The Board interviewed six applicants for two board seats. Below is s brief summary of the qualifications of each of the applicants. The Board will vote on the most appropriate applicant to serve as a trustee for Area 1 and Area 5 at the Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees on October 6, 2020.

Area 5 Applicants

Dr. Rebecca Robertson                                    

Rebecca has a Ph.D. from Oregon State University, a Masters of Arts in Social Science with an emphasis in Globalization and the Environment from HSU, and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Anthropology from HSU. Her academic appointments include a Lecturer position in the Department of Anthropology with HSU from 2004 to the present, a Visiting Professor with the University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC), Universidad del Paìs Vasco, San Sebastian, Spain in 2009, and an Associate Faculty in the Anthropology Department with CR from 2002-2005. She has also served as HSU’s Director of Applied Anthropology and Ethnographic Research Lab from 2018 to the present, Coordinator of the Applied Anthropology Masters of Arts Program since 2016, and as HSU’s Transfer and Graduation Counselor from 2007-2008.

Dr. Dakota Hamilton                                            

Dakota has had a long record in higher education. She has a Ph.D. from Somerville College, Oxford University, and a Masters of Arts in Humanities from the University of Louisville, and a Bachelor of Arts with double major in History with Highest Honors and English with High Honors from the University of Louisville. She served as an Adjunct Faculty from 2001-2020 with the HSU History Department; an Adjunct Faculty in the Humanities Department at Missouri Western State College from 1996-1998 and in the English Department from 1992-1999; and a Program Director with Summer Study in Oxford (1992-1999). From 1986-1989 she was the Program Assistant III at the University of Louisville  She recently retired from Humboldt State University.

Ms. Alexandra Stillman                                             

Alexandra has been involved in civic affairs since she ran for the Arcata City Council and won in 1972.  Ahe served on the California State Water Commission from 1978-1982. Alex has consistently worked to promote the preservation of historic landmarks. In 1998, she formed Stillman & Associates and prepared historic documentation for property designations, provided assistance on the Design and Historic Sections of the General Plan for the City of Arcata and the City of Fortuna, performed Fortuna Depot Museum evaluation, consulted on downtown revitalization projects for smaller cities on the North Coast. She encouraged College of the Redwoods to begin a Historic Preservation and Restoration Technology program. She currently serves on the Fire Arts Center Board, Godwit Days Migration Bird Festival, Humboldt County Aviation Committee, Eureka Theater Board, American Association of University Women, KEET, and Historic Landmarks Committee, Arcata.

Area 1 Applicants

Mr. Tracy Coppini                                                    

Tracy is a fourth-generation rancher that has been in business for nearly thirty-seven years. During these nearly four decades, he has acquired valuable experience and qualifications. From 1997 to 2017, he served on the College of the Redwoods Board of Trustees. During his tenure as a board member, CR ensured budget stability that led to the establishment of a firm financial foundation for the college in the years to come. Along with his experience as a member of the board, he volunteered for various community organizations. From 1993 to 2004 he volunteered and supported our local FFA and 4-H chapters.

Mr. G. Mario Fernandez                                         

Mario is an organizer/researcher for the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5. This work connects him with many local leaders and community residents and involves researching specific industries and developing organizing plans based on the results of his research. Currently, he serves as a member of the board of trustees for Eureka City Schools. He personally reaches out to stakeholder groups--parents, students, and bargaining units—to seek their input/advice on upcoming agenda items.

Mr. Erik Roman Rubalcava                                     

Erik’s background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric and Communications from the University of California, Davis, an Associate’s Degree in fire technology from American River College, and more than twenty-five years of professional experience in the field of fire and EMS. He has been a union member of IAFF Locals 522 and 798, and has extensive experience operating in a union environment. He served as a captain at Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and had been a licensed and practicing paramedic for over 30 years.