The work Kings River Land Trust does requires an incredible team. That team consists of two staff members and 8 board members. Today, we are profiling our very busy treasurer, Lucia Robeson.
Can you tell me a bit about your background? Where did you grow up?
I was born in Sanger, California, and when I was four, we moved to my family’s farm in Parlier. My dad owned 80 acres of stone fruit — peaches, plums, and nectarines — and we also ran a packing house. I went to Sanger schools, attending Del Rey Elementary and later Sanger High School. Summers were spent working at the packing house from the time I was about eight until I graduated high school.
What inspired you to pursue your current career or field of work?
During my senior year of high school, my dad had the opportunity to sell the farm. He asked if I wanted to take it over after college, but I decided to pursue a different career path. We sold the farm, and my family moved to Sanger. I attended Reedley College for a year before transferring to the University of San Diego, where I earned a business degree.
My mom worked in banking, and Bank of America had a loan officer training program at the time. I joined them after college and became a commercial loan officer, working mainly with small businesses, both in agriculture and outside of it. This allowed me to apply the knowledge I gained from my family’s business in a new context.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or passions?
Along with my responsibilities as treasurer for Kings River Land Trust, I also do part-time contract work as a loan underwriter for a local community lender. On the side, I run my own eBay store and enjoy the thrill of finding items to resell.
How do your interests outside of work influence or inspire your professional life?
Although I retired from full-time work a few years ago, I still use my banking and lending skills on a daily basis. I like staying busy and involved in the community.
What is something new you’re currently learning or interested in exploring?
I’ve learned a lot about QuickBooks since becoming KRLT’s treasurer, and I’m also expanding my knowledge of conservation and land management through my work with the organization.
Tell me about your connection to Kings River Land Trust (KRLT).
I’ve known Kent Kinney, KRLT’s board president, since high school. He married one of my best friends, Susan, and we’ve remained close over the years. About two years ago, Kent reached out and asked if I would join KRLT’s Finance Committee, as they needed someone with a background in banking and investments. A few months after joining, I took over as treasurer when the previous treasurer stepped down.
Having grown up in agriculture, I understand the importance of preserving agricultural land for future generations. As Fresno County has become more urbanized, it’s clear that we need to maintain a balance between residential and agricultural areas to ensure that we remain a viable food production region.
Why is being a volunteer board member important to you?
I’ve been involved in various community organizations throughout my career and even participated in 4-H as a child. Nonprofits like KRLT rely on volunteers to fulfill their missions. Volunteering allows me to support causes I believe in, and the impact is more fulfilling than a traditional job could ever be.
What do you want people to know about the organization?
Before joining KRLT, I didn’t fully understand what a land trust was. In a short time, I’ve learned how crucial conservation easements are for agricultural land. These easements allow farmers to benefit financially without selling their land or taking out loans, while also ensuring the land remains dedicated to agriculture for future generations. This helps protect the Kings River area from nonagricultural development, ensuring it remains a vital resource for our community.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?
Most people are surprised to learn that I run an eBay store. Estate sales have become part of my routine, and it’s something I never imagined myself doing!
Growing up around stone fruit, do you have any favorite recipes?
My dad loved overripe fruit, and my mom would serve it with ice cream or half-and-half for dessert. That’s about as close as I get to a “recipe” for stone fruit!
If you weren’t in your current profession, what else would you be doing?
Retirement has given me the chance to explore things I never considered, like eBay, bookkeeping, and part-time work. I feel fortunate to have opportunities that keep me active and engaged.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
My dad always told me, “The world doesn’t owe you a living.” That advice has driven me to work hard and prove my value wherever I’ve been.
The most important question: Is a hot dog a sandwich
To me, a hot dog is just a hot dog, whether it’s in a bun or not!