SONOMA, CA (April 27, 2021) The Board of Directors of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance has announced the appointment of the organization’s next Executive Director, Nicole Garzino.
Garzino brings almost 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, primarily in membership, cultural, and community building organizations. She most recently served as Director of Membership for Battery Powered, the nonprofit foundation at The Battery, a San Francisco private social and dining club, and as Nonprofit Management Consultant to the Open Hearts Foundation, founded by actress Jane Seymour.
Prior to her work at The Battery, she focused on leadership in cultural organizations, serving in executive leadership positions at the Center for Photographic Art, Monterey Museum of Art, Barrington Stage Company, and the Dorchester Center for the Arts and County Arts Council. Nicole has worked extensively in community coalitions and collaboration for local economic growth, including cultural tourism, creative economies, and special events. She holds a M.A. in arts and cultural administration from Goucher College. She has served as a Board Member for Junior Leagues of Monterey (CA) and Berkshire County (MA), Chair of Board of Governors for Millennium High School (Salinas, CA), and as a mayoral appointee to the Cultural Council of Pittsfield (MA).
Raised in Petaluma, Garzino is excited to be able to partner with SVVGA to serve her local community, especially within an industry deeply linked to the history and vibrancy of Sonoma County.
“We look forward to Nicole’s leadership as we journey into the next era of SVVGA and explore how we can continue to expand how we serve our members and the greater Sonoma Valley community,” said Prema Behan, SVVGA Board President. “Her experience in supporting members, community building, special events, and cultural economic development will build upon the history and accomplishments of SVVGA and take us to the next level.”
About SVVGA
The Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance (SVVGA) is a non-profit organization serving over 500 members who share a mission to promote awareness of Sonoma Valley’s grapes, wine and history as the birthplace of the California wine industry. Sonoma Valley comprises six of the eighteen American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) of Sonoma County: Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain and Sonoma Valley. To learn more about the SVVGA visit http://www.SonomaValleyWine.
