Dennis Scott, President
Dennis was one of the original board members of the Mel and Grace McLean Foundation. He grew up in the Bay Area and came to Humboldt County in 1977, to work for Eel River Sawmills, the company founded by Mel and Grace McLean. He started as the controller, and, after Mel’s stroke, became Vice-President and then President of the Company. He worked at Eel River Sawmills for more than 30 years, winding up the Company affairs when it was sold.
Dennis worked closely with both Mel and Grace and developed an understanding and appreciation of the McLeans’ philosophy and caring nature. Over the many years, decisions were made to insure that their employees had jobs that paid fair wages and provided security. Mel and Grace deeply cared for their employees and the communities in which they lived. The McLean Foundation carries on their legacy.
Dennis is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of Fortuna Sunrise Rotary.
Denise Marshall, Foundation Grants Director
Denise joined the McLean Foundation in 2011. After graduating from Humboldt State University with a Degree in Zoology, she and her husband, also an HSU alum, lived in the Central Valley for 10 years before moving back to Humboldt County where they raised their 2 children and have fostered a connection with the community and with the natural wonders that populate the diverse environmental elements of the rich local coastal and forested areas. Her broad employment background brings benefit to the many organizations that support the North Coast community. Working for the McLean Foundation has continued to compliment her commitment to the community and as a resource for the nonprofits of Humboldt County. Denise has served on the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce Board and is a board member of the Rohner Community Recreation and Parks District.
Denise is married to Rob and has 2 grown children and 2 wonderful grandchildren. They call Fortuna their home along with many beloved furry friends.
Lynn Ross, Administrative Assistant
Lynn Ross started as Administrative Assistant for the McLean Foundation in 2022, after a long career as a bookkeeper for many diverse industries, from a wetsuit manufacturer to aquarium products to a civil engineering firm, throughout the state of California.
Lynn is a native of Southern Californian, transplanted to Humboldt County in 2016, and currently resides in beautiful, sunny, and friendly Fortuna with her partner, Gary. She has a daughter and three doted-upon grandchildren. Lynn is very happy to be a part of the McLean Foundation and assists in supporting the foundation’s mission to empower people and strengthen the communities of the Eel River Valley.