Kelly Sorenson was born in Oklahoma but raised in West Virginia where he spent much of his childhood outdoors.  He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife and fisheries management from West Virginia University and a Masters in Public Administration from Golden Gate University.  Kelly has spent 20 years saving endangered species in the wild, including work with peregrine falcons, bald eagles and California condors.  As Executive Director for Ventana Wildlife Society since 2003, Kelly led the effort to establish the endangered California condor to central California while also strengthening the organization.

Kelly served on the California Condor Recovery Team, an advisory body to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, from 2001 to 2010. He has six, peer-reviewed scientific publications and numerous technical reports in the field of wildlife conservation. Kelly currently leads the fundraising, strategic planning and management efforts of Ventana Wildlife Society which now conducts research, wildlife recovery and outdoor youth education throughout central California.  He also serves on the board of directors for the International School of Monterey and this schools’ foundation board.

Kelly lives in Marina with his wife and two young children where outdoor adventures and backyard garden time is frequent and always enjoyed.  Kelly was elected to the Board in November 2012.
Ethics Training Certificate - 3/3/2024