A Conversation with SOIL’s New Board Member: Lynne Chaimowitz

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Lynne, the newest addition to SOIL’s Board. The conversation delved into Lynne’s background, her passion for environmental issues, and her excitement about joining the board.

Lynne’s journey began in Southern California, where her early awareness of environmental issues sparked her interest in environmental policy. “I grew up in Southern California, so I've always been super aware of water issues,” she shared. This interest led Lynne to pursue an undergraduate degree in environmental policy at the University of Michigan, where she also developed a keen focus on urban environmental issues and environmental justice.

Lynne’s path took a unique turn when she met Melanie Stevenson, SOIL’s Chief Financial Officer, who would later play a role in her connection with SOIL. “By the way, I was roommates with Melanie at the University of Michigan,” Lynne mentioned.

Lynne’s career trajectory included working at various nonprofits and government agencies, where she honed her skills in financial management and accounting. “I worked for several different nonprofits and the federal government, including the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory,” she recounted. This experience provided her with a robust foundation in managing the financial aspects in both large and small organizations.

Lynne’s move into the water utility sector marked a defining moment in her career. “I started working for the water utility in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and it was kind of the pathway that I never knew that I would love,” she said. Lynne’s roles have included positions at the City of Ann Arbor Water Utility, Mojave Water Agency, and currently she serves as the Assistant General Manager for Finance and Administration at the City of Pasadena, California’s water and power utility.

Lynne’s introduction to SOIL came through her long standing relationship with Melanie and an invitation to join the audit committee. This role allowed her to get acquainted with SOIL’s mission and impact, which ultimately led to her board membership.

When asked about her interest in joining SOIL’s board, Lynne emphasized her unique perspective and experience. “Having the utility background and knowing how things work and the challenges that are facing everyone, that’s really the unique side that I can bring,” she noted. Her expertise in financial management and utilities align with ways that could be of benefit to SOIL, particularly in terms of managing resources and ensuring sustainability.

Lynne brings a wealth of experience to SOIL’s board from her previous leadership roles, particularly in financial strategy and risk management. “I’ve had a lot of experience in different types of nonprofits, and it’s really about figuring out the revenue sources that are the best fit for that particular organization,” she said. Lynne stressed the importance of supporting the staff and listening to their needs, as they are the true experts on the ground.

What excites Lynne most about her new role is the opportunity to see SOIL’s work firsthand. “The most exciting thing about it is when I will actually get to see the programs and meet the people,” she expressed with enthusiasm. Until then, she is committed to contributing administratively.

Lynne recognizes the unique challenges that small NGOs like SOIL face, particularly in terms of operational agility and financial stability. “The lack of redundancy means you need to be small and agile. There’s not a lot of room for error,” she stated. Despite these challenges, she believes that SOIL’s ability to innovate and respond quickly to changing circumstances is a significant advantage.

When asked about her wish for Haiti’s future, Lynne emphasized the importance of slow, stable progress, “getting to a point of recovery and stability, where people can have that certainty that their children will lead a better, more stable life,” she shared thoughtfully.

Lynne is eager to learn more and contribute to SOIL’s mission in meaningful ways. As she embarks on this new journey with SOIL, her rich background and diverse skill set are sure to be invaluable assets. With her passion for environmental justice and her commitment to sustainable development, Lynne is poised to make a significant impact on SOIL and the communities we serve. We couldn’t be more happy to have her on our team!