Sun Valley, Calif. – January 24, 2025. – The Theodore Payne Foundation is proud to announce that Amy Greenwood will begin her role as Executive Director on Monday, January 27th, opening an exciting new chapter for the organization.

Amy Greenwood brings a wealth of leadership experience, a deep passion for conservation, and a lifelong interest in natural systems. Her background includes nearly two decades in professional services, notably serving as Business Management Director of the Los Angeles office of the Boston Consulting Group. In this role, she honed her expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, community engagement, and operational execution for a 300+ person team.

Since leaving BCG, Ms. Greenwood has focused on supporting non-profit and public organizations, working closely with Indigenous communities to achieve digital equity and resilience. Her extensive experience complements her academic foundations, which include an undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology from Pomona College, a Ph.D. in Biology from the California Institute of Technology and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University.  

Ms. Greenwood’s personal interest in California native plants began when she moved to her home in Highland Park in 2019.  The previous owner had already begun significant efforts to introduce native plants to the landscape.  “I was astounded by the beauty and variety of the native flora, some of which I had not seen in a residential garden before.  I kept finding plant labels from Theodore Payne and my neighbors encouraged me to visit the nursery.  When I arrived, I thought I had found a slice of heaven.”  She has since enjoyed learning about California native plants and habitats as she tends and expands her garden.  Her current favorite plant is fragrant pitcher sage (Lepechinia fragrans).

“I am incredibly honored to be taking on the Executive Director role at the Theodore Payne Foundation.  At this moment, as fire continues to wreak destruction in Southern California, it’s clear to me that the mission to promote healthy, resilient, native habitats has never been more relevant or more pressing.  I’m delighted to be joining an organization that has shown steadfast and thoughtful leadership on the topic for over 60 years, and has provided beauty and delight in the form of native plants and wildflowers to so many Californians.  I look forward to working with the talented Theodore Payne Foundation staff, board, volunteers, members and broader community so that we, as Angelenos, can collectively become the kind of stewards that this land deserves.”

A nationwide search was conducted with the assistance of AmpersandPeople HR and Talent Consulting. Since the departure of Theodore Payne Foundation’s past Executive Director Evan Meyer, the Board of Directors has collaborated closely with the Foundation’s Interim Executive Director Katie Tilford, to ensure a smooth transition. The Board thanks Ms. Tilford for her outstanding leadership during this transition.