Community Foundation for Monterey County Announces LEAD Institute 2026 Participants
23 nonprofit leaders from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties to participate in year-long professional development program
Monterey County, California — The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) welcomed 23 emerging nonprofit managers to join the LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) Institute’s 2026 cohort. LEAD is a year-long professional development institute offered by the CFMC’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence to foster strong, effective leadership in the local nonprofit sector.
Celebrating the 15th cohort, this group joins a network of more than 200 accomplished nonprofit leaders who have engaged with LEAD since the program launched in 2009.
“LEAD Institute is a unique program that combines in-person learning and professional coaching to provide new leaders with resources and skills they need to lead a thriving team, develop a network of peer support and work towards a more sustainable and equitable vision for Central Coast communities. It’s an investment in developing new leaders and growing organizational effectiveness and mission impact,” said Reid Norris, Program Manager, Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
This year’s LEAD cohort features nonprofit professionals from diverse fields of nonprofit activity, including vital safety net agencies meeting essential human needs. “I’m excited to join this group to build a community and also learn from each other to grow in my professional career,” said Danny Ordaz, Program Manager, Ecology Action.
The 2026 class includes participants from nonprofits based in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties.
2026 LEAD Institute participants:
· Cindy Aguilar-Castañeda, Director of Programs and Operations, Palenke Arts
· Mariam Alao, Director of Development, Senior Network Services
· Rocio Andrade, Director of Strategic Initiatives, El Pájaro Community Development Corp.
· Tiffany Avery, SUD Clinical Supervisor, Door to Hope
· Christina Elvin, Harm Reduction Program Manager, Access Support Network
· Meghan French, Executive Director, BirchBark
· Abrena Ganaden, Continuum of Care Program Manager, The Coalition of Homeless Services Providers
· Tara Gibson, Human Resources Manager, Veterans Transition Center of California
· Rachel Goldberger, Program Manager, Community Association of Big Sur
· Greg Hamer, District Coordinator, Salinas City Center
· Bella Hockersmith, Grants Coordinator, Montage Health Foundation
· Marisol Jacobo, Program Director - LCSW, Interim Inc.
· Jason Little, Executive Director, Read to Me Project
· Lisa Max, Deputy Director, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
· Antonio J. Mendoza, Executive Director, Community FoodBank of San Benito County
· Leticia Molinero, Program Manager, Partners for Peace
· Danny Ordaz, Program Manager, Ecology Action
· Katie Reneker, Executive Director, MEarth
· Alison Samuels, Program Manager, Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley
· Natalie Shuman, Programs Manager, Bird School Project
· Lidia Wilding, Donor Relations Manager, Community Human Services
· Maria Yanez, Community Service Coordinator, CHISPA
· Rebeca Zuniga, Communications & Community Outreach Coordinator, First 5 Monterey County
LEAD is designed to maximize the leadership potential of capable nonprofit managers through monthly leadership and professional development seminars. The LEAD Institute emphasizes individualized professional growth by identifying core values and building resilience to address the opportunities and challenges facing the community. Participants gain new insights, abilities and a network of support to assume greater leadership roles.
“LEAD isn’t just a leadership course, it’s a pause button. It forces you to step out of the day-to-day and take a hard, honest look at how you lead, how you communicate and what actually drives your team. The biggest value for me was gaining clarity, not just tools. If you want a space that stretches you, grounds you and connects you with leaders across the county, LEAD is absolutely worth it,” shared Jonathan De Anda, General Manager Salinas Regional Sports Authority, 2025 LEAD Institute Alum.
About the Center for Nonprofit Excellence of the Community Foundation for Monterey County
The Center for Nonprofit Excellence works with local nonprofits of all types and sizes to be stronger, more resilient and equitable. It helps staff, boards and volunteers make meaningful connections to resources and one another. For information on LEAD Institute or other nonprofit resources, visit cfmco.org/CNE or call 831.375.9712.
About the LEAD Institute
Facilitated by Reid Norris, Program Manager, LEAD is an annual leadership development program of the Community Foundation for Monterey County for nonprofit and community leaders. Applications for LEAD 2027 will be available in Summer 2026. For information or to apply, visit: cfmco.org/LEAD.
The mission of the Community Foundation for Monterey County is to inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County. For more information, call 831. 375.9712 or visit cfmco.org.