Tri-Valley Conservancy Announces Farming and Environmental Policy Advocate Rebecca Spector as New Executive Director

LIVERMORE, CA (September 9, 2024) — Tri-Valley Conservancy announces the appointment of Rebecca Spector, a long-time policy advocate and environmental nonprofit leader, as the organization’s new Executive Director. Following a highly competitive selection process conducted by Potrero Group, Ms. Spector was chosen from a distinguished pool of nearly 100 applicants from across the Bay Area and the nation. She assumed her new role in September 2024.
 
"Rebecca Spector is an exceptional match for TVC’s needs for both quality and experience," said Mark Triska, Chair of the Board of Directors. "Our staff and board played key roles in the search process, and we are all thrilled to have found the right leader for our organization."
 
Prior to joining Tri-Valley Conservancy, Spector served as the Interim Executive Director and West Coast Director at the Center for Food Safety. During her tenure, she led strategic and program planning for the organization, including spearheading policy initiatives to secure funding for farmers as well as environmental protections in California. She also managed communications, fundraising, and regional policy and advocacy teams. Spector also founded the first certified-organic farm in Half Moon Bay and co-founded the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN).
 
“My new role with TVC perfectly combines my passion for preserving agricultural land, promoting regional food and farming, and embracing environmental values,” said Spector. “I believe that agriculture and open space are key elements of healthy and thriving communities. 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.”
 
“Throughout our search process, we interviewed many remarkable leaders with expertise in nonprofit management, conservation, public access, advocacy, and public policy,” said Jena Kuznik, Senior Consultant and search lead at Potrero Group. “Rebecca Spector’s interdisciplinary background truly set her apart. Beyond her subject matter expertise, she demonstrated the vision, leadership, and empathy necessary for success in this role.”
 
Tri-Valley Conservancy looks forward to leveraging Spector’s more than 15 years of experience as a nonprofit leader, 10 years as a farm owner, and extensive knowledge, skills, and passion. In her new role, Spector will provide strategic leadership and management, enhance fundraising capacity, expand and deepen community engagement, and support the organization in achieving its strategic goals aimed at promoting economically sustainable vineyards and orchards, and increasing permanently protected, biologically diverse open spaces.
 
Tri-Valley Conservancy
Tri-Valley Conservancy is an accredited nonprofit land trust that preserves land and promotes viticulture in Livermore and the greater Tri-Valley region of the California Bay Area. Its mission is to promote economically sustainable vineyards and orchards and increase permanently protected, biologically diverse open spaces for current and future generations and wildlife. TVC’s strategic initiatives focus on land conservation, advocacy, promoting access to open space, and supporting local agriculture. Since its founding in 1994, TVC has protected more than 5,400 acres to ensure local wine and food production, connect people to the outdoors, and maintain clean water and fresh air. For more information visit trivalleyconservancy.org.