Sacramento, CA – California Council of Land Trusts (CCLT) announces that Caroline Godkin has been chosen as the new Executive Director of the organization. Ms. Godkin was selected from a competitive pool of applicants from across California and the nation. She has been approved by the Board of Directors and will begin her new role in December 2024.
“We are delighted to bring Caroline on to lead CCLT in the advancement of our critical goals to support the diversity of conservation work across California,” says Bridget Fithian, Board Chair. “We are at a pivotal time to address the stark realities of climate change and Caroline is well equipped to lead us in this effort. Caroline’s successful career in policy, and leadership in California State government, coupled with her experience building a successful nonprofit from the ground up, and her passion for land conservation make her ideally suited for this role.”
“I am thrilled to be joining CCLT at this exciting time for the organization,” says Caroline. “I am deeply committed to the people and natural resources of California. I am looking forward to supporting CCLT’s members and the wider conservation community in delivering the State’s ambitious goals.”
Most recently, Ms. Godkin served as the inaugural Executive Director of the Climate and Wildfire Institute. Previously, she held gubernatorial appointments at the California Environmental Protection Agency, the California Natural Resources Agency, and CAL FIRE.
“Through our search process, we interviewed remarkable leaders with experience in nonprofit management, conservation, advocacy, and public policy,” says Jena Kuznik, Senior Consultant and search lead at Potrero Group. “It is rare to find all of these competencies present in a single candidate. Caroline Godkin’s background as both a leader within state government and as a nonprofit executive really set her apart. In addition to her unique experience, it is clear that she has the vision, leadership, and empathy necessary for success in this role.”
Caroline will lead CCLT in the expansion of our capacity building programming, convening, and education to support our member land trusts (notably in our upcoming April 2025 Conference) and critical policy work to both safeguard and expand land conservation work in California.