Welcome New Board Members: Ann Schwab & Roy Ekland
Ann Schwab and Roy Ekland the new board members of the Northern California Regional Land Trust
The Northern California Regional Land Trust, with its 34 years of nonprofit organizational history, has benefited from a long list of dedicated supporters, volunteers, and staff over the years.
In 2023 we saw the end of board participation from a long-serving, dedicated supporter, Ross Turner, who brought us the olive industry perspective and who was engaged in community activities throughout his farming years in Tehama County. Board member John Linhart, who hailed from a planning and construction background, brought us professional experience working in Glenn and Tehama counties and Adam Groen added expertise in investing, finance, and fundraising games! All three of these individuals solved problems for NCRLT with dedication while working toward sustainability of land trust operations and supporting opportunities for a revised business model.
When completing the strategic planning in January 2024, we identified board member expertise, networks, and local experience as an organizational asset that positions us to progress toward our strategic goals. We looked at skills and perspectives to complement our current board and started having conversations with community members at farmers’ markets, nature festivals and community presentations. We will continue this outreach wherever we find the intersection of land and people.
We recently added two new individuals to our board who are serving in the at-large assignment, Ann Schwab and Roy Ekland, who are both retired. Ann is a long-time Butte County resident, and active participant in Chico’s history, business and governance. Roy arrived in Tehama County after retiring from a career in marketing and technology. He and his wife, Charlotte, began ranching out of Los Molinos and Paskenta, mentoring new farmers on regenerative rangeland management techniques, while growing their production to over 700 acres!
Both Ann and Roy bring unique skills, expertise, and community relationships that will enhance our organization and help us meet our goals.
Welcome Ann and Roy!
