Daily Inspiration: Meet Ivan Sulic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivan Sulic.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My path to the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority really began through public service. I was appointed to the Habitat Authority by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who I’ve worked for for more than 14 years. When Supervisor Hahn was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2016, she asked me to serve as her Field Deputy for the Whittier area, where the majority of the Puente Hills Preserve is located.

The Habitat Authority itself was created over 30 years ago as a Joint Powers Authority, with the County of Los Angeles playing a key role in its formation. Through my work representing the Supervisor, I became deeply involved with the agency and its mission. In the early years, it was very much a learning experience, understanding the history of the Preserve, the vision of its founders, and the importance of habitat preservation in a region as urbanized as Los Angeles County.

Managing nearly 4,000 acres of open space comes with a unique responsibility. It requires balancing public access, thousands of residents use the trails every year, with the need to protect sensitive habitat, wildlife, and native plant species. Over time, that work became incredibly meaningful to me. When longtime leaders stepped away, I was honored to be asked to serve as Chair of the Board, a role I continue to take very seriously.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Personally, one of my biggest challenges early on was simply learning—learning the agency’s history, its relationships with surrounding cities like Whittier, La Habra Heights, Hacienda Heights, and Rowland Heights, and understanding what it truly means to be a habitat preservation agency rather than a traditional park.

From an organizational standpoint, funding has been one of our greatest challenges. Like many public agencies, our costs were increasing while revenues were not keeping pace. That reality pushed us to think differently. I championed placing Measure PH on the ballot, which ultimately passed with over 68% voter approval. That measure created a stable funding source to support fire prevention, ranger programs, and long-term stewardship of the Preserve.

Another major challenge has been balancing access and preservation, especially as trail usage surged, even before COVID. During the pandemic, outdoor spaces became one of the few places people could safely gather, which led to unprecedented use of the Preserve. While we want people to enjoy this open space, increased traffic also has real impacts on our local wildlife and habitat. Navigating that balance thoughtfully has been one of our most ongoing and important challenges while creating an opportunity to teach others how to be good stewards of the Preserve.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In addition to serving as Chair of the Habitat Authority, my primary role with Los Angeles County is as Supervisor Hahn’s Homeless and Housing Deputy. I work closely with colleagues across the county to address homelessness and housing affordability, two of the most complex challenges facing our region.

I also serve as an alternate board member for the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACASA) and sit on the Southeast Social Services Funding Authority, which oversees workforce development services for the greater Whittier area. I currently serve as Chair of that board as well.

Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats, but the common thread has always been public service, working collaboratively, managing complex issues, and trying to make thoughtful decisions that improve quality of life for residents across our communities.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of taking time before making decisions, especially when managing large, sensitive open spaces. Decisions made today can have ripple effects on wildlife, habitat, and surrounding communities for years to come.

I’ve learned that it’s essential to look at all sides, listen carefully, and find balance rather than rushing to quick solutions. That mindset applies whether we’re evaluating trail access, habitat restoration, or public safety measures.

Coming from San Pedro, an area shaped by heavy industry like the Port of Los Angeles, stepping into the role of stewarding nearly 4,000 acres of preserved open space was eye-opening. It reinforced for me just how critical protected open spaces are not only for local communities, but for the health and resilience of the entire region. Preserving these lands for future generations is a responsibility I am honored to have.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.habitatauthority.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habitatauthority/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PuenteHillsPreserve
• Twitter: https://x.com/phhpa
• Other: https://www.meetup.com/puente-hills-preserve-hikers/