Cecily Harris's practice focuses on fundraising, board development, marketing, program design and strategic planning for both nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Nonprofit conservation organizations, public agency park and recreation departments and open space districts are a specialty.

Under state law, the Metropolitan Council is charged with overseeing the acquisition and development of regional parks and trails. The parks are operated by partnering cities, counties and special districts. Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission (MPOSC) helps the Metropolitan Council develop a long-range plan, and an acquisition and development program that includes funding priorities for regional parks in the Twin Cities.

Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee champions the 25-year Parks and Trails Legacy Plan by providing recommendations to enhance promotion, coordination, and accountability throughout implementation of the plan.

Since 2008, I have served on the San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee representing District 3 District 3 includes Atherton, southeast Belmont, Half Moon Bay, western Menlo Park, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos and Woodside in addition to several unincorporated ares. Currently I serve as South Vice- Chair, Membership Chair, and State Executive Board Representative. I serve on the Endorsements Committee. Previously, I served as Controller and Fundraising Committee Chair.I became Chair January 2017

Grants management, program development, policy development, marketing programs, community relations, lobbying, partnerships, acquisitions and park planning.Hired as the Park Department’s first grants and special projects manager. • Program planning, proposal writing and grant administration.• Solicitation of State and Federal agencies for allocations and other alternative sources of funding.• Implementation of design and planning projects such as Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Exhibits and Signage Project, Green Valley Trail and Coyote Point Promenade Planning Projects.• Development and implementation of new programs such as Park GIS/GPS Program and County Trail Crew Leaders Program.• Partnership development of programs and projects with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and corporations.• Creation of communications and outreach plans, marketing collateral and conducts public relations activities.

Recruited as part-time park planner with responsibility for program planning, proposal writing and grant administration for parks and open spaces.

Senior executive with responsibility for accounting, budgeting, fund development, marketing, public relations, and strategic planning.• Oversaw a Bair Island Management and Enhancement Plan process using a multi-disciplinary team of hydrologists, wildlife biologists and planners. • Established funds and endowments to preserve natural habitat for threatened and endangered species and migratory birds.• Authored organizational strategic plans, annual reports and many other essential marketing communication documents. • Visioned and completed capital campaigns such as a $250,000 New Chicago Marsh Boardwalk campaign.• Launched a Corporate Refuge Friends campaign that partners the Refuge with corporate neighbors and financial support. • Public speaker to trails groups, environmental educators, refuge support groups and fundraising executives association.• Developed and implemented annual giving program for individual, corporate and foundation giving.

Senior executive participated in thirteen agency committees ranging from conservation, education, environmental action, fundraising, to executive committee. By working with an organization with a three-pronged mission, I balanced the interests of the membership, volunteers, Board of Directors, and the national organization.