FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/23/26
Media Contacts:
Katelyn Willoughby, Director of Marketing & Communications
707.890.8876
kwilloughby@cvnl.org
or
Linda Jacobs, CEO
415.479.5710 x300
ljacobs@cvnl.org
Attached: Linda Jacobs’ headshot
CVNL Announces Leadership Transition and Honors CEO Linda Jacobs’ Legacy
BAY AREA, CA, 1/23/26 – With deep gratitude, Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) shares that Linda Jacobs, CEO, has begun a thoughtful and intentional leadership transition as she plans for retirement. Linda will remain in her role until a new CEO is in place, with an anticipated transition date of June 30, 2026, ensuring continuity, stability, and a strong foundation for CVNL’s next chapter.
For more than four decades, Linda has been a champion for community, nonprofit excellence, and service. Her career has included leadership roles with the Breakthrough Foundation, Marin Child Care Council, Planned Parenthood Northern California, and the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce. When she joined CVNL in 2002, she brought with her a deep belief that strong nonprofits—and the people who lead them—are essential to thriving communities.
Under Linda’s leadership, CVNL grew from a county-based volunteer center and nonprofit management support organization into a vibrant four-county regional organization serving Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties. She has guided CVNL with both heart and strategy—expanding leadership programs, creating consulting services, strengthening volunteer engagement, and building partnerships that have elevated the entire nonprofit sector.
Her tenure has been defined by progress and purpose: growing signature programs such as the Heart of Marin Awards, leading the organization through regional expansion and mergers, and standing alongside communities during moments of crisis—from earthquakes and wildfires to the COVID-19 pandemic. Linda has also advanced equity and access through expanded learning opportunities and scholarships, ensuring that leadership development is available to nonprofits of all sizes.
As CVNL celebrated its 60th anniversary, Linda helped modernize programs and deepen partnerships to meet the evolving needs of today’s nonprofit leaders. Her legacy is reflected in stronger organizations, more confident leaders, and a more connected community.
“Linda’s leadership has always been rooted in values—dignity, inclusion, and a belief in the power of people coming together to serve one another,” said the CVNL Board of Directors. “We are profoundly grateful for her vision, steadiness, and the lasting impact she has made across our region.”
The Board of Directors has engaged Potrero Group to lead a national search for CVNL’s next CEO. Additional opportunities to celebrate Linda and the many communities she has touched will be shared in the months ahead.
“Serving nonprofits and volunteers has been the great privilege of my career,” said Linda. “While I’m planning for retirement from my role at CVNL, I remain deeply committed to this community and look forward to continuing to support nonprofit leaders and boards in meaningful ways.”
# # #
About CVNL: Since 1964, CVNL has advanced nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in their communities. Passion alone isn’t enough when it comes to creating strong nonprofits. That’s why we work with aspiring and established leaders every day to help them build the skills and connections that can take their impact to the next level. Together, we offer comprehensive programs that support nonprofits and volunteers, including Learning & Leadership programs and training, executive search, customized consulting solutions, volunteer matching, and corporate engagement. Heart of Marin™, Heart of Napa™, and Heart of Sonoma County events support nonprofits of every size and mission through recognition and cash awards. Other programs and services include Secret Santa, Court Referral Program, and Paratransit. We provide disaster preparedness training and serve as an Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC), overseeing spontaneous volunteers and donations for Napa, Marin, Sonoma, and Solano Counties in the aftermath of a disaster. We believe that with confident and prepared leaders, our nonprofits will be better equipped to create healthy, happy, and more equitable communities. Visit www.cvnl.org to discover more.
