Dear board members, partners, and friends,

The last six years at the Theodore Payne Foundation have been a time of great excitement, growth, and satisfaction. I have treasured my time serving a cause and organization I love. Today, though, I am writing to let you know I have accepted a position as Executive Director of the Friends of Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria.

While this is a fantastic opportunity, it is difficult to leave you and the important work we do together. As the climate destabilizes, horticulture becomes an ever more essential tool for restoring local biodiversity. Over the last several years, we have transformed TPF both physically and operationally, and we have expanded our reach and our effect so that TPF is poised to have even greater impact as it turns 60 in 2020.

The staff is outstanding, with the skills and knowledge that make the programs successful and our plants so very beautiful. The board is smart, strategic, and ambitious, providing strong leadership with a breadth of perspectives. Our volunteer corps just blows me away with their dedication, enthusiasm, and stamina! Thanks to our members, donors, and sponsors, our message reaches throughout Southern California. Their dedication is deep and humbling.

Moving forward, I am committed to supporting a smooth transition and will be available to the board and staff as needed. My new position starts in January. Here is the posting for the new executive director search.

It has been my privilege to lead the Theodore Payne Foundation and to work with such dedicated people and I look forward to following TPF’s continued success, albeit from afar. Now, I need to get back to work.

All my best,

Tim Becker and Kitty Connolly in the TPF Sales Yard