Press Release
Allison Sanford named chair of Sonoma Land Trust board of directors
Jun 19, 2018
SANTA ROSA, CALIF. — Allison Sanford of Santa Rosa has been named the new chair of the Sonoma Land Trust’s board of directors. A board member since 2009, Sanford brings to the position a wealth of experience in public administration and marketing, most recently working for the County of Sonoma where she served as chief of staff to former county supervisor Tim Smith for 17 years. Prior to that, she served as marketing director for KFTY broadcasting and Rosenberg’s Department Store. Sanford replaces outgoing board chair, Neal Fishman.
“Allison has a fun and infectious passion for conservation in Sonoma County; we’re excited that she’s grabbed the baton and is running with it,” says Dave Koehler, Land Trust executive director. “Her energy and leadership are coming at just the right time for us as we’re poised to complete key land protection projects and serve our community in new ways over the next couple of years.”
Sanford said she’s excited to work more closely with the Land Trust staff and Koehler, who she sees as a strong leader with a meaningful vision for the organization. During her term as chair, she plans to focus on expanding the organization’s reach and visibility throughout Sonoma County by building on existing programs and implementing new ones, such as the Russian River Watershed initiative. As the Land Trust reaches the halfway point of its current strategic plan, she said that renewing the strategic plan will be a crucial project for her as chair in determining the organization’s future.
“I really believe it’s a critical time for the preservation of the heart of Sonoma County, which is the land,” Sanford said, citing increasing development pressure and fire suppression as among the top issues facing the Land Trust today. “It’s a critical time to have the conversation about conservation and development.”
Sanford said she has always been a nature lover, having grown up camping with her family in the summers. When she was approached to join the Land Trust board after retiring from the County, its mission resonated with her and it turned out to be exactly what she wanted to do. She is also board member and past president of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, a nonprofit focused on youth development issues.
About Sonoma Land Trust
Sonoma Land Trust believes land is the foundation of our economy and our community’s health and well-being. Since 1976, Sonoma Land Trust has protected over 50,000 acres of scenic, natural, agricultural and open land for future generations, and is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.