Organizational Updates from Dakin Ventures Consulting Group

By Elizabeth Singleton, DVCG Operations & Strategy Consultant

As AMLT turns the page on its first decade under the leadership of the new Executive Director, Noelle Chambers, AMLT is embarking on an exciting period of growth. AMLT has engaged support from Dakin Ventures Consulting Group to support internal changes and the development of new systems and practices. This collaboration has resulted in a variety of changes that are improving AMLT’s operational efficiency and efficacy, preparing for opportunities to increase AMLT’s impact through integrated stewardship across Mutsun territory.

Most notably, AMLT has been building its team to support the implementation of its recently launched strategic framework. Changes to the team over the last few months include:

Adam French appointed as Interim Director of Programs;
Jodi Litz hired as Director of Development;
Jaynee Venegas hired as Community Engagement Lead;
Casey Estorga hired as Director of Finance & Operations.

This group now forms AMLT’s Leadership Team, which works together with Noelle Chambers to guide AMLT’s programmatic implementation, day-to-day operations, and strategic growth.

Internally, AMLT is working to enhance systems and processes that will streamline the implementation of programmatic work and improve internal collaboration. These efforts include consolidating and upgrading software tools, hiring external IT help desk support, optimizing the use of Google Suite to improve internal communications and knowledge management, developing and improving policies, and standardizing operating practices. All of these efforts will bring AMLT’s operations up to best practice and contribute to its future accreditation as a Land Trust.

Any organization is only as strong as its team. Dedicated and passionate individuals support AMLT and expect more growth for this team in the future. Changes have also been made to optimize AMLT’s employee recruitment and retention. Recruitment practices have been standardized and streamlined to ensure recruitment of top talent for all positions, including working to identify candidates within the Amah Mutsun community. To attract and retain staff, AMLT has improved its benefit offerings and is developing internal professional development opportunities, including an ongoing internal management training series and the re-launch of the Native Stewardship Corps.

AMLT’s Board, under the leadership of Chairman Valentin Lopez as Board President, also has changes underway, with Executive, Finance, Audit, and Lands Committees operationalizing under new charters to provide oversight and guidance to AMLT’s operations.

2025 continues to be a year of growth and change, setting AMLT up for an exciting second decade as 2026 begins!

Note: AMLT is still recruiting for three open positions, Controller, Accounting Assistant, and Lands Project Manager, so please help us fill these critical roles!