Groundwork San Diego welcomes William Ponder to Board of Directors

July 30, 2011 - PRLog -- William S. Ponder, whose diverse background includes urban and regional planning as well as numerous leadership and consulting roles as an educator and academic, has joined the board of directors at Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek.  

The environmental non-profit organization serving Southeast San Diego has relationships and partnerships with several local schools, an important quality for the San Diego resident with a passion for educating the next generation.  

“I believe in the goals and vision of Groundwork, especially focused around young people,” said Ponder, who was born and raised in San Diego. “I am pleased to join with others who are involved and actively engaged in helping Groundwork to be a major force around the restoration and preservation of our natural resources which will greatly impact how the community takes care of its creeks, wetlands, canyons and other natural resources.”  

With 25-plus years of experience in higher education administration, including fiscal management, enrollment and student services, Ponder most recently served as vice president of student affairs at Eastern Washington University. He helped develop student affairs programs to support diversity on campus, and increased enrollment, retention and student success. He also maintained strong community relations.  

“The election of Bill Ponder to our board comes at a significant time, as the issues of poverty, violence and environmental justice in Southeast San Diego demand the engagement of the best minds our city has to offer,” said Leslie Reynolds, executive director at Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek. “Bill shares Groundwork’s commitment to environmental education and creek and watershed restoration.”  

Throughout his career, Ponder has been involved in various extracurricular activities, such as committees and professional associations, including the Joint Labor Management Committee, Quality Service Initiative, the Intercollegiate Relations Commission and many others.  

He has worked with community members around urban and regional planning, consulted with the College Board, ACT, and has experience with fundraising capital campaigns. In addition to Groundwork, Ponder continues to work with the US Department of Educations APIP grant, which focuses on advance placement courses and student achievement.  

As a new board member, Ponder will help Groundwork San Diego carry out numerous initiatives, including environmental service learning, school-to-career efforts, and community development through the organization’s Green Team.  

Groundwork San Diego-Chollas Creek is an independent non-profit business that strives to improve the environment, economy and quality of life in Southeast San Diego. Groundwork works in partnership with the City of San Diego and with the assistance of volunteers, communities and businesses to restore creeks and open spaces, provide educational outreach on water conservation and climate change issues.  

For more information, please visit www.GroundworkSanDiego.org.

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