Press release

Mammoth Lakes, Calif. – The Mammoth Lakes Foundation (MLF) is pleased to announce Betsy Truax as the new Development Director.

“Betsy’s passion for our community and her strong belief in the mission of the Mammoth Lakes Foundation, combined with her diverse experiences in higher education and community leadership made her ideal for the position,” said Executive Director Rich Boccia. “We look forward to the energy she will bring to our team.”

MLF supports the Mammoth community in a variety of ways, mainly focused on higher education and the arts. With the help of Dave McCoy and his friends, MLF brought Cerro Coso Community College to Mammoth Lakes. MLF started awarding scholarships to students in 2003 and has since awarded more than 668 scholarships to Mono County students and residents. Support for an individual ranges from $800 to $1,000 each semester, which covers tuition and books. Students can earn an AA degree in a number of disciplines and have their credits fully transferred to a UC, Cal State, or to University of Nevada Reno. 

MLF also owns and operates the 100-seat Edison Theatre (programmed by Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre) and the 59-bed South Gateway Student Apartments. It owns 40 acres of land around the campus as well, which are being held for future expansion and community benefit. A plan for a 300-seat state-of-the-art regional theater is currently in the works in conjunction with the Kern Community College District, the Town of Mammoth Lakes, and Mammoth Lakes Recreation, among strong private support.

“Having lived and worked in several resort towns, I am keenly aware of the exceptional opportunities the Foundation has fostered for our community, both in higher education and the arts,” said Truax. “Working to raise the funds necessary to sustain and grow Dave and Roma’s vision is a tremendous honor.”

Truax currently chairs the Town of Mammoth Lakes Recreation Commission and has most recently worked as an independent writer and editor for clients including Mammoth Lakes Tourism. She brings with her wide-ranging experience in fundraising, community outreach, and communication. Her focus at MLF includes increasing revenue streams through individual and major gifts, signature events, and planned giving. She has a degree in American Studies from Wells College in Aurora, NY and was a Master’s degree candidate in Liberal Studies at Dartmouth College. She moved to Mammoth Lakes with her husband, Brent, and daughter, Katherine, in 2010.

To help ensure Dave McCoy’s legacy, please consider making a donation today by visiting www.MammothLakesFoundation.org.