Edie Nehls, a nonprofit executive with more than 24 years of experience providing leadership,
strategic planning, development and fiscal stability to a myriad of community based
organizations has joined Sunflower Hill as its new Executive Director.
A recent transplant to Livermore, Nehls comes to Sunflower Hill from the National Ag Science
Center in Modesto. As deputy director, she managed fundraising and marketing efforts as well
as overseeing the organization's financial administration. Prior to this position, Nehls served as
Advancement Director and Hospitality & Events Manager for the Museum of Contemporary Art
San Diego. While at the Museum in San Diego she had the opportunity to work on two
capital campaigns. The first completed in 2007 with the opening of a new museum and
administration facility in downtown San Diego, here she worked closely with the Deputy Director,
general contractor, vendors and city agencies. The second capital campaign, during her tenure
as Advancement Director, gave her the opportunity to work closely with the CEO to garner
support for the renovation of the La Jolla flagship facility.
"Edie Nehls excels at helping organizations grow in strategic and meaningful ways," said Susan
Houghton, president of the board of directors for Sunflower Hill. "Throughout her career she
has championed innovative ideas for institutional change, successfully built and led
departments across various business units and developed new revenue streams to improve the
fiscal stability and growth of organizations. We're excited to have her join the Sunflower Hill
team and to help take our organization to the next level."
Nehls holds a BA in Theatre from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and a Business
Management Certificate from the University of California, San Diego. In her new role as
Executive Director, she will lead the implementation of Sunflower Hill's residential communities
as well as manage the day-to-day operations of Sunflower Hill Gardens and Stable Café, two
vocational opportunities for individuals with special needs.
Several new community leaders also joined the Sunflower Hill board and advisory group this year.
To learn more about them click
here for board members and
here for advisors.
Sunflower Hill, a Pleasanton-based nonprofit organization was started by local parents and
community leaders concerned about the long-term housing options for individuals with special
needs. Two affordable residential communities are now in development. In 2017, Sunflower
Hill Gardens at Hagemann Ranch in Livermore provided more than 14,000 pounds of produce to
agencies serving low income individuals. Sunflower Hill Gardens and Stable Café in Pleasanton
offer important vocational and social skills training to individuals with special needs.
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