Dennis Allen and Sally Semegen Join Board of Environmental Defense Center

May 4, 2016

Santa Barbara, CA – The Environmental Defense Center (EDC) is proud to announce that both Dennis Allen and Sally Semegen have joined the organization’s Board of Directors. Mr. Allen is the chairman of the board for nationally recognized Allen Construction and one of the pioneers of the green building movement and Ms. Semegen is a trustee with the Roger S. Firestone Foundation, with a strong marketing and business background. Both have a long history of using their considerable skills and expertise to benefit our local environment.

Dennis Allen founded Allen Construction in 1983 and grew the business into an award-winning company specializing in green building. For over 30 years Mr. Allen has taught courses on sustainable design and construction through the University of California Extension Program and at the Santa Barbara Community College Adult Education Program. Mr. Allen sits on the Master Plan Committee at the Museum of Natural History, is chair of the Dean’s Council at the Bren Graduate School of Environmental Science and Management at UCSB, and is involved with the Santa Barbara County Innovative Building Review Program.

“As someone who has dedicated the better part of my career to environmental sustainability and minimizing resource exploitation,” said Mr. Allen. “I am excited to join the board of this organization which not only shares my values and goals, but has earned the most extraordinary track record of success in protecting natural resources.”

Sally Semegen is a graduate of the Cate School and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University. An environmental supporter, entrepreneur and philanthropic leader, Ms. Semegen began her business career in marketing and communications and has recently branched out, starting her own jewelry design and production company here in Santa Barbara. A longtime supporter of EDC, Ms. Semegen has also served as a member of our Marketing and Communications Committee for the last several years.

“I am very proud to join the EDC Board,” said Ms. Semegen. “Growing up in this community, it has always been clear that EDC’s work was central to protecting the clean surf, undeveloped open space and so many of the threatened animals that share our environment. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help lead and support this critical organization.”

“Both Dennis and Sally bring a tremendous amount to EDC,” said Owen Bailey, EDC’s Executive Director. “Dennis has long been at the forefront of environmental policy and his expertise will be critical as EDC and our nonprofit clients face the challenges associated with a changing climate and finite resources. Sally likewise offers tremendous depth and experience to our communications and outreach efforts, where she has already lent her expertise for several years. 

Mr. Allen and Ms. Semegen will be joining the following members of the EDC Board of Directors: Alicia Roessler (President), Gary Hill (Vice-President), Judy Pirkowitsch (Treasurer), Katy Allen (Secretary), Angela Antenore, Hans Cole, Dave Davis, Daniel Emmett, Richard Francis, Mark Heintz, Gail Osherenko, and Renner Wunderlich.

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The Environmental Defense Center protects and enhances the local environment through education, advocacy, and legal action and works primarily within Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. Since 1977, EDC has empowered community-based organizations to advance environmental protection. EDC’s focus areas include protection of the Santa Barbara Channel, ensuring clean water, preserving open space and wildlife, and addressing climate and energy.