I have several announcements to share on behalf of our Board of Directors.

After ten years as Executive Director, Megan Fluke will be stepping down from her role effective September 30, 2023. We are deeply grateful for the positive impact Megan has had on the organization and the community it serves.

I met Megan even before she was hired as Executive Director in 2013. Year by year I watched Green Foothills deepen its impact and achieve major advocacy victories from the San Mateo County coast to the bay shoreline and extending down into the hillsides and farmland of Santa Clara and San Benito Counties.

I also appreciate the impact achieved in growing a more diverse and inclusive movement during her tenure. From launching the Leadership Program in 2013, adding interpretation for Spanish speakers in the program this year, launching the Healing in Nature program, and spearheading our Tribal and Indigenous Partnership work, Megan has been a champion of equity and inclusion within our organization and the larger conservation movement.

We have kicked off a new Community Building fundraising initiative to further this work and in recognition of the impact of Megan’s leadership. Please join me in making a donation of $50, $100, $500 or more in honor of Megan today.

Please Welcome Our Next Executive Director

I am also pleased to tell you that our board has unanimously appointed Julie Hutcheson as Executive Director, effective October 1, 2023. Julie has been on our staff for over 12 years, most recently as Director of Impact. We are incredibly thankful to have such a fantastic internal candidate making our choice very easy. Julie offers stability, expertise, passion for our mission, and commitment to equity. We can’t wait to see what she will do as Executive Director.

Our board and staff are working closely together to make this a smooth transition. In that spirit, please help us bless, release, and welcome change by joining us on Sunday, September 24 at Nature’s Inspiration. There is still time to buy your tickets or sponsor if you haven’t yet (space is limited at our venue).

As always your continued support of Green Foothills is greatly appreciated. You’ll be getting emails from Megan and Julie in the coming weeks so stay tuned.