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Dear LandWatch Supporters:
LandWatch Monterey County wants to let you know about some important and exciting organizational changes. LandWatch is entering into a new phase, one that promises to bring new resources and opportunities for the organization.
After nine years with the organization and four years at the helm, LandWatch Executive Director Chris Fitz has decided, with the full support of the LandWatch Board of Directors, to step down as executive director and join the LandWatch Board. In this capacity, he'll continue to play an important and vital role in the work of LandWatch. This change will take effect April 1, 2009.
Associate Director Amy L. White was appointed by the LandWatch Board to serve as Interim Executive Director. Amy began her work with LandWatch in 2003 when she volunteered to help organize Marina around an affordable housing initiative. Currently she is nearing completion of her Masters Degree in Public Policy at the Panetta Institute of California State University Monterey Bay and she eearned her B.A. in History and Political Science at the University of Northern Colorado in 2002. Amy is excited to continue LandWatch's mission until a new executive director is chosen by the board. LandWatch anticipates initiating an expansive search for a new executive director this summer.
Over the past nine years and during his tenure as Executive Director, Chris has played key roles in all of the organization's accomplishments. One of his early accomplishments was spearheading the first urban growth boundary in Monterey County in the city of Marina. Chris also solidified relationships with diverse stakeholders throughout the county and played a major role in creating the compromise language of the county's general plan update or GPU 5. Most recently, Chris led LandWatch in encouraging the City of Salinas to pass a Big Box Ordinance which they did Tuesday night in a 5-2 vote. Chris' work has resulted in an informed and engaged public discussion about the best land-use policies for all of the citizens of Monterey County. Finally, Chris oversaw the current growth of LandWatch members to over 1,000 supporters and the development of a tremendous staff and board of directors. Thankfully, Chris will continue LandWatch's mission of promoting economically vibrant, environmentally healthy, and socially just communities by joining the LandWatch Board of Directors.
The next few years are critical for Monterey County and they will certainly be exciting for LandWatch. There is much work to be done and we thank you for your on-going support. Your contributions of time, energy, and funds continue to be the foundations for LandWatch's success. Thank you!
Sincerely,
The LandWatch Board of Directors
posted 03.14.09
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