Kira
Lake Recreation Manager
Kira joined Lake Jennings in December 2014, and was a welcome addition bringing with her a solid recreation management background. Her most recent position prior to her arrival at the lake was as the Athletic Director at The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe. She is an East County native, with a degree in Communication from San Diego State, and is a Certified Park and Recreation Executive. You’ll spot her around the campground and lake wearing a smile and her pink steel-toed boots that Earl picked out for her.
Sherry
Recreation Coordinator
Sherry joined the lake as our Recreation Coordinator in October of 2019 after working in both animal welfare and community recreation. She studied Recreation Management and Wildlife Biology at the University of Vermont. She joined the team at Lake Jennings to share her love of water and wildlife with the public. One of her favorite things about the lake is driving into the campground on Saturday mornings to the smell of bacon and coffee over the campfire! On the weekends, she splits her time between the campground and the lake. She looks forward to bringing more fun events to Lake Jennings!
Shirley
Office Assistant
Shirley has been a member of the Lake team since March 2025. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Japanese from San Diego State University, which reflects her passion for learning and different cultures. Shirley finds great peace and tranquility in working at the lake, as the water has a calming effect on both her mind and spirit, helping her stay grounded. She enjoys spending her time at the lake, whether it’s taking in the stunning views, having a relaxing picnic, or walking the beautiful trails. Shirley loves the amazing atmosphere of the lake, which adds to her appreciation of working in such a serene and picturesque environment.
Ray
Maintenance Ranger
Ray joined us here at Lake Jennings in June 2020. For 25 years, Ray was the owner of the Dub Spot Custom V.W. & Porsche Shop. He also worked at the Green Door Café in La Jolla. He is currently coaching for the Mountain Warriors Baseball Club in East County. You may see Ray driving the dump truck around waving at everyone he sees. Ray enjoys that the lake is a “get away” in the city. Everyone here is happy to be here and that makes him feel good about being here.
Danielle
Maintenance Ranger
Danielle started at Lake Jennings as an Assistant Recreation Ranger in October 2021. Before moving from Ventura to San Diego, Danielle studied math and geology at Ventura College and spent many years working for the Boy Scouts of America as a venturing advisor, archery range master, and a camp advisor. She loves the lake because she gets the chance to meet new people with interesting stories and swap great fishing advice! At the lake, Danielle enjoys early sunrises in the morning and trout fishing on her days off. You can usually find her in Siesta Cove, most likely with a few trout on a stringer.
Erik
Maintenance Ranger
Erik joined our team as a maintenance ranger in October 2024. A San Diego native, he studied Administration of Justice at Miramar College and graduated from the 82nd Regional POST Academy, also earning certifications in Fire Science Technology and National Incident Management. Erik brings a varied background, with over a decade in construction, experience managing security teams and hospitality venues, and time as a Wildland Firefighter in Oregon. He loves the lake for its peaceful setting, which reminds him of family camping and fishing trips, and enjoys problem-solving, observing wildlife, and catching sunrises and sunsets. When not at the lake, Erik is often camping, fishing, wood and metalworking, riding his motorcycle, or cooking Texas-style BBQ with his beloved dog, Cali.
Glenn
Assistant Maintenance Ranger
Glenn joined our team as an assistant maintenance ranger in December 2021. Coming to us with a wide range of experience, Glenn grew up farming in the Midwest, dedicated twenty years to engineering in the U.S. Navy, and worked many years in commercial construction. Glenn loves the lake because it is a great place to get away from the big city without having to travel a long way. Depending on the weather, Glenn enjoys hiking or lounging in the shade and enjoying the views!
Garry
Assistant Maintenance Ranger
Garry joined the Lake Jennings team in May 2024. He attended Granite Hills High School and studied ornamental horticulture at Cuyamaca College. Before Lake Jennings, Garry spent ten years in public works at Viejas, and also worked at UCSD and the Alpine Special Treatment Center. He enjoys the lake as a nearby escape, especially fishing with his family and observing wildlife. An animal lover, Garry has several pets and volunteers at the Feral Cat Coalition. He’s also an avid fan of H.P. Lovecraft.
Cole
Assistant Maintenance Ranger
Cole joined the Lake Jennings team in October 2021. Cole is a student at Grossmont College and has joined us from his previous occupation as a valet driver at Four Points Little Italy. Cole loves anything and everything that has to do with the outdoors, so it’s safe to say you’ll probably find him weed whacking and maintaining the campground.
Coryn
Guest Service Associate
Coryn began working at Lake Jennings as a Guest Service Associate in February 2024. She is currently enrolled at Grossmont College and plans to transfer to a university after she earns her associate degree. Prior to joining the LJ team, Coryn worked at the UPS Store for a few years. She loves the lake because of its beauty and peacefulness, and how it supplies drinking water to many people. Coryn’s favorite things to do here are watching the birds and seeing all the other native plants and wildlife. Her goal in life is to protect wildlife and eventually work in national parks.
Nathaniel
Assistant Recreation Ranger
Nathaniel has been with Lake Jennings since 2020. He was promoted from Dockhand to Assistant Recreation Ranger in February 2022. He enjoys fishing and the beauty of the lake. He says, it’s so serene being at the lake, you could just take a nap while enjoying the view. Nathaniel finished high school in 2019 and graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S. in Biology to pursue his interests in his future career.
Shayla
Assistant Recreation Ranger
Shayla joined our team in March 2024, captivated by its natural beauty and the morning birdsong. As a student at Cuyamaca College’s Center for Water Studies, she finds inspiration in the lake’s serene surroundings. With a diverse background from her experiences at Uptown Jungle Fun Park and Target, Shayla brings a unique perspective to her role. She delights in exploring the lake’s trails, observing its vibrant wildlife, and enjoying boat outings. Shayla’s passion for the outdoors extends to camping adventures, reflecting her connection to nature. Her presence at Lake Jennings embodies a true appreciation for its wonders.
Sebastian
Assistant Recreation Ranger
Sebastian joined our team in December 2024, drawn by his love for fishing and the great outdoors. As a student at Grossmont College, he is working toward transferring to San Diego State University, majoring in art while exploring his future career path. Around the lake, Sebastian enjoys fishing, driving boats, and working at the bait shop. Before joining Lake Jennings, he spent a year working at McDonalds. In his free time, he plays a lot of basketball, balancing his time between the court, the classroom, and the peaceful waters of the lake.
Stephen
Dockhand
Stephen was brought onto the team in July 2022 as a dockhand. A San Diego native, Stephen attended Valhalla High School and graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in criminal justice administration some years after. He has worked in federal law enforcement for the last 22 years, making sure to make time for Star Trek and bowling in the meantime. Stephen loves the lake because it is very relaxing and quiet, and has many birds to observe. Around the lake, Stephen likes to help customers and listen to their stories. If you see Stephen around, don’t be afraid to say hi!
Jesse
Dockhand
Jesse was hired as a Dockhand at the lake in October 2021. He is currently enrolled at Cuyamaca College studying water treatment, which is what attracted him to a position at Lake Jennings. Previously he worked at the California Conservation Corps. When he’s not at the lake or school, he enjoys reading and hiking.
John
Dockhand
John joined the LJ crew in February of 2023. As a longtime El Cajon resident, he has made many memories out at the lake with his family and friends over the years. During his time in the Navy, John extensively studied hull maintenance, ship fitting, and engineering. He was previously a Senior Designer for General Dynamics NASSCO and has worked on a myriad of projects in the hull engineering department. On the side, he has also been involved in tournament kayak fishing and has been involved in numerous outdoor publications. An outdoorsman, John’s favorite activities out at the lake are boating and fishing because “we have the best rental fleet in the county and the fishing is second to none.”
Jackson
Dockhand
Jackson joined the LJ team as a dockhand in November 2023. He is currently enrolled at Grossmont College and plans to transfer to UC San Diego for a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. Jackson loves the lake because of all the interesting life that is present in and around its waters, a true natural biologist! His favorite things to do at the lake include riding the barge and going fishing. He is happy to be a part of Lake Jennings and out in the environment every day. If you see Jackson around, don’t hesitate to say hello!
Scott
Dockhand
Scott began working at Lake Jennings as a dockhand in July 2024. He attended Monte Vista High School and went on to study aviation electronics in the United States Navy. He furthered his education at Grossmont College, where he studied leadership. Prior to joining the LJ team, Scott served in the USN for four years, followed by extensive experience in various industries, including twenty-five years at Sanyo Electric, five years at John Deere, and four years at GKN Aerospace. Scott loves Lake Jennings for its beautiful views, happy customers and staff, and the wide variety of birds and animals. His favorite activities at the lake include interacting with customers, making someone smile, and taking photos of happy fishers. Outside of work, Scott loves to fish, hike, spend time in the desert, and enjoy time with family and friends.
Kenny
Campground Host
Kenny moved to Lake Jennings from Louisiana in May of 2025. He graduated from Del Gado College in New Orleans and worked in Mechanical Engineering for over 35 years. He enjoys the morning hikes on the campground loop trail and appreciates that it feels like an oasis in an urban setting!
Josh
Campground Host
Josh started at Lake Jennings as a Park Host in October 2024. Josh attended Moorpark Community College on a football scholarship, where he studied computer science. Before joining the Lake Jennings team, he served as a camp host at Lake Piru and Lake Casitas, both in Ventura County. Josh enjoys the peacefulness of the lake, as well as its scenic views and the resources it provides to the community. He loves observing the variety of bird species and wildlife around the lake. Outside of work, you can always find Josh with his wife of 12 years and their beagle, Ziva. He’s also a big fan of sushi and is always ready for his next sushi adventure!
Willie
Campground Host
Willie joined the Lake team in March 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his long tenure with the U.S. Navy, where he has proudly served since 1998. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ashford University, further enhancing his skill set and knowledge. Willie finds joy in working at the lake, drawn to the stunning views and the professionalism of the staff. In his free time, Willie enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, particularly fishing, helping others, and taking leisurely walks around the lake. Whether he’s casting a line or lending a helping hand, Willie is always eager to connect with the community and embrace the beauty of the great outdoors.
Bud, Retiree
Former Assistant Recreation Ranger
Bud was a Lake Jennings staple. He worked at the lake part time for over 30 years. He also worked in publishing with the Union Tribune for 20 years and spent some time working in ship yards and on aircraft before that. He was a San Diego local who attended SDSU and studied political science and biology. He deeply loved the lake because of the rewarding experience it brings to all. He enjoyed teaching others to respect nature and explaining different techniques and bait for catching fish! Bud passed away in 2022. He will be sorely missed by many.
Earl, Retiree
Former Maintenance Ranger
Earl was known for his jolly personality and rainbow suspenders, you couldn’t miss him around the campground! He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Julian Cuyamaca Fire Protection District and spent 14 years of experience as a Ranger at Lake Cuyamaca where he also served as the Reservoir Keeper. He was with Lake Jennings from December 2008 to April 2021, and was a Senior Chief in the U.S. Navy in his younger years. Earl passed away in 2024 but his legacy and shining personality lives on at Lake Jennings Campground through his rainbow bench as colorful as the man himself.
Tim, Retiree
Maintenance Ranger
Ranger Tim has worked at Lake Jennings since May 2010. He is our resident tractor expert, and is excellent at felling trees. You can find him in and around the campground while working, and even camping on the weekends for fun. Tim gave up his job as a transportation manager for a nationwide distribution company to come back to nature. He loved camping and fishing at the lake and turned that love into a career!