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Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance executive director steps down

Assuming a new leadership role with her family’s farming operation, Maureen Cottingham will step down in April after 17 years as the executive director of the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance.

“I was honored to be called upon to bring our family’s farming tradition to the next generation,” she said, “and while this transition is bittersweet, I look forward to continuing the work that is so important to me, championing California’s agricultural heritage and legacy.”

Under Cottingham’s leadership, the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance raised over $25 million for children’s literacy programs and nonprofits in Sonoma Valley and across Sonoma County. The organization provided critical crisis response and support to the winegrowing community during the Sonoma County wildfires, PSPS events, and the Covid pandemic.

“I have the deepest gratitude to all of those who have been so supportive of the organization and our initiatives over the years,” said Cottingham. “My passion for Sonoma Valley and its winegrowers and vintners will always remain strong.”

Cottingham launched the successful “The Roots Run Deep” brand campaign for Sonoma Valley wines featuring the legendary vintners and growers of the Valley and secured the largest grant ever received by the trade organization, a California Specialty Crop Block Grant. In addition, Cottingham restructured the organization’s membership and financial position as well as developing the first-ever series of vineyard maps. She also launched the region’s first-ever, wine-centric lifestyle event Signature Sonoma Valley.

“We are truly grateful for her bold leadership, unwavering dedication and service to our vintners, winegrowers and community,” said Board President Prema Behan, co-founder of Three Sticks Wines. “Her accomplishments are extensive and have consistently elevated and coalesced our wine region over the years. We will miss Maureen, her energy, her professionalism, and her great attitude and wish her the very best of luck as she steps into her new role to continue her family’s farming legacy.”

The Board of Directors will be conducting a search to identify Cottingham’s replacement.

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