Join Crystal Cove Conservancy’s President & CEO Kate Wheeler for a conversation with California State Parks’ top leadership team: Director Armando Quintero, Chief Deputy Director Liz McGuirk, and Orange Coast District Superintendent Kevin Pearsall, as they explore the future of coastal conservation. Participant cap of 125. Registration and $15 fee required ($10 for members).

When: Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Time: 4:30PM to 6:30PM with a sunset reception to follow
Where: Cottage Check-in Deck in the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District
Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot across PCH. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle; free with State Parks annual pass.
Event Schedule:
4:30-5:30PM: Guest welcome, interview style discussion, audience Q&A
5:30-6:30PM: Reception with light bites and drinks until the sun sets
Price: $15 for non-members, $10 for members

Sign-up using the form below. 

**This event takes place outdoors, so please dress accordingly!** 

Cancellation Policy
Any cancellations must be received by Crystal Cove Conservancy at least 72 hours before the start of the event.
No refunds will be issued for no-shows or for change requests received after this time. You may request a cancellation by emailing Erin Andreatta at ErinA@crystalcove.org. 

In the event of cancellation on behalf of Crystal Cove Conservancy due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, Crystal Cove Conservancy will offer participants the choice of a refund or a transfer to a comparable event, if available. 

ABOUT DIRECTOR QUINTERO 

Armando Quintero was named director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation on Aug. 18, 2020. An experienced parks professional with expertise in park operations, outdoor education, equity and access, and diversity and inclusion in hiring and retention, Quintero has a degree in environmental science and biology. He was executive director of the Sierra Nevada Research Institute at the University of California (UC), Merced, from 2014 to 2020, and served as director of development at UC Merced from 2008 to 2014. He was an elected member of the Marin Municipal Water District from 2008 to 2020. In 2014 he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as a member of the California Water Commission and served as chair of that Commission from 2015 to 2020. Quintero held multiple positions at the National Park Service (NPS) from 1976 to 1998, including chief of the Special Park Uses Group and district ranger at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, personnel staffing specialist for NPS, park ranger and supervisory park ranger at the Point Reyes National Seashore, and park ranger at the Sequoia National Park and at the John Muir National Historic Site. 

Following his career at the NPS, he was an independent environmental educator and trip leader for a decade, from 1998 to 2008. 

ABOUT CHIEF DEPUTY DIRECTOR MCGUIRK

Liz McGuirk serves as the Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, where she leads statewide efforts to protect and enhance California’s natural and cultural resources and recreational opportunities. She brings over 20 years of public service experience, with deep expertise in environmental policy, legislative affairs, budget and program development. 

Before joining State Parks, Liz spent a decade working in the California State Legislature, where she worked extensively on California public policy. Her legislative leadership continues to influence her work at State Parks, where she advances policies that promote inclusion, access, and sustainability across California’s park system. 

As Chief Deputy Director, Liz oversees the Department’s executive functions including strategic planning, policy and budget development, public engagement, and interagency coordination, working to expand outdoor access for all Californians and protect the state’s 280 park units. She is known for her collaborative approach, strong policy acumen, and deep commitment to advancing programs that serve all Californians. 

In her free time, Liz enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the beauty and history of California’s parks. 

ABOUT ORANGE COAST DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT PEARSALL

Kevin has spent a career with California State Parks, moving up each promotional ladder set before him.  Currently in his third year as the District Superintendent of the Orange Coast District, Kevin has dedicated 27 years to California State Parks.   

A graduate of the University of California, Davis, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology, Kevin started his career as a State Lifeguard in the nineties.  A licensed EMT and then Paramedic, Kevin has spent a large amount of time advancing in his training, development, and eventually leadership rolls within public safety and park management. 

Kevin spent numerous years within supervisory rolls and eventually promoting into public safety and regional sector Superintendent rolls. Kevin has worked in both northern and southern California parks, which brings a vast amount of diversity both naturally and culturally. 

Kevin is a very proud father to Teagan, (16) and Brady, (9), who both keep him very busy with sports and all things that come with growing up in Southern California.