BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Robert (Bob) McGowan (Board President): Bob is a retired Information Technology (IT) manager with over 20 years of experience managing large national IT organizations. Bob’s hobbies include SCUBA diving, underwater photography, hiking, skiing, and motorcycle touring. Bob and his wife have two adult children, three grandchildren, and a couple of elderly cats who generally run the household.

Peggy Chun: Peggy is a retired systems engineer who led technical teams in research, design, testing, and evaluation to integrate complex systems supporting Navy and NASA programs over a 36-year career. Her personal interests span the gamut from traveling to areas of world cultural interest to learning about and appreciating the world differences, to geology, gardening, hiking, photography, genealogy research, and old cars.

Jasmine Carter
I have lived in Ridgecrest for more than twenty years and have appreciated the Maturango
Museum  As my family has grown, we continue to
enjoy the museum through its community outreach and events, especially the open studio tours.
Professionally, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults through school-based counseling and private practice. My background includes therapy and consultation, grant and proposal writing, and creating
workshops and training. I look forward to contributing to the museum’s mission and supporting opportunities for connection, learning, and community
engagement.

Jann Philpott (Board Treasurer): Jann worked for the US Navy in finance, payroll, supporting the Weapons and Energetics Department.  She enjoys making stained glass and working on jigsaw puzzles. 

Rochelle Fulton
I was born and raised in Ridgecrest. My grandparents moved here in the 40s, My mother, father,
and stepfather all retired from the base, and at the end of this year I will retire after more than 40
years. I believe the Maturango Museum is one of Ridgecrest’s greatest assets. I am hopeful and
committed to helping ensure that it continues to thrive and grow. Professionally, my background is primarily in finance, program management, and analysis. I
served in several senior leadership roles for various sectors of the organization and major weapon system program offices within NAWC-WD .

Patty Wharton (Vice-President): Moved to the valley in 1967 and has lived here since.  She started her career in electronics at Texas Instruments in 1969 and moved to civil service 1995. AT NAWC, she was a member of the Electronic Warfare Team on the F18 program until she retired in 2012. Interests include local history, the wildflowers and the mountains/hiking and backpacking, visiting the museum and enjoying the exhibits. Patty loves being able to give back to our community, and  serving on the Museum Board is another way to highlight/serve our community and its history.

Alisha Mondragon has been a Ridgecrest resident for over 25 years and brings many skills to the Board. Her history  as an Army officer, a Registered Nurse, a mother and a business owner brings a diverse skillset that includes writing and managing grants. Alisha has a real connection with the Gladys Merrick Garden and brings her knowledge of drought tolerant planting to the Garden!

Pam Smith
Pamela Smith was born in Ridgecrest and has lived here her entire life. She has retired from two careers, and currently runs several small, woman-owned businesses. She obtained her BA in Political Science from Chico State University and an MBA in Business Administration from
Naval Postgraduate School. Pamela was the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Support Services for Sierra Sands Unified School District from 2017-2025,
Prior to that she worked at Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), China Lake, for 37 years. Her final position at NAWC was as the Director, Program & Business Analysis Department,. These positions
enabled her to increase her skills in organizational leadership, governance, strategic planning,
policy review, financial knowledge, and community engagement.
Pamela has been a member of the China Lake Rotary Club since 2018.

Dan Burnett (Secretary): Dan was raised in the Los Angeles area, and graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in political science as well as graduate work in business administration. He worked for 32 years as a civil servant before retiring from the Naval Weapons Center in 1994. He has been a member of the Maturango Museum since the early 1970s.