ELK GROVE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The California Farmland Trust (CFT) is pleased to announce Katie Otto as their new Development and Operations Director. She joins the CFT team after 12 years with the California FFA Foundation (Foundation) and brings her deep roots and experience with agriculture, fundraising and finance management to the organization.<\/p>\n
![\"Katie](\"https:\/\/www.send2press.com\/wire\/images\/20-0108-katie-otto-696x522.jpg\")
\nA native of Galt, Ms. Otto spent her early years growing up on her family\u2019s vineyard and thus began her love of the farming way of life and the values it instilled in her. Her agricultural career started after graduating with an Ag Business Degree from Fresno State University. Ms. Otto gained momentum in the ag industry after working with organizations like The Great Valley Center and the California Cattlemen\u2019s Association.<\/p>\n
When asked about her career highlight, Katie referenced the success of the Foundation\u2019s Giving Tuesday campaign because of the immediate impact it had on FFA Students.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe FFA jacket is symbolic for the organization and I wanted each chapter to be represented at our 2017 Gala, our signature event. However, these jackets are a financial burden for many students,\u201d said Otto. \u201cTo ensure each student had a jacket, we raised the funds necessary to provide jackets for all students from each chapter at the event.\u201d<\/p>\n
This, along with having Mike Rowe of the Discovery Channel\u2019s “Dirty Jobs” serve as the Foundation\u2019s gala keynote speaker made an impressive impact on their Giving Tuesday campaign. Coupling these achievements with developing a relationship with Blue Diamond Growers to expand the campaign in recent years, has aided in ensuring that every FFA member could have a blue corduroy jacket of their own.<\/p>\n
\u201cKatie has a passion for agriculture and the meaningful work of non-profits in the industry,\u201d said Charlotte Mitchell, executive director. \u201cShe has a keen understanding of the challenges that face agriculture including the protection of farmland. Katie will be an important part of the California Farmland Trust team to continue our mission of protecting these important working landscapes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms. Otto envisions a future for CFT that brings together a wide array of the public, landowners, and partners who make farmland conservation a priority. \u201cI did not set out to be a fundraiser, but I have realized the general obligation I feel to either give back to or volunteer for the efforts that make this world better and it\u2019s an opportunity I can offer others. This effort is about sharing and storytelling and building relationships \u2013 these come easy to me because I am passionate about this work and it\u2019s part of who I am.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are excited and honored to have Katie onboard to direct our fund development efforts and assist in guiding the organization,\u201d said Mitchell.<\/p>\n
For more information or photos, please contact: Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @cafarmtrust<\/p>\n The California Farmland Trust is a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected nearly 16,400 acres of farmland on 75 family farms.<\/p>\n
\nCharlotte Mitchell,\u00a0cmitchell@cafarmtrust.org<\/a>\u00a0or (916) 687-3178<\/p>\n