Placer Land Trust adds to board of directors

Placer Land Trust announced the addition of Achini Bandara to its board of directors. Bandara serves as development director for Sierra Nevada Journeys, a nonprofit based in Northern Nevada and California that delivers outdoor, science-based education programs for youth. Before her career in education and environmental advocacy, Bandara held project management and project development scientist positions at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine and the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center. She also brings extensive experience with managing large grants and grant-funded projects. "With her passion for education and environmental advocacy, and her experience with nonprofit development, Achini is going to be a wonderful addition to the board," Placer Land Trust Board President Christine Pieper said. Bandara was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in Zimbabwe before moving to Lexington, South Carolina, in 2003. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Wofford College and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Bioorganic Chemistry from Purdue University. "I think that we're currently at a juncture where many of the issues facing humanity can be traced back to the health of the planet," Bandara said. "I believe deeply in Placer Land Trust's mission to preserve our region's natural and agricultural land, and I am thrilled to join the dedicated team at PLT and support the continuation of these critical conservation and education projects." Bandara said she was awed by the landscapes of Placer County from her first visit and moved to Auburn several years ago with her husband and son to be closer to the outdoors. The move also brought her to Sierra Nevada Journeys, bringing a long-awaited opportunity to pursue her passion for promoting science education.