About AACD
Since 1944, the AACD has supported the efforts of Arizona’s Conservation Districts.
Founded in 1944, the Arizona Association of Conservation Districts is a nonprofit organization created by the districts themselves.
AACD exists to support, strengthen, and unify Arizona's Conservation Districts. The Association provides technical and financial assistance, grant development, project management, communications support, education programs, and opportunities for collaboration among districts and state and federal partners.
AACD also serves as a collective voice for districts, helping communicate the value of locally led conservation to partners, policymakers, and the public. Through statewide initiatives, funding partnerships, conferences, workshops, and outreach programs, AACD helps districts access resources and opportunities that might otherwise be beyond the reach of individual districts.
While districts focus on local conservation and the Natural Resource Conservation Board provides statewide governance and coordination, AACD focuses on helping districts get what they need to succeed.
AACD Executive Board
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Dawn Salcito
President, Triangle NRCD
Dawn was born and raised on a ranch in Arizona and has been ranching in Skull Valley with her husband on his family ranch for 30+ years. Dawn has been working with Districts since 2015 when she joined the Triangle NRCD Board and worked for the Western Yavapai Conservation Education Center.
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Frank Krentz
1st Vice President, Whitewater Draw NRCD
Frank is a rancher in the Douglas area. His family has been in the business of ranching for over 100 years. He became involved with the Districts in 2010 and is a Board Supervisor for the Whitewater Draw NRCD. He has held the position of AACD President and Past President.
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Amber Morin
2nd Vice President, Whitewater Draw NRCD
Raised in Arizona agriculture, Amber has spent more than 14 years working at the intersection of ranching, conservation, and natural resource management. She grew up ranching in southeastern Arizona and continues to ranch with her family, bringing a producer’s perspective to her work with conservation districts, agricultural organizations, and agency partners. Throughout her career, Amber has helped secure more than $60 million in conservation funding and is passionate about practical, locally led conservation that supports Arizona’s working lands and rural communities.
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Tim Grandy
Past President, Buckeye Valley NRCD
Tim is a fourth-generation farmer in the Buckeye Valley. He and his son have a small cow-calf operation. For over 40 years, Tim worked as a Soil Conservation Technician at the NRCS. Since retirement in 2018, Tim has served on the Buckeye Valley NRCD Board and is currently the Vice-Chairman.
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Daric Knight
Treasurer, Apache NRCD
Daric is a fourth-generation rancher in Springerville. He and his wife raise Hereford cattle and own a hunting operation. Daric has been involved with the Districts since high school and is currently the Apache NRCD Board Chair.
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Sadie Lister
Secretary, Little Colorado River SWCD
Sadie is a 7th-generation rancher and raises cattle and sheep. She became a Little Colorado River Soil and Water Conservation District/Navajo Nation member in 2010. Sadie is an elected representative for the Community of Indian Wells.
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Steve Turcotte
Government Affairs Committee Chair, Winkelman NRCD
Steve is a rancher and vice chair of the Winkelman NRCD. A retired Navy pilot, Steve purchased his ranch in Aravaipa Canyon after 30 years of service. Steve has worked hard to retain a sustainable, healthy, and diverse landscape while maintaining a stable livestock and wildlife population.
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Kaci Tomerlin
Rangeland & Forestry Committee Chair, Tonto NRCD
Bio forthcoming.
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Becki Ross
Cropland & Water Resources Committee Chair, Verde NRCD
Bio forthcoming.
AACD’s Management Team
AACD contracts a talented team of individuals to manage the administration of the organization. This group’s experience includes organizational management, financial management, program management, marketing, outreach, education, rangeland monitoring, conservation planning, and more. In total, this group manages over $156 million for AACD’s programs and projects, supporting the statutory responsibilities of Arizona’s Conservation Districts.
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Deb Smith
CEO
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Heather Baker
COO
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Weston Hart
CFO
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Brooke Gladden
Operations Director
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Dawn Salcito
Programs Director, North
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Amber Morin
Programs Director, South
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Sarah James
State Technical Lead
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Raina Hines
Marketing Director
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Ronie Hemsley
Education Coordinator
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Wendy Chavey
Programs Assistant, North
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Lexi Boss
Programs Assistant, South
Understanding AACD & Arizona’s Conservation Districts
Learn about Arizona’s Conservation Districts and AACD’s role in supporting their work statewide. This one-page overview is perfect to share at meetings, events, or with anyone interested in conservation in Arizona.