Dave Davis and Renner Wunderlich Join Board of Environmental Defense Center

Santa Barbara — The Environmental Defense Center (EDC) is proud to announce that veteran environmental leader and former Santa Barbara City Planning Director, Dave Davis, and Academy Award winning documentary filmmaker, Renner Wunderlich, have joined the organization’s Board of Directors.

Dave Davis comes to EDC as one of the most respected and experienced environmental leaders along the south central coast, having stepped down this fall from 11 years as President and CEO of Santa Barbara’s Community Environmental Council. Prior to that Dave served for almost 25 years as the City of Santa Barbara’s Community Development Director and City Planner where he was responsible for planning, environmental review, building and safety, redevelopment, housing programs and community development/block grant activities. Dave is also the Chair of the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District and sits on Santa Barbara’s Water Commission.

“I have always appreciated the leadership role EDC has played in the projects that have the greatest potential to impact the communities I love,” said Davis. “I am excited to join the EDC Board and help this powerful organization continue its work to stop irresponsible oil development and ensure our communities continue to take meaningful action on climate change. 

Renner Wunderlich is a 35-year veteran social justice filmmaker, who received an Academy Award for Defending Our Lives, a film about domestic violence.  Active on issues of social and environmental justice in Santa Barbara, Renner and his partner, Margaret Lazarus, created the film and music for the worldwide Women’s Rights, Human Rights presentation at the UN General Assembly.  Renner is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked with homeless veterans at the VA and with the Army’s Wounded Warrior Program.

“I am very proud to join the EDC Board,” said Wunderlich. “As a longtime social justice activist, I am eager to support this organization which stands at the forefront on critical environmental justice issues, working to ensure that all communities enjoy clean water, clean air and access to vital open space.”

“Both Dave and Renner are proven leaders in their fields with deep ties to the community,” said Owen Bailey, EDC’s Executive Director. “EDC, our client organizations and our precious environment will benefit from Dave’s deep experience and knowledge and Renner’s ability to help us communicate more effectively. EDC is very fortunate to have both Dave and Renner join our Board.”

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

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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. Learn more about EDC at www.EnvironmentalDefenseCenter.org.