Evan Schmidt is the Chief Executive Officer of Valley Vision, one of California’s most respected triple-bottom line nonprofits leading regional and statewide initiatives that advance livability. Evan has been very influential in shaping Valley Vision’s growth and direction since joining the social impact organization in 2014. She has a strong record of success as a researcher, facilitator, and collaborative problem-solver, and uses those talents to ensure Valley Vision remains a stable and influential force in California. Valley Vision illuminates the issues surrounding livability – housing, food, healthcare, education, and transportation – which Evan views as the fundamentals to equal opportunity and prosperity for all. It’s why Evan stands as an avid champion for meaningful change through triple bottom line values. She helps civic, elected, and business leaders drive opportunity and durable solutions that are responsive to people, place, and prosperity by focusing on the three E’s: Economic prosperity, social Equity, and Environmental sustainability. Evan served as Senior Director of Research and Strategy before being named CEO in 2020. Today, Valley Vision’s research, including regional public opinion polling, helps shape policy, investments, programs, and solutions, and is designed to inform how we — as a community of leaders — collectively shape change that improves lives. As the region continues to grow and change, Evan adds this unique and important perspective to conversations because she understands the system-level crises facing California are opportunities to reshape how the state and its regions address challenges and inequities. Her commitment to communities in this way are foundational to her professional and civic leadership. Prior to Valley Vision, led evaluation projects for organizations across the U.S., helping them become more effective and impactful. She has also advanced major regional community initiatives and conducted research at UC Davis in community development and environmental planning before coming to Valley Vision. Evan’s experience in community development, economic development, community engagement, land use planning, public health, and more spans decades. Evan is originally from Kansas. She holds dual masters’ degrees in Community Development and Geography from the University of California, Davis.