Operational Leadership Experience

As CEO of Sendero Recreation Management, Kris brings over 35 years of experience working with multiple public agencies including the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Los Angeles Parks Department, Tennessee Valley Authority, and California State Parks.

Starting as a busboy, Kris eventually rose to become President of Basecamp Hospitality, where he oversaw all daily operations employing nearly 1,000 staff during peak season across California, Oregon, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. In 2021, Basecamp Hospitality merged with Recreation Resources Management to form Vista Recreation, where he became Chief Operating Officer with nationwide responsibility across twenty states and multiple agency jurisdictions.

Throughout his career, Kris has successfully managed numerous facilities including Lassen Volcanic National Park, Angel Island State Park, and Katherine Landing Marina on Lake Mohave.

Kris holds a Bachelor of Science in International Relations from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and has completed training in Financial Analysis at the Center for Executive Development at the University of California, Berkeley.

With over 30 years of experience navigating the intersection of high-stakes finance and rugged hospitality, Richard Bayer brings a "boots-on-the-ground" perspective to his role as Board Chair and Co-Owner of Sendero Recreation Management. A seasoned strategist, Richard has a proven track record of scaling outdoor hospitality ventures, most notably driving dramatic growth at Basecamp Hospitality and guiding its successful transition into Vista Recreation. His expertise lies in translating complex financial landscapes into clear, actionable roadmaps that empower everyone from lakeside staff to executive board members.

Starting out in hotel operations with Marriott, Richard’s career is rooted in the belief that operational excellence is the foundation of a great guest experience. Prior to founding Sendero Recreation, Richard steered the financial operations for Basecamp Hospitality and Vista Recreation as Chief Financial Officer. His leadership is rooted in an extensive tenure with Aramark, where he governed the financial performance of a rugged and diverse portfolio that spanned everything from national and state park lodges, campgrounds, and marinas to world-class NFL, MLB, and NBA stadiums and arenas. Whether he is overseeing the financial health of a remote campground or a world-class resort, Richard’s unique blend of corporate discipline and hospitality grit ensures that every property reaches its full potential.

An Eagle Scout and a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University (MBA) and the University of Massachusetts (BS), Richard’s leadership is defined by a commitment to sustainability and growth. At Sendero Recreation, he focuses on building high-performance teams and modernizing infrastructure to better connect people with the great outdoors. When he isn’t refining the company’s strategic vision, Richard is dedicated to ensuring Sendero Recreation remains a trailblazer in the recreation industry.

As Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Kristy Brundin is the architect of Sendero Recreation Management’s financial infrastructure. Her oversight extends across all core accounting functions, including financial planning, cashflow analysis, and the management of critical banking partnerships. Kristy’s 25-year career is defined by her commitment to fiscal integrity; she is an expert in establishing robust internal controls and leading comprehensive audit teams.

A recognized specialist in the complexities of the recreation industry, Kristy brings particular expertise to government contract accounting and regulatory compliance. She is adept at navigating the intricate reporting requirements and oversight standards inherent in public-private partnerships, ensuring that every contract is managed with transparency and precision. This specialized focus allows Sendero to maintain the highest level of accountability while pursuing large-scale management opportunities.

Previously the Director of Accounting for Basecamp Hospitality and Vista Recreation (2019–2024), Kristy refined her reputation for managing complex multi-entity structures. She pairs her deep financial acumen with an MBA in Project Management and a BBA in Finance and Accounting to deliver streamlined, high-efficiency results that drive both operational excellence and long-term stability.

Jeff Brown brings more than 30 years of hospitality and outdoor recreation leadership to Sendero Recreation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Florida International University and began his career with Sheraton Hotels and Le Méridien Hotels in San Diego and Palm Springs.

Jeff transitioned into outdoor hospitality at Molokai Ranch in Hawaii and later served as Opening Director of Marketing for El Capitan Canyon glamping resort on California's Santa Barbara coast. His experience also includes management at Warner Springs Ranch and a successful turnaround as General Manager of Vail Lake Resort.

Jeff subsequently moved into corporate marketing and business development roles with Basecamp Hospitality and Vista Recreation, supporting concession operations across federal, state, and local public lands. He also served as a Search and Rescue team member with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Eva Jimenez leads strategic growth, partnership development, and revenue expansion efforts at Sendero Recreation. With more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning private industry, higher education, and nonprofit governance, Eva brings a proven ability to build high-impact collaborations that strengthen organizations and the communities they serve.

Prior to joining Sendero, Eva served as Vice President of Economic & Workforce Development at Shasta College, overseeing nearly $40 million in grant-funded initiatives and managing partnerships with K–12 systems, industry leaders, and community agencies.

Eva began her career in private industry management and later taught business management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. She holds a Master of Business Administration and is deeply committed to building partnerships that create vibrant, thriving communities through recreation and service.

Mike Han brings more than 20 years of experience managing marinas and resorts across California, Oregon, and Utah. He joined Basecamp Hospitality in 2012 as Director of Safety & Training, applying expertise in marina engineering, environmental protection, hazardous waste management, and water quality control.

In 2013 he became Regional Vice President for Northern Operations, overseeing Lassen Volcanic National Park, Shasta Trinity National Forest, and Oregon State Parks. He later served as Senior Vice President for Business Development, advising on potential acquisitions.

Earlier in his career, Mike was Chief Operations Officer of Water Resorts Inc., managing resorts from Shasta to the Delta. He has served as a board member of the Marina Recreation Association for 20 years and is co-founder and past president of the Shasta Lake Business Owners Association.

Kenny Walker is the Chief Human Resources Officer of Sendero Recreation, where he leads the company’s people strategy, talent acquisition, organizational development, and workforce compliance programs. A seasoned HR executive with more than 35 years of experience building high-performance people infrastructure across regulated and operationally complex industries, Kenny brings a rare combination of strategic vision and hands-on execution to every organization he serves.

Before joining Sendero Recreation, Kenny led Human Resources for Basecamp Hospitality, where he further refined his ability to manage complex operations in the outdoor sector. His extensive background also includes over two decades in executive HR roles with UPS and other leading logistics companies, providing him with a deep foundation in large-scale workforce management and operational efficiency. Additionally, he founded and leads The Atrium LLC, a Sacramento-based fractional HR consulting firm that provides enterprise-level human resources leadership to companies across the transportation, for-profit, and nonprofit sectors.

Kenny’s expertise is uniquely suited to the outdoor hospitality industry, where operational success depends on recruiting, developing, and retaining talent across geographically dispersed properties with seasonal workforce dynamics and guest-facing service standards. His experience designing scalable HR systems for remote-site operations—including employee development, employee engagement, and regional hiring campaigns in rural markets—translates directly to the challenges of building best-in-class teams at campgrounds, RV resorts, glamping destinations, and outdoor recreation venues. He understands that in outdoor hospitality, every team member shapes the guest experience. He approaches workforce strategy with the same commitment to quality, safety, and community connection that defines the industry.

Kenny earned his degree from San Francisco State University and is a lifelong advocate for community engagement and professional development. Kenny actively contributes to philanthropic initiatives and brings genuine passion to working with organizations that value the outdoors, sustainability, and the power of shared family experiences.