The Bay Foundation of Morro Bay

Bill Henry, AICP, has been an environmental planning consultant on the Central Coast since 1989 and currently owns his own firm, Estero Environmental, Inc. A majority of his professional career has been spent as a small business owner (i.e., Morro Group) and as the Director of SWCA Environmental Consultants San Luis Obispo office. Bill has served as a board member for the Bay Foundation since 2009. He enjoys contributing to the Bay Foundation by using his background as an environmental planning professional and small business owner. Bill holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management and a Master of City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In his spare time, Bill can be found enjoying his family, the wonderful community of Los Osos where he lives, and the beautiful terrestrial and aquatic environments of the Central Coast.

Jason earned a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Purdue University and spent 14 years at Purdue University North Central, teaching and conducting research in the areas of parasitology and population genetics. Jason held many teaching leadership positions, including Academic Program Coordinator and Interim Chair for the Biology and Chemistry Department. He returned to the Central Coast in 2014 to serve as the Dean of Sciences and Mathematics at his alma mater, Cuesta College. In 2019, Jason became Cuesta’s Vice President of Instruction, managing academic matters such as the course offerings, faculty hiring, and program development. He also has served on the steering committee for the Central Coast Biological Society, which highlights much of the region’s outstanding biological research. Jason’s skills in community engagement, leadership, and administration are strong assets in his role as a board member for the Bay Foundation of Morro Bay.

Gary Ruggerone is the Owner/Principal Environmental Planner of Piedra Environmental Consultants, a local environmental planning firm specializing in CEQA and NEPA analysis and regulatory permit compliance for transportation-related projects. Gary also works part-time for SWCA , a local environmental planning firm .

A life-long resident of California, Gary earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, and a Master of Arts in Population Aquatic Biology from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Gary worked as an Environmental Planner with the California State Department of Transportation from March 1979 until December 2010. From June 1980 until his retirement in December 2010, Gary was the Branch Chief for the Environmental Stewardship Branch in Caltrans District 5 (San Luis Obispo).

A life-long resident of California, Gary earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, and a Master of Arts in Population Aquatic Biology from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Gary worked as an Environmental Planner with the California State Department of Transportation from March 1979 until December 2010. From June 1980 until his retirement in December 2010, Gary was the Branch Chief for the Environmental Stewardship Branch in Caltrans District 5 (San Luis Obispo).

Gary has served on the Bay Foundation Board since 1994, including two terms as President and currently as Secretary. Gary also serves as Secretary for the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers [501(c)(3)] since 2014. He is an avid sea kayaker and can often be found paddling in Morro Bay and Avila, as well as leading hikes and tours of the Point San Luis Lighthouse.

Leonard has broad experience working in the Life Sciences field for 44 years until his retirement in December of 2026. Leonard earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology from Western Washington University. He has worked in the fields of Immunology, Human Diagnostics, Small molecule manufacturing and spent the last 20 years in Analytical Chemistry. Leonard brings his extensive background in community service to the Bay Foundation Board. He is an active member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Los Osos and a member of the Los Osos/Baywood Chamber of Commerce. From 2010–2014, Leonard was a member of the Los Osos Community Services District (LOCSD) Board of Directors. His tenure included negotiation out of bankruptcy, creation of the Basin Management Committee for the Los Osos groundwater basin, and installation of the wastewater treatment plant. He currently serves on the LOCSD Utilities Advisory Committee. Leonard has also volunteered for local Boy Scouts of America and local youth sports teams. Leonard enjoys the many natural resources here on the Central Coast with his family and values the opportunity to give back to his community of more than 30 years.

Kyle is a biologist and educator with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. His research applies advanced technology, including drones and GIS, to study natural systems such as monarch butterfly conservation and habitat restoration. He currently serves as a Biology Lecturer at Cuesta College and Cal Poly, and sits on the Central Coast Biological Society’s steering committee. When not teaching or researching, he enjoys kayaking in the bay.