Potrero Group Selected by Solano Land Trust to Assists COO Search
March 18, 2026 – San Francisco-based leadership consulting and search firm Potrero Group was recently retained by Solano Land Trust to assist in its search for its first chief operating officer. Senior consultant Jena Kuznik is leading the assignment. This is a newly created senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO and working in partnership as a member of the leadership team.
The COO will serve as the day-to-day operational leader of the organization with broad oversight of human resources, finances, fundraising, and communications. They will be a collaborative leadership presence for staff, directly supervising the development director and administrative manager, while leading cross-departmental coordination and supporting the wellbeing and performance of staff across the organization.
The COO will provide operational and human resources leadership, financial stewardship, and fundraising oversight to fortify the organization’s internal systems and prepare the land trust for its next chapter of conservation impact in Solano County.
The ideal candidate brings deep nonprofit management experience, strong financial acumen, a track record of building effective organizational systems, a commitment to evaluation of efforts to maximize efficiency and impact, a working knowledge of fundraising strategy, and the emotional intelligence to lead and develop a talented team. They lead with humility and initiative, and bring genuine commitment to land conservation and community stewardship.
The Solano Land Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization based in Solano County, CA, focused on preserving agricultural lands, natural habitats, and open space for public benefit. Founded in 1986, the organization works with landowners, government agencies, and community partners to protect land through acquisition, conservation easements, and stewardship programs, while also promoting education and public access to natural areas.
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.
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.
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Ms. Kuznik leads executive search and board recruitment projects. She leads Potrero’s search and hiring processes for thought leaders and non-traditional candidates for executive roles at non-profits. In addition to her work with Potrero Group, Ms. Kuznik has managed projects for organizations focused on sustainable agriculture, water resilience, and environmental philanthropy. She specializes in developing collaborative partnerships between diverse actors to create broader impact.
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 Recruits President for the Resources Legacy Fund
Potrero Group has recruited Phil Ginsburg as the next president of Resources Legacy Fund (RLF). Mr. Ginsburg will lead RLF and its partner organizations, Fund for a Better Future and Shared Ascent Fund. Potrero Group’s search produced over 650 applicants for the president role. The RLF board selected Mr. Ginsburg due to his deep passion for social impact, record of highly effective executive leadership, and reputation for inspiring teams and stewarding donors while navigating complex political environments.
“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.”
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
