SUN VALLEY, Calif. – The Theodore Payne Foundation (TPF) has launched a national search for a new executive director to continue and expand the organization’s mission to share and promote the inspiration, beauty, and environmental importance of California native plants.
The Board announces the search following the departure of former executive director Evan Meyer, who assumes a new role as president of the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island in Washington.
The TPF community is grateful for Evan’s tenure, which began in February 2020. Under Evan’s leadership, despite the challenges of the pandemic, the organization cultivated strategic new partnerships with aligned non-profits, government and Tribal organizations, expanded plant sales and classes, including the popular native plant landscape training courses, and the premier annual garden tour has blossomed.
The new executive director will have outstanding leadership qualities, strong management experience, and a dedication to the Foundation’s mission. We thank Theodore Payne members and volunteers for their essential support and invite their input as we search for an exceptional individual who will build upon our over 60 years of growth and success.
We also thank Katie Tilford, who had served most recently as Assistant Director and has been with TPF since November 2020, for her leadership as Interim Executive Director.
A position description and application are available here.
About the Theodore Payne Foundation
Theodore Payne Foundation (TPF) is a nonprofit organization that inspires and educates Southern Californians about the beauty and ecological benefits of California native plants. Located on 22 acres of canyon land in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, the TPF headquarters includes a full-service nursery featuring native plants, seeds, and nature-themed books and merchandise, alongside display gardens, wildland hiking trails, an art gallery, indoor and outdoor educational facilities, and extensive plant production areas. Offering a wide range of public classes, garden tours, and a variety of outreach and advocacy initiatives, TPF invites all to explore the role of native plants in local ecology, aiming to make the communities of Southern California more beautiful, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.