Evan joined Valley Vision in 2014 and became CEO in 2020. Evan has a long record of success developing community inspired solutions across Valley Vision’s many initiatives – including leading Valley Vision’s research; supporting Valley Vision’s impact areas to advance prosperity, equity, and sustainability; and leading strategy and evaluation efforts across the organization.

Evan came to Valley Vision with 15 years of experience as a community development professional. She worked as an evaluator and a private consultant for organizations across the U.S., helping them become more effective and impactful. Additionally, she has advanced major regional community initiatives and conducted research at UC Davis in community development and environmental planning. Evan’s experience in community development spans years and content areas – including economic development, community engagement, land use planning, public health, and more. Her commitment to community is foundational to her professional and civic leadership. She is always working to create access, opportunities, prosperity, and well-being for all.

Evan is also an active civic leader, and is currently serving as Co-Chair of the California Stewardship Network and sitting on Boards of Directors or Advisory Committees for multiple community organizations. In 2021, she was recognized as one of the region’s 100 Most Notable Business Leaders.

Evan earned a bachelor of arts from the University of Kansas and both a master of science in community development and a master of arts in geography from the University of California, Davis.

Outside of work, Evan enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and dog. She plans weekly neighborhood potlucks and loves taking road trips and going car camping, all while singing along to music in the car during her adventures.