Lessons from Leaders Speaker Series: Mike Chedester

4 p.m., Indian Wells Theater

Open to the public, no RSVP required.

Parking will be enforced at $6 per vehicle. Purchase parking permit at drive-up kiosk.

Mike Chedester, Director of Education, The Living Desert

Mike Chedester graduated from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and was a classroom science teacher for 13 years before joining The Living Desert as Curator of Education in 2002. He was promoted to Director of Education in 2014. As Director, Mike directs the volunteer program that includes 500 active members and leads all efforts to create natural science-based community and school programs. In 2010, Mike received the Voluntary Public-School Choice Award from Desert Sands Unified School District. In March 2012, he received the Golden Apple Award from Palm Springs Unified School District for his leadership in bringing quality educational programs to the students of the Coachella Valley. In 2015 he was awarded the Above and Beyond award from Angel Light Leadership Academy, for his community leadership.

Mike is a professional member of AZA (Association of Zoo’s and Aquariums) and The NAI (National Association for Interpretation), where he is certified as an Interpretive Trainer, Host and Guide. In 2016 Mike became coordinator of the AZA Cheetah SAFE (Saving Animal from Extension) Public Engagement Program. He also belongs to and holds a leadership role in many state, regional and local organizations such as: IZE International Zoo Educators Association; EEC Environmental Education Collaborative of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties; Museum Educators of Southern California; California Science Teachers Association; Western Museum Association; California Association of Museums; Leadership Coachella Valley 2010 Graduate; Desert Horticulture Society of Coachella Valley. Mike is an interpretive volunteer at The Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, and serves as past president of its Board of Directors. He is currently president of the Desert Sands Unified School Districts, Indio High School Vocational Agriculture Advisory Board.

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