Staff
ANN TARTRE – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ann Tartre joined the Equinox Center as its Program Director in May 2009 and was named Executive Director in February 2011. As Program Director, Ann developed the organization's research and policy agenda, produced the annual San Diego Regional Quality of Life Dashboard and managed the organization’s communication and outreach activities. As Executive Director, Ann continues to oversee Equinox Center's research agenda, but also is responsible for the overall strategic direction and fund raising activities of the organization.
Prior to joining Equinox, Ann was the Executive Director of Avoided Deforestation Partners, and Director of the San Diego-based US-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership, a network of foundations on both sides of the border that aims to improve quality of life in the border region. Before working on the border, Ann’s career focused primarily on sustainable development and conservation themes. As the Director of Donor Services at the Maine Community Foundation, she managed all the foundation’s funds focused on conservation and economic and community development.
Ann's policy experience includes being a legislative aide for U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell in Washington, DC, focusing on national environmental and energy issues. Ann holds a BA in International Relations and French from Tufts University, and a Masters degree from the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University.
EMMA LEGGAT - COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Emma Leggat joined Equinox Center as Communications Director in April 2011. As Communications Director, Emma's primary role is to bring to life Equinox Center's empirical data and research into compelling language and stories for the San Diego community, through community outreach and online, social and traditional media.
Prior to joining Equinox, Emma was a fellow with The Hitachi Foundation in Washington, D.C., the corporate foundation of global technology giant Hitachi, Ltd. Previously, she worked at the New York City headquarters of communications consultancies including Hill & Knowlton and Ruder Finn, where she counseled and managed communications strategies for clients including Hertz, Ernst & Young and GlaxoSmithKline, among others. At that time, she was instrumental in the early development of Hertz's global environmental responsibility strategy. Later, she furthered her non-profit development experience working with the San Diego Public Library Foundation.
Currently residing with her husband in Del Mar, CA, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and communication from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, and an International MBA from the University of San Diego, CA. She is actively involved in Net Impact, an international association of MBAs who seek to use the power of business to create a more socially and environmentally sustainable world, and has volunteered with such local organizations as ACCION San Diego, San Diego Hospice & Palliative Care Center, the Del Mar Foundation and Friends of Del Mar Parks.
DYLAN WOOD - RESEARCH FELLOW
A graduate student studying environmental economics at UCSD’s School of International Relations and Pacific Studies (IRPS), as Research Fellow with Equinox Center, Dylan conducts research and compiles reports relating to quality of life indicators, reviews current policy and economic issues in the San Diego region, and supports volunteers and staff in other research endeavors.
Prior to joining Equinox Center, Dylan worked for an off-grid solar energy company in Atascadero, California. His experience there gave Dylan a unique perspective on energy markets, photovoltaic and other renewable energy technologies, and the economic benefits that come from growth in the green energy industry. Having grown up on a ranch that raised organic beef in Paso Robles, California, Dylan also has background experience in land use and water rights issues. His fellowship at Equinox Center will both build upon and reinforce his study of environmental economics at UCSD, from which he will graduate with a Master’s degree in June 2012.
The Equinox Sustainability Fellowship program is made possible through support from the Marcus Family Fund.