ABF in Action: Terry Miley, Finance Director
ABF in Action is our monthly spotlight series highlighting the people who bring Anza-Borrego Foundation’s mission to life. Each month, we introduce you to a member of our dedicated team—the people working behind the scenes (and in the heart of the desert!) to protect the Park, inspire visitors, and connect our community to California’s largest state park.
This month, we’re spotlighting Terry Miley, Finance Director, whose work helps ensure ABF remains a strong, accountable partner in protecting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
“Some of the work does mean spreadsheets and logic, but when I am working for a purpose and mission, I find passion and enthusiasm in this work.”
With a background in nonprofit finance and a deep personal connection to Anza-Borrego, Terry brings both heart and stewardship to ABF’s financial operations. Her leadership helps ensure the systems behind the scenes—audits, reporting, compliance, and careful financial planning—support the programs that protect the Park and strengthen ABF’s long-term impact.
Through her work, ABF continues to meet the moment with responsibility, transparency, and purpose, helping keep Anza-Borrego resilient for generations to come.
How did you first get into nonprofit finance?
As a young woman in my twenties, I started my finance career in corporate finance for about five years. However, I longed to make a personal difference in this world and wanted to find a way to help others.
That personal epiphany led me toward the nonprofit world. I began in an entry-level position in the finance department of a large Oregon mental health organization and later enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program at Portland State University so I could focus on my passion for nonprofit administration.
After graduating, I transitioned from an entry-level role into a Finance Director position at a publicly funded nonprofit homeless shelter—and I found the inner fulfillment (and purpose) I had been seeking. My passion became working on behalf of nonprofit charitable missions rather than corporate wealth.
What does financial stewardship mean to you personally?
Financial stewardship means responsibility, integrity, and care. It means honoring the mission by ensuring resources are managed thoughtfully, so the organization can do the most good possible.
How do you connect the numbers on a spreadsheet to the real-world impact in the Park?
Some of the work does mean spreadsheets and logic, but when I am working for a purpose and mission, I find passion and enthusiasm in this work.
Knowing the mission is real—and knowing the outcomes matter—makes the numbers feel connected to something meaningful.
Can you share an example of how good financial management has strengthened ABF’s mission?
At Anza-Borrego Foundation, there are important annual reporting requirements that help keep the organization strong and accountable—such as the annual financial audit, the 990 tax return with the IRS, State of California Parks reporting, and reporting on fiscal sponsorships for various park programs such as Paleontology, Archaeology, Botany, the Visitor Center, Bighorn Sheep, and many other valuable educational programs.
Strong financial systems and reporting help ensure ABF can continue supporting these programs responsibly and sustainably.
What’s the most misunderstood part of finance in nonprofits?
The most misunderstood part of nonprofit finance is that supporting service costs—such as administrative costs—are essential to support the valuable programs of Anza-Borrego Foundation.
At ABF, administrative costs are kept as low as possible so maximum dollars can be used to support the Park programs and mission.
What do you wish donors knew about how their dollars are managed?
I wish donors knew how carefully nonprofit dollars are managed, and how important accountability and reporting are in a nonprofit organization—especially one that partners with California State Parks.
Donor support makes it possible for ABF to meet strict requirements, fund critical programs, and remain a trusted partner in protecting Anza-Borrego.
How do you approach your work knowing every dollar helps protect the Park?
When I’m working for a mission and purpose, it fills my heart and soul. Knowing that every dollar matters makes the work feel deeply meaningful.
What motivates you on a tough day at work?
What motivates me personally is helping Anza-Borrego Foundation fulfill its valuable mission to protect and preserve the natural landscapes, wildlife habitat, and cultural heritage of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Where’s your favorite place to enjoy quiet time in the desert?
My favorite place in the desert is riding in the park on our tandem bike and going on all the incredible park hikes.
Recently, I’ve also been exploring with co-workers on some of the four-wheel drive roads here on ABF-hosted four-wheel drive tours. The Park’s 500 miles of jeep roads are absolute paradise and highly recommended.
Why does protecting Anza-Borrego matter to you personally?
In my personal life, my partner loved to spend winters in Anza-Borrego, and I spent many years visiting him in the Park. We rode our tandem bike built for two and hiked in this wonderful place.
In short, Anza-Borrego (and the local Borrego community) felt like home. I felt the passion that I could make a difference in this special community—and my unique contribution was bringing my nonprofit finance knowledge and experience to support the unique needs of Anza-Borrego Foundation.
A note of gratitude from Terry: The finance function of Anza-Borrego Foundation also depends on the volunteer board members and volunteers that support the organization and the Park. The ABF employee team is fantastic, and I am honored to work with such a talented and passionate team.
A special thank you and shout out to all the ABF employees, board members, and park volunteers. We could not do it without you.
Want to support the work Terry helps make possible?
Shop our stores or online shop—every purchase helps protect Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.