San Mateo County Parks Department’s Natural Resource Manager, Hannah Ormshaw, was recently named the department’s assistant director. Ormshaw’s extensive background in natural resource management will be instrumental as the department implements its Wildfire Fuel Management Program and develops and implements plans that protect sensitive species while also providing recreational access across more than 16,000 acres throughout San Mateo County.
A self-described lifelong outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, camping, and canoeing and spending as much time outdoors as possible, Ormshaw has a strong personal appreciation for parks.
Ormshaw came to San Mateo County Parks in 2015 as a Student Conservation Association (SCA) Youth Stewardship Crew Leader and then became the Senior GIS Intern for the Department through SCA. After two years as an assistant ecologist with the Alameda Resource Conservation District, she joined San Mateo County Parks as a natural resource specialist II. She was promoted to Natural Resource Manager in 2019.
“I’m excited to be able to continue to support the work of the Department in my new role.” Ormshaw said following her appointment. “I’ve enjoyed working for the department and am proud of the Natural Resource Management team’s role in promoting the department’s vision for stewardship and preservation of parklands and natural resources while encouraging the community’s appreciation and enjoyment of these places.”
Ormshaw holds bachelor’s in environmental studies from University of Waterloo and a master’s from the University of Toronto. While in Canada, she worked at the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, Quinte Conservation Authority, Parks Canada, and Natural Resources Canada.