021, a local 501c3 whose focus is on water way revitalization and community stewardship. Zach is a Certified California State Naturalist with a deep love for his community and its connectivity to Yosemite National Park as the "Gateway to Yosemite". When not in the office advocating for our natural resources you can find Zach cleaning our local creeks, hiking our local trails, backpacking in the Sierra's or at one of our local disc golf courses.
Emily Neapolitan
Assistant Project Manager
Emily Neapolitan is a native Californian with deep roots in both Southern and Northern California, shaped by the state’s rich ecological diversity and vibrant communities. She holds a certification in Forestry and Wildland Fire Natural Resource Management from Columbia College and currently serves seasonally with the U.S. Forest Service in wildland firefighting. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a minor in Business Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University, along with an Early Childhood Education Teaching Credential. Before pivoting into environmental fieldwork, Emily spent over 15 years in the global manufacturing industry, where she led cross-functional teams, championed sustainability-focused product initiatives, and built volunteer and philanthropy programs that made meaningful community impact across sectors.
Her work today is centered on environmental stewardship, wildfire mitigation, pollinator habitats and equitable access to outdoor spaces. Emily has led fuels reduction and habitat restoration projects and worked with nonprofits to design programs that engage and empower underrepresented communities. She brings a unique blend of operations, outreach, and creative problem-solving to every project. When she’s not in the field or coordinating fire response, you can find Emily kayaking local waterways, backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, or creating mixed media art inspired by the natural world she’s dedicated to protecting.
UC Merced
College Corps Fellow
Dolly Ho
Dolly Ho is a second year Biology major at UC Merced, specializing in Molecular and Cell Biology. Originally from the East Coast, she has come to love her new home in California thanks to the land’s captivating beauty and welcoming community. Driven by her appreciation for the natural world and its human connections, she has developed a strong dedication towards supporting the people around her and creating a tangible, positive impact in the lives of others – one that can last for years to come.
Before coming to UC Merced, her interest in both the sciences and service encompassed huge aspects of her life. During her time as part of her high school's Biotechnology Academy, she was able to gain invaluable experience with conducting research and solidified her interest in working in the lab. She has also contributed her time to volunteering at elementary schools in helping students explore pathways in both the arts and STEM. Not only that, but Dolly was also a long-time member of the Soroptimist Organization, where she focused on empowering and uplifting young women and girls through community-led events. Combining her love for nature and of the community, she also led her local Outdoors Club to provide students with unique opportunities of building relationships outside of academics and spending time away from the technical world.
As both a student and community member, she joined UC Merced’s College Corps to continue her passions and hopes to build meaningful relationships and make a difference in the world around her as part of the East Merced Resource Conservation District. Outside of her studies and work at EMRCD, Dolly loves to relax by spending time with her friends and family. You can also find her enjoying her time hiking, reading, painting, or stargazing on quiet nights.
UC Merced
College Corps Fellow
Daniela Meza
My name is Daniela Meza. I am currently a 3rd year Environmental Systems Science major with an emphasis in ecosystem science at UC Merced. I chose College Corps because I wanted the opportunity to be more involved with the community as well as gaining experience of what it is like to work in Conservation. I hope to make an important impact within the Merced community well as within myself. My favorite part of the environment is how all the different factors work together to create something beautiful. I find it fascinating how both plants and animals rely on each other to be able to thrive. I am excited to join East Merced RCD because I want to help make strides to preserve the environment. Growing up on a farm with animals has allowed me to find a love for nature and has allowed me to continue to study to make an impact on the environment.
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Brian MacInnes
Natural Resource Specialist 1
Brian has spent time all over the Nation but has roots in the central Valley with his great grandfather being born in the Los Banos’ Canal Farm Inn, now known as Espanas. Brian received his undergraduate degree in Public Health Management from Oregon State University and his Masters of Agriculture from Colorado State University. He is excited to apply both passions to support the Central Valley.
When Brian isn’t working you can find him camping, backpacking, hiking, or any number of outdoor activities including, but not limited to, tending to his backyard compost pile. When Brian is unable to be outside you can find him reading science fiction novels.
Jennifer Alvarez-Sagrero
Natural Resource Specialist 2
Jennifer is our Natural Resource Specialist II, with a specialty in soil health. A proud local, Jennifer describes herself as "made in the Valley, for the Valley", having earned her B.S. in Biology and Field Ecology from California State University, Stanislaus, and her Ph.D. in Environmental Systems from UC Merced.
Over the past ten years, Jennifer has built a broad foundation in resource conservation through work spanning wastewater treatment, agricultural laboratory analysis, urban pest management, and technical assistance for federal programs. She looks forward to partnering with our local stakeholders to find harmony between meeting societal needs and restoring ecological and environmental health to the San Joaquin Valley.
Outside of work, Jennifer is grounded by her large, close-knit family—parents, sisters, and in-laws—who keep her connected to what matters most. She also loves exploring the Valley with her daughter, nurturing her curiosity and sense of wonder for the world around her.