Deborah Lindsay is an experienced leader, having held executive positions in both the nonprofit and for-profit worlds, including successfully leading the Santa Cruz Waldorf School through a challenging period in the mid-2010s. She served on the City Council of Pacific Grove (elected on a green, carbon-neutral platform), was the Co-Founder and Executive Director of “Communities for a Sustainable Monterey County,” and produced and hosted a daily radio talk show program (“Tomorrow Matters” on KRXA 540) focused on solutions for a better world.
“With growing global attention on climate change, we believe Environmental Volunteers’ mission of delivering hands-on science and nature education to elementary school children has a huge opportunity to play a broader role in empowering the next generation,” says Michael Patrick, who serves as Chair of Environmental Volunteers’ board of directors. “Deborah is passionate about Environmental Volunteers’ mission and has demonstrated the leadership, financial, and management skills necessary to take advantage of this opportunity and significantly grow Environmental Volunteers’ impact.”
"I am thrilled to be joining Environmental Volunteers and look forward to the opportunity to lead the organization, its staff and volunteers toward substantial growth in its impact. Education and environmental causes have been central concerns for me and I believe that Environmental Volunteers’ focus on inspiring the next generation of stewards of our world is critically important.”
Lindsay was selected for her demonstrated track record in building strategic partnerships, energizing and mobilizing people, and advocating for environmental and educational initiatives. Her expertise extends to strategic planning, fostering team alignment with core missions and values, and the successful implementation of initiatives across various sectors. Her volunteer involvement with organizations like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Clean Ocean International, Rising International, sFoundation, and more demonstrates her commitment to making a difference in the environmental field.
“During the interview process, the staff and I were particularly impressed with Deborah’s inclusive leadership style and active listening,” says Hazel Watson, Environmental Volunteers’ interim executive director. “I believe she is the leader to take us to the next level of growth and impact, continuing to strengthen strategy and programs to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”
Lindsay holds an MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio Graduate School.
