Cindy Montañez, shown planting a tree in 2022, was a passionate leader on environmental issues. (photo courtesy of TreePeople)

TreePeople, a leading environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a sustainable future for Southern California, is celebrating the life and achievements of CEO Cindy Montañez who passed away on Oct. 21 after battling cancer.

Since assuming the leadership role in 2016, Montañez’s unwavering dedication, innovative vision and commitment to environmental sustainability drove TreePeople’s extraordinary growth and impact. Montañez left an indelible mark on the organization’s mission and impact, building the success it enjoys today.

“Cindy loved TreePeople and she made sure that TreePeople would be in good hands at the time of her passing, and we are in good hands with co-executive directors Daniel Berger and Robyn Rehak. Cindy inspired us all,” said Philip Boesch, chairman of TreePeople’s Board.

Montañez brought a strong environmental justice focus to TreePeople, improving communities around Los Angeles that had historically low tree canopy coverage through increased tree plantings and workforce development. The tree planting and care programs take place in 15 regions throughout Southern California, where more than 4,000 people take part in planting over 2,000 trees each year. TreePeople also distributes more than 3,000 trees to residents each year.

Under Montañez’s leadership, TreePeople’s workforce has nearly tripled, growing from approximately 40 employees to over 125, with ongoing recruitment efforts to support its expanding mission. TreePeople’s revenue also increased from $4.5 million in 2016 to approximately $14.5 million in 2023.

TreePeople’s workforce development program began in 2021 to provide environmental career experience and training for youth and young adults from underserved communities where green jobs typically aren’t easily accessible. As part of the effort, TreePeople recently introduced the Cindy Montañez Young Leaders Program, which includes paid internships and apprenticeships for young people focused on green workforce experience in forestry and wetlands conservation.

IN addition to leading TreePeople, Montañez served in the California Assembly from 2002-06, representing the 39th District in the San Fernando Valley. Local leaders expressed sadness about Montañez’s death.

“Cindy Montañez was one of our city’s best, and she will be missed terribly, said Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, 5th District. “Throughout the time I knew her, she always led with generosity, curiosity and warmth, and was effective because of her ability to connect on a human level. But most of all, she was incredibly brave. Brave enough to keep showing up for people and allowing herself to be vulnerable, to stick her neck out and step out on faith to fight for her community. And brave enough to show her humanity to people, and in so doing, create the space for others to do the same. Cindy’s incredible legacy as an environmental champion, including as the head of Tree People, means that generations of Californians will have cleaner air and water and more equitable access to shade. I know we will continue to honor her by finding common ground across our communities, fighting for environmental justice and putting in the hard work of building coalitions.”

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Assemblywoman Montañez,” Mayor Karen Bass said. “The assemblywoman was a relentless trailblazer who led with conviction and a vision of a better Los Angeles for all. I saw her tenacity up close many times. She was by my side when we fought together in Sacramento, making difficult decisions to help our state, and she advised me when I served in Congress on a range of issues impacting our city. Throughout it all, one thing was always clear, Assemblywoman Montañez’s heart and soul were always dedicated to the people of Los Angeles. It was an honor just last month to recognize her with members of the City Council. I join so many Angelenos in holding memories of the assemblywoman close. My thoughts are with her friends and family as we mourn the loss of a great Angeleno.”

For information, visit treepeople.org.