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Policy advocate and environmental nonprofit leader Rebecca Spector is the new permanent executive director for Tri-Valley Conservancy, according to an announcement by the organization Monday.
Spector began leading TVC this month and will help it enact its mission of “promoting economically sustainable vineyards and orchards, and increasing permanently protected, biologically diverse open spaces,” according to the press release. She will also manage the nonprofit team and increase the organization’s fundraising capacity and community engagement.
“My new role with TVC perfectly combines my passion for preserving agricultural land, promoting regional food and farming, and embracing environmental values,” Spector said in a statement. “I’m excited to bring my experience as a former farm owner and policy advocate to TVC to help achieve its goals to support the community and the environment.”
She joins TVC following much transition in the organization’s leadership within the past few years. Spector becomes the fifth executive director — permanent or temporary — for TVC since longtime leader Laura Mercier retired in June 2021.
Most recently, former executive director David Epstein, who began in March 2022, left TVC for undisclosed reasons last fall. In response, TVC director of finance and operations Jennifer Taggart was promoted to interim leader.
To the permanent position, Spector brings over 15 years of experience as a nonprofit leader and 10 years as a farm owner.
Prior to becoming TVC’s permanent executive director, Spector served as the interim executive director and West Coast director at the Center for Food Safety. At the center, she led policy initiatives to acquire funding for farmers and environmental protections in California. She also headed communications, fundraising, regional policy and advocacy teams.
Spector even founded the first certified-organic farm in Half Moon Bay and co-founded the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN), according to the announcement.
“Rebecca Spector is an exceptional match for TVC’s needs for both quality and experience,” said Mark Triska, chair of the board of directors at TVC.
During applications, she stood out from nearly 100 candidates because of her interdisciplinary background, according to Jena Kuznik, senior consultant and search lead at a Potrero Group, the consulting firm responsible for running the application process.
“Beyond her subject matter expertise, she demonstrated the vision, leadership, and empathy necessary for success in this role,” Kuznik said.
