Tom Spencer
Chairman, Trustee
Our family moved into the Finegold valley over 30 years ago and were immediately welcomed by Susie, her kids and grandkids, and many members of the extended Finegold Ranch community. Busy raising our children and working as a science teacher and then administrator in the public and private sector, I enjoyed a limited involvement with the Finegold Trust and the Finegold Creek Institute. Now retired, I agreed to serve on the Board as a way of giving back to this community and I’m passionate about preserving the cultural heritage of the Ranch while also helping to realize Susie’s dream of making the unique beauty of her Trust available to a broader spectrum of like-minded people, particularly youth. As I have lived within a mile or so of the Ranch all these years, I believe I can contribute significantly to helping Susie’s vision become a reality…in Finegold time! I admire the previous Board members for the tireless efforts they contributed to keeping her dream alive and look forward to the next generation taking their place in the history of this precious legacy Susie Hickman left to us all.
Mary Strobel
Secretary, Trustee
I was 15 years old when I came to The Finegold Ranch for a visit and decided to stay for the summer. I fell in love with the Ranch and decided to remain for my entire high school years, graduating in 1977. I benefited immensely through interaction with faculty and students at Finegold Ranch, gaining a sense of responsibility and resourcefulness by cooking for a large group, milking the cows, caring for livestock, bookkeeping and taking on other responsibilities Susie tasked me with. After tinkering with several different career choices and starting a family, I obtained a degree as a Registered Nurse, later becoming a Board-Certified Peri-Anesthesia Nurse. Now retired, I live in Oregon with my husband Pat and enjoy gardening, quilting, cooking, hiking and spending time with my kids and grandkids. Staying connected with the Finegold community over the years and enjoying nearly all the annual Easter gatherings has been a meaningful part of my life. I joined the Board of Trustees in 2018 and since have worked with the community to help realize Susie’s dream of sharing the magic of the Finegold with others.