The Land Trust of Napa County is proud to announce the appointment of Melanie Parker as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a national search for a leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of conservation, stewardship, and community partnership. Melanie succeeds Doug Parker, who has retired after 13 years of distinguished service as CEO.
Melanie Parker steps into the role as the Land Trust celebrates its 50th anniversary, a milestone that underscores both the organization’s enduring legacy and the urgency of protecting Napa County’s natural and agricultural landscapes in the face of climate change, wildfire risk, and development pressures. Her appointment marks a pivotal moment as the Land Trust looks ahead to its next 50 years of conservation impact.
Melanie brings more than two decades of experience in conservation leadership, encompassing land protection, natural resource management, sustainable land use, strategic partnerships, and community-based conservation. She joins the Land Trust from Sonoma County Regional Parks, where she served as Deputy Director overseeing a $58 million annual budget and a team of more than 200 staff responsible for park creation, ecological stewardship, and public engagement across the county.
In that role, Melanie led long-term strategic planning, served as a key liaison to tribal governments, land trusts, and local agencies, and played a central role in the successful passage and implementation of a countywide parks funding measure spanning all nine cities in Sonoma County. Her collaborative leadership extends beyond government service; she currently serves as President of the Together Bay Area Board of Directors, advancing regional approaches to land conservation and climate resilience.
Prior to her work in Sonoma County, Melanie served as executive director of a non-profit organization in Montana, where she was instrumental in advancing several large-scale landscape conservation initiatives. Most notably, she played a key role in the Montana Legacy Project, which permanently protected 310,000 acres of working forestland and critical wildlife habitat.
“Following an extensive national search, the Board is thrilled to welcome Melanie Parker as the next CEO of the Land Trust of Napa County,” said Robin Baggett, Board Chair. “Melanie is an exceptional strategic leader with a deep commitment to conservation and a proven ability to build partnerships and deliver results. We are confident she has the vision and expertise to build upon Doug Parker’s legacy and lead the Land Trust through this critical moment for Napa County’s lands.”
“Melanie brings the rare combination of big-picture vision and hands-on leadership,” said Mike Fisher, Vice Chair of the Board. “From securing major public funding to managing complex organizations and responding to wildfire and climate challenges, her experience positions the Land Trust to accelerate its mission and deepen its impact for generations to come.”
“I am honored to join the Land Trust of Napa County at such a meaningful moment in its history,” said Melanie Parker. “The Land Trust’s legacy of protecting Napa’s natural and agricultural landscapes, while supporting working lands, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, and the cultural and ecological heritage they sustain, is extraordinary. I look forward to working alongside staff, board members, landowners, tribes, agricultural producers, and community partners to safeguard these lands and strengthen their resilience for future generations.”
Throughout her career, Melanie has been recognized for her inclusive leadership style and her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together. She has extensive experience developing and stewarding conservation easements, leading organizations through periods of growth and change, and navigating complex ecological challenges, including wildfire response and post-fire recovery.
With Melanie’s leadership, the Land Trust of Napa County is poised to expand its conservation impact, deepen community partnerships, and respond boldly to the evolving challenges facing the region’s landscapes.
Outgoing CEO Doug Parker will continue to serve as a trusted advisor during the transition, ensuring continuity of leadership and mission. “I leave the Land Trust knowing it is in excellent hands,” said Doug Parker. “Melanie Parker is an outstanding choice, with the experience, integrity, and passion needed to guide the organization into its next chapter. I have complete confidence in her ability to protect Napa County’s lands for generations to come.”
See the Napa Register story here.
