Peter Thielke grew up in Sitka, Alaska, in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Humanistic Studies and a minor in Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in teaching, Peter began a long career in education that eventually led him to Ojai in 1999. At the Oak Grove School, he served as Head of School for two years and as a homeroom teacher for four years. In 2012, after moving to the East End with his partner, Ellen Sklarz, Peter joined the Senior Canyon Mutual Water Company (SCMWC) board of directors as secretary, and in 2014 was elected board president. In that position and as the company’s part-time General Manager, Peter has facilitated major changes in the company, including financial stabilization, personnel turnover, system operation improvements, and long-term planning designed to increase water security for company shareholders. Peter prefers a consensual management approach and sees himself as just one member of a team of volunteers serving on the SCMWC board. Viewing the company as a jewel that holds tremendous value for its beauty and its capacity to produce high-quality water, Peter enjoys his regular trips up to the reservoir or the canyon to inspect operations and enjoy the natural landscape.