Meet Melanee!

Welcome Melanee Cottrill – CVFT’s New Associate Director

Central Valley Farmland Trust is pleased to announce that Melanee Cottrill has joined our team as the Associate Director.  Melanee replaces Susan Hooper who retired on May 15, after spending more than a decade serving the organization.

Melanee comes to us from a legal and non-profit consulting background. Her worldview has been shaped by the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Franklin Covey, especially the habit of “beginning with the end in mind.” “My work is my legacy and I want to contribute to humanity’s sustainability,” said Melanee. “I look forward to the hands-on nature of the work at CVFT and really doing something to make a change.”

Focusing on systems and structure, Melanee intends to put her analytical mind to work. Her short-term goal is to immerse herself in all the dynamic work happening at CVFT. Her broader vision will be focused on “growing the organization and surpassing the goal of protecting 20,000 acres by 2020.”

“Melanee’s experience as an operations manager for a legal and consulting firm specializing in non-profit corporations will significantly contribute to our technical needs,” said executive director, Charlotte Mitchell. “Melanee’s true passion for protecting our working landscape will enable us to se
ve our farmers and supporters.”

Welcome Melanee yourself by emailing her at mcottrill@cafarmtrust.org.