Nancy Steele

Friends of the Verde River, which works collaboratively for the Verde River and its communities to restore habitat, sustain flows, and promote community stewardship. The Friends envisions a healthy, flowing Verde River and tributaries that support our unique environment, vibrant economy, and quality of life for future generations. Previously, Nancy was Director of Conservation for Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy and Interim Executive Director of the Infrastructure Funding Alliance. She has served as the Executive Director of Council for Watershed Health and worked for the State of California in various capacities, enforcing environmental laws and developing policies at the Air Resources Board, DPH Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevent Branch, and Department of Toxic Substances Control. She served as the Air Resources Board Deputy Ombudsman from 1997-1999. She has been honored as a Stanton Fellow of the Durfee Foundation and Switzer Fellow of the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation, along with receiving a "Women in Business" award in 2010 from the 21st Senate and 44th Assembly Districts. Nancy co-founded the Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy in 2000 and served as its President and CEO through 2011. She and her husband, Bruce, run a beekeeping business, Chaparral Mountain Honey Company. Nancy earned her doctorate in environmental science and engineering from University of California, Los Angeles; her M.S. from Arizona State University; and her A.B. from Occidental College.