
Lara is the Wildfire County Coordinator Program Manager for the California Fire Safe Council (CFSC). She grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago followed by multiple moves (Miami, FL; Cape Cod, MA; New York, NY) before discovering the wonder that is California. Lara holds a BS in Biology and Ecosystem Science & Policy from the University of Miami and a Master of Environmental Science and Management (Specializations: Corporate Environmental Management and Political Economy of the Environment) from the University of California Santa Barbara. Prior to her time at CFSC, Lara had a 15-year career with the USDA Forest Service, serving in positions at the national forest, regional office, and headquarters levels across both the National Forest System and State, Private, and Tribal Deputy Areas. Lara brings with her years of experience in program management, partnership development, grant administration, strategic planning, and policy analysis with a focus on climate adaptation, carbon stewardship, and wildfire resilience. Outside of work, Lara enjoys hiking, traveling, and taking in all that the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer with her two children.