[SCE] Misti Arias chosen for A&OSD GM

Tue May 4 07:22:21 PDT 2021

Neither Michael or Kerry were at the table.  They were to be our “representatives”.  Neither were available for the time choice given.  As far as we know - no attempt was made either to shift the meeting time - or to replace them.  

Misti is indeed (IMO) a “solid” choice.  

My discomfort has to do with all the trouble we went to - to be a part of what was a GM hire for A&OS that we accidentally discovered on a BoS Agenda.  As a result of our efforts - we were assured that inclusion would be part of the process hence forth.

Have a great spring/summer week Everyone,
Rue

> On May 4, 2021, at 5:34 AM, Donal A McEnhill <rrkeeper at sonic.net <mailto:rrkeeper at sonic.net>> wrote:
> 
> Not sure anyone from Env was at table for this decision…and agree Misti is a solid choice and far better than some names mentioned IMO
> 
> 
> Don McEnhill 
> Executive Director 
> Russian Riverkeeper
> 707-433-1958 
> www.russianriverkeeper.org <http://www.russianriverkeeper.org/>
> 
> It’s your River, we protect it!
> 
> "During the dry years, the people forgot about the rich years and when the wet years returned, they lost all memory of the dry years. It was always that way" John Steinbeck, East of Eden
> …will we reduce our water use permanently or be unprepared for the next drought - RRK
> 
>> On May 3, 2021, at 9:04 PM, Teri Shore, Greenbelt Alliance <tshore at greenbelt.org <mailto:tshore at greenbelt.org>> wrote:
>> 
>> Fantastic news. Was with Misti all the way!
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone, sorry for typos or short responses.
>> 
>> On May 3, 2021, at 6:48 PM, Ruess <ruepqrst at gmail.com <mailto:ruepqrst at gmail.com>> wrote:
>> 
>> In case you haven’t seen this … I wonder how well the promised environmental involvement was incorporated.  You may know?
>> 
>> It’s a little confusing because it says Misti was selected, then says the appointment will be considered at the May 11th Board meeting.
>> 
>> Enjoy your evening,
>> Rue
>> 
>> Misti Arias selected as general manager of Sonoma County Ag + Open Space
>> Santa Rosa, CA  –  May 3, 2021  –  The Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District will consider the appointment of Misti Arias as general manager during its May 11 meeting. Ms. Arias was selected following a national search and has served at Ag + Open Space in various roles since 1996, starting as an Open Space Planning Technician and most recently as Interim Assistant General Manager.
>> 
>> “We’ve learned in recent years how vital the protection of our agricultural and open space is to disaster resiliency and long-term adaptability to a changing climate,” said Sonoma County Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Misti Arias has served at all levels at Ag + Open Space and understands the diverse needs of our communities. She is uniquely positioned to help lead the District’s next phase in alignment with the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan.”
>> 
>> “It is an honor to be considered for the position of Ag + Open Space general manager. I am inspired to further the community's vision to protect natural and agricultural lands throughout our county,” said Misti Arias. “These protected lands serve as a buffer in extreme events, will help communities be resilient to climate change, benefit people’s mental and physical health, ensure the survival of wildlife and balanced ecosystems, create and sustain the character of our communities, support and revitalize our economy, and provide the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe.”
>> 
>> As Acquisition Manager at Ag + Open Space, Ms. Arias was directly involved in the protection of more than 50,000 acres of land including Jenner Headlands, Buckeye Forest and Cooley Ranch, among others. Her development of creative and strategic partnerships contributed to $75 million in taxpayer savings across more than 150 land conservation transactions. She earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and urban planning from Sonoma State University in 1995.
>> Ag + Open Space was created in 1990 through a voter-authorized quarter-cent sales tax used to fund the protection and preservation of open space areas. Over the past 30 years, Ag + Open Space has helped to preserve more than 120,000 acres of land in Sonoma County, including agricultural lands, community separators, scenic corridors, recreational spaces and natural wildlife habitat. The tax, which was reauthorized by county voters in 2006, is approved to run through 2031.
>> 
>> If appointed, Ms. Arias will oversee a staff of 29 people and an annual budget of roughly $55 million. Her annual salary will be $157,828. She succeeds Bill Keene who served in the position for 11 years. In November 2020, retired Sonoma County Regional Parks Director Caryl Hart was appointed interim general manager while the Board of Directors conducted its national search for a permanent replacement.
>> For more information about Ag + Open Space, please visit https://www.sonomaopenspace.org/ <https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.sonomaopenspace.org/&source=gmail-imap&ust=1620697732000000&usg=AOvVaw0LdKfr5Qtr0ATTrGdoGKF0>. 
>> 
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