LandWatch Announces Chris Fitz as Executive Director

Chris Fitz, new LandWatch Executive Director

SALINAS, CA, June 8, 2005 -- LandWatch Monterey County is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Fitz as its new Executive Director. During his four years as Deputy Director for LandWatch, Mr. Fitz led the successful effort to save Marks Ranch, headed up LandWatch’s effort to establish strong, affordable housing policies in the City of Salinas, and has been the major fundraiser for the organization. Mr. Fitz has over 12 years experience managing and leading nonprofit organizations with expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, fiscal management, public policy analysis and advocacy and community organization.

“Chris is a terrific choice to direct LandWatch," said Michael DeLapa, LandWatch President. "He has extensive experience in managing organizations, fund raising, and land use and housing policy. He is a longtime Monterey County resident and is well acquainted with local land use issues.”

"Chris also exemplifies how LandWatch changes peoples lives," continued DeLapa. "He first became involved with LandWatch in 1998 as a volunteer in Marina. Through his work on the Marina urban growth boundary initiative, he became very active in his community, and in 2000 joined the LandWatch board. A year later, he joined our staff as Deputy Director. And today he's leading the organization that inspired him to get involved in his community."

“Our county faces compelling land use challenges,” said Chris Fitz. “LandWatch, its board of directors, staff and members will continue to meet those challenges head on! I am thrilled by the opportunity to lead such an important organization at this critical juncture in the future of Monterey County.”

Mr. Fitz will take over as Executive Director on June 15. Gary Patton, the Executive Director since 1998, will fill a newly created position with LandWatch as Director of Strategic Planning and Policy Initiatives.

Chris brings with him both dedication and a wealth of experience to LandWatch. He was one of the leaders in the campaign to establish an Urban Growth Boundary for the City of Marina and is a founding member of Marina 2020 Vision. He currently serves on the City of Marina Planning Commission and the Marina Greenbelt Committee. Prior to working for LandWatch, Mr. Fitz was Senior Officer for Development and Strategic Planning, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Monterey Institute for International Studies for 9 years. From 1988 to 1992 he was a research analyst and project manager for the Personnel Security Research and Education Center, Naval Postgraduate School. He holds a Bachelor or Arts in International Policy Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

posted 06.07.05