Protecting natural spaces is a long-term commitment, and so is building an organization capable of carrying that mission forward for generations. Through a recent partnership facilitated by Jericho Road Pasadena, Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy (AFC) strengthened its organizational future by examining AFC’s organizational structure and identified opportunities to support the conservancy’s continued growth.
For more than 25 years, Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy has been one of Southern California’s leading land trusts, working to conserve, restore, and steward critical wildlife habitat throughout the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Rafael Hills, and the Verdugo Mountains. Based in Pasadena, AFC acquires and permanently protects open space, restores native habitat, conducts wildlife research, advocates for biodiversity, and provides environmental education programs for communities across Los Angeles County. Its work helps reconnect fragmented wildlife corridors, protecting native plants and animals while ensuring future generations have access to the region’s natural landscapes.
Recognizing that a strong mission also requires strong organizational planning, AFC partnered with Jericho Road volunteer Lisa Altman, Principal at LAStrategic, to conduct a broader organizational assessment focused on AFC’s organizational structure, governance, leadership capacity, and organizational readiness.
The project was designed to address two important objectives: ensuring the organization could continue operating seamlessly in the event of an unexpected leadership departure, and preparing the board for the eventual retirement and planned transition of its longtime CEO.
Working closely with Barbara Goto, the assessment included interviews with board members, leadership, staff, and other key stakeholders. Lisa conducted an organizational assessment that provided the board with the information needed to support its succession planning efforts. The assessment emphasized risk management, organizational continuity, board alignment, and a thoughtful roadmap for future leadership.
The project quickly evolved from creating a planning document into building organizational confidence.
“This collaboration prepared our board to enact a procedure for succession planning and to adopt a succession plan for unplanned departures,” said Barbara Goto, Director of Operations for Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy. “Lisa was professional and highly communicative. What made the project most successful was the time Lisa took to survey AFC’s staff and board and meet with them individually. The insights gained from that approach enabled Lisa to provide a roadmap for organizational growth along with succession planning.”
The work continues to shape AFC’s future, according to Barbara. “Lisa’s analysis was instrumental in helping us create, and ultimately have the board adopt, a Succession Plan for Unplanned Departures. The project also led to the creation of a Board Succession Planning Committee, which is using Lisa’s report to develop a long-term strategy for our CEO’s eventual transition. We continue to rely on the resources she provided as we map the future growth of our organization. Her insight into our organizational structure has been especially valuable.”
Like many organizational change initiatives, the project began with some hesitation. There was some initial concern about bringing in an outside consultant to evaluate AFC’s organizational structure. “But Lisa’s collaborative approach, thoughtful delivery, and practical recommendations quickly built trust across our board and staff,” said Barbara.
For Lisa, the experience reinforced the value of pairing experienced professionals with nonprofits tackling important organizational challenges. “Jericho Road was an incredible partner throughout the entire process,” Lisa said. “They kept everyone connected, coordinated schedules, shared information, and made sure nothing fell through the cracks. They were always there to support the collaboration without ever trying to micromanage it.”
Barbara believes the impact of the project will continue to benefit AFC for years to come. “This project provided the momentum our board needed to begin meaningful succession planning,” she said. “That’s a huge accomplishment, and I believe it will make all the difference in creating a sustainable and successful leadership transition when the time comes.”
Succession planning is about much more than preparing for change. It’s about protecting an organization’s mission, preserving institutional knowledge, and ensuring the work continues long into the future. Thanks to the expertise of skilled volunteers like Lisa, Jericho Road Pasadena helps nonprofits strengthen not only what they do today, but also what they will accomplish tomorrow.
To learn more about Jericho Road Pasadena and opportunities to volunteer your professional expertise, visit JRPasadena.org.
Want this kind of support for your nonprofit? Request a volunteer through our website.
Thanks to volunteer Wes Robinson for writing JRP Project Highlight posts!