San Francisco (June 25, 2020) – Today, the Cultivating Change Foundation is announcing a series of changes in leadership at the Foundation. Earlier this year, the directors accepted the resignation of Marcus Hollan from the role of Executive Director and thanked him for his selfless efforts to advance the Foundation’s mission.
“The past five years have been very rewarding, and truly a life-changing experience,” said Hollan. “I've enjoyed working to bring the mission (of the Foundation) to life.”
Marcus not only served as the Foundation’s Executive Director since its inception, but he and Jesse Lee Eller also are the co-founders of the Cultivating Change Foundation.
The Foundation recently appointed Gary Brackett to the position of Interim Executive Director. Brackett brings to the Foundation a history of successful nonprofit management and will help to guide the Foundation through a strategic planning process, including the approach to filling the Executive Director position on a permanent basis.
The Board of Directors also elected new officers. Kirk Maag was elected to serve as president, J.J. Jones was elected to the position of treasurer, and Melisa Augusto was elected to serve as secretary.
“The Foundation has grown far beyond our initial expectations,” said Immediate Past President Greg Van Dyke. “I am thrilled to pass the gavel to Kirk and the other leaders while continuing to serve as a director.”
The Board of Directors also voted unanimously to add Bill Hendrix as a Director. Hendrix currently serves as the vice president of technology at Valent USA. Prior to joining Valent USA, he spent more than 28 years at Dow AgroSciences in various technology leadership positions.
“The Foundation’s mission to value and elevate LGBTQ agriculturists remains as relevant and important as ever,” noted President Kirk Maag. “For five years, the Foundation has advanced that mission under the steady leadership of Marcus as Executive Director and Greg as President. I look forward to collaborating with Gary and our Board to build on our past success and accelerate the advancement of our mission through expanded programming and an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As we reflect on the Foundation’s first five years, we’re more excited than ever for what’s in store for the next five!”
Click here to view the entire Board of Directors and to learn more about the Cultivating Change Foundation.
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The mission of the Cultivating Change Foundation is to value and elevate LGBTQ+ agriculturists through advocacy, education, and community.