Potrero Group Seeking Board Members for 10,000 Degrees
April 6, 2026 – San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group was recently retained by San Rafael, CA-based non-profit 10,000 Degrees to its search for new volunteer leaders to join its board of directors and regional advisory boards.
“We are excited to expand our search for committed board members who will deepen our impact and ensure that more students can realize their full potential,” said Kim Mazzuca, president and CEO of 10,000 Degrees. “At a time when access to higher education remains out of reach for far too many talented students, strong leadership and community partnership are more important now than ever before.”
Ideal candidates bring one or more of the following: Bay Area influence, philanthropic reach, governance judgment, growth leadership, higher education or policy expertise, and/or lived experience aligned with 10,000 Degrees students. Applicants do not need to be California based but should have meaningful ties to California and/or a working understanding of the state’s education landscape.
As the organization prepares to serve more students and expand beyond the Bay Area, 10,000 Degrees is broadening its recruitment efforts on a national scale to identify mission-aligned, strategic and community-connected leaders. This comes after MacKenzie Scott’s transformational $42 million gift, the non-profit’s largest gift to date.
10,000 Degrees will select members from around the country, encompassing a wide range of experiences and backgrounds with a shared dedication for their core mission of promoting education equity and student success. Board members will play a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s national growth strategy while ensuring its programs continue delivering strong outcomes for students navigating the path to and through college.
10,000 Degrees is a non-profit organization that creates more opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds to access quality college education and achieve career success. 10,000 Degrees has worked with more than 80,000 students and awarded more than $113 million in scholarships over the past 45 years.
Potrero Group is a national, full-service consulting firm helping non-profits and foundations build stronger, more effective leadership. They specialize in strategic planning, executive search, board development and facilitation—bringing a rigorous, research-driven approach to identifying the next generation of leaders and aligning senior teams around a clear, impactful vision.
Related: Potrero Group Recruits CEO for the Land Trust of Napa County
Cleveland Justis, founder and CEO, is an accomplished organizational leader in entrepreneurship and the environment for the past 25 years. He has worked and consulted widely with startups, businesses, non-profits, foundations, and governmental organizations, including the National Park Service, Resources Legacy Fund, and Grand Canyon Conservancy. He currently teaches Social Entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. His expertise spans strategic planning, business planning, board development, public/private partnerships, entrepreneurship, network analysis, and innovation. Mr. Justis was formerly the executive director of the UC Davis Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and co-founded and served as director of the Institute at Golden Gate.
Land Trust of Napa County Search
Potrero Group recently placed Melanie Parker as the new CEO of the Land Trust of Napa County. This follows a national search for a leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of conservation, stewardship, and community partnership. She succeeds Doug Parker, who has retired after 13 years of distinguished service as CEO.
“Potrero Group is honored to have partnered with the Land Trust on this executive search, and we are excited to see Melanie step into her leadership role at this esteemed organization,” the search firm said in a LinkedIn post. “With over 20 years of experience in the conservation sector, most recently as deputy director of Sonoma County Regional Parks District, Melanie brings a strong combination of strategic vision and a proven track record of making a regional impact. Please join us in welcoming Melanie and celebrating this exciting new chapter for the Land Trust of Napa County!”
“Following an extensive national search, the board is thrilled to welcome Melanie Parker as the next CEO of the Land Trust of Napa County,” said Robin Baggett, board chair. “Melanie is an exceptional strategic leader with a deep commitment to conservation and a proven ability to build partnerships and deliver results. We are confident she has the vision and expertise to build upon Doug Parker’s legacy and lead the Land Trust through this critical moment for Napa County’s lands.”
“Melanie brings the rare combination of big-picture vision and hands-on leadership,” said Mike Fisher, vice chair of the board. “From securing major public funding to managing complex organizations and responding to wildfire and climate challenges, her experience positions the Land Trust to accelerate its mission and deepen its impact for generations to come.”
Related: Potrero Group Selected by Solano Land Trust to Assists COO Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
