Cali Busch

Director of Finance

Cali oversees financial oversight and reporting, budgeting and planning, and internal controls and compliance for SELC. “I am especially excited about SELC’s work to protect old-growth forests in the Southern Appalachians,” she said. “These forests do so much – provide clean water, shelter wildlife, and help with climate resilience – but they are constantly at risk from logging and development. I love that SELC is fighting to keep them standing.”  

Her professional expertise dovetails with her interest in protecting the environment. Cali has focused her work on helping mission-driven organizations strengthen their financial processes and make the most of their resources.

“I work at SELC because it allows me to use my financial expertise to support a mission I believe in,” she said. “As someone with a background in financial management and a personal interest in conservation, I take pride in ensuring SELC’s resources are managed effectively to support its advocacy and legal work. I also appreciate the collaborative, purpose-drive culture – working with smart, dedicated people who care deeply about what they do makes my job very rewarding.”

Cali grew up in Utah and has lived in Virginia for more than 15 years. “I love hiking and backpacking in the Blue Ridge,” she said. “There is nothing like watching the sun rise from McAfee Knob or camping in a quiet meadow near Cole Mountain.”

• CFA Institute, Senior Manager, Accounting and Revenue Operations
• Accounting Certificate, University of Virginia
• Certified Public Accountant, Virginia Board of Accountancy
• B.A., Ashford University