Wildfire Prevention Fuels Reduction Forest Restoration
STAFF
Craig Case
Executive Director
Craig took over as Executive Director of CHIPS in September, 2022. Craig worked for The Washington Post Company’s broadcast and cable divisions for 15 years, followed by 20 years running his own companies, including Alta Sierra Communications, which became one of the largest employers in Tuolumne County. Craig brings a pro-growth approach to CHIPS Forestry and a determination to tackle the massive fuels workload that exists in our forests.
Kettja Bennet
Field Operations Manager
Kettja grew up in Alpine County and is now working to complete her engineering degree at the University of Nevada Reno. Kettja began her forestry journey with CHIPS in 2018, first as a Swamper then as a Sawyer for two years. In October 2021, she was hired through the Sierra Nevada Alliance as a Forestry Fellow to act as the Field Operations Manager for CHIPS. Currently, Kettja helps manage CHIPS’ crews in Chico, Yosemite, and Woodfords (Alpine County) areas. She brings a strong understanding of safe-felling techniques, organizational and planning skills, and years of working within a dynamic team setting to CHIPS. She enjoys auto mechanics, swimming, math, and being outdoors.
Seva McCarter
CFO
Seva McCarter, CFO for CHIPS, has years of experience in the Accounting Field from companies such as Litton Property Management, Inc., LIME Financial Services, LTD, Cypress Ventures, Inc., The Money Store and TRW. She was the CFO & Controller for Litton Property Management for 18 years and still serves as the CFO in a limited capacity. In her career at LIME Financial Services, LTD, she was responsible for over $80 million in monthly fundings. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the Rail Road Flat Community Club & Mountin’ Money II, an investment fund on a volunteer basis.
David Brant
Equipment Manager
Dave has an extensive range of experiences. He was a firefighter paramedic in the Bay Area for over ten years. He volunteered for the fire department in Calaveras County for at least ten years while working at an auto mechanic shop. Dave has been an auto mechanic for most of his life. Before starting with CHIPS, he worked as a mechanic and salesman at Guys Saw Shop for 15 years. Dave was hired by CHIPS in July 2020 as a foreman, and was subsequently promoted to Equipment Manager. Dave loves repairing anything, LOVES FISHING, and enjoys being outdoors.