After 15 Years, Andrea Mackenzie Announces Her Departure
For a decade and a half, Andrea Mackenzie has been the driving force behind the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority's success. Now, she's announced her plans to step down as General Manager at the end of 2026, and we wanted to take a moment to celebrate her and the agency’s accomplishments under her guidance.
A Legacy that Doubled Down on Conservation
When Andrea joined the Authority as General Manager in 2011, she brought more than 25 years of experience in urban and regional planning, open space preservation, farmland protection, and public finance. Under Andrea's tenure, the agency's purview has grown from 12,000 acres of scattered parcels into a true network of protected natural and working lands, nearly 30,000 acres strong.
One of the most significant achievements of her tenure has been the protection of Coyote Valley, which is now recognized by the State of California as a critical conservation landscape through AB 948 (Kalra). Working with key partners, including the Peninsula Open Space Trust and State, the Authority has permanently protected more than 1,600 acres on the valley floor, leveraging over $160 million to safeguard this vital wildlife corridor and agricultural landscape for generations to come. Much of this work was guided by the Coyote Valley Landscape Linkage, a science-based planning framework developed under Andrea's leadership to identify and prioritize one of the region's most important wildlife corridors.
Andrea and Congressman Sam Liccardo in Coyote Valley in 2021.
Bringing Nature to You
Andrea's tenure hasn't just been about protecting land. It's been about making sure people feel welcome to experience nature. Annual preserve visitation has more than tripled, from 150,000 to 500,000 visitors, a reflection of both the Authority's expanded preserve network and a deepened commitment to accessible, welcoming outdoor spaces for everyone.
She also helped expand the Authority's Urban Grant Program, which has awarded $14.7 million to 94 community projects since 2016, bringing nature-based education and open space access to underserved communities across the region.
Andrea celebrates at the grand opening of Bill's Backyard, an Open Space Authority grand-funded outdoor nature education and play space located at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, in 2017.
Building for the Future
Andrea helped lay the groundwork for passing multiple funding measures that would support the Authority's mission-driven work for years to come. This conservation finance work culminated in the recent passage of Measure D in June 2026, a progressive parcel tax based on square footage of commercial and residential development that is expected to generate approximately $17 million annually in perpetuity to fund the Authority's next chapter of conservation.
She also led development of the Santa Clara Valley Greenprint, a landmark science-based conservation planning tool that earned an Award of Excellence in Sustainability from the American Planning Association. Andrea also oversaw the opening of multiple Authority open space preserves: Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, Máyyan 'Ooyákma–Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve, the agency's newest and most ecologically sensitive public preserve, and expansion of the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, providing new open space access opportunities to underserved communities in East San José.
In Her Own Words
"Fifteen years ago, I set out to help this agency develop a conservation and finance strategy that could increase the pace and scale of protecting the unique natural and working lands of the Santa Clara Valley. Today, with nearly 30,000 acres protected, 1,600 acres of Coyote Valley secured for future generations, and voters expressing their support of open space preservation through Measures Q, T, and most recently Measure D, I know that this agency is well-positioned to continue its mission-driven work to benefit nature and people. Leading this agency has been the privilege of my career, and I'm deeply grateful to my extraordinary staff, Board of Directors, Citizens’ Advisory Committee, volunteers and the community that made it all possible."
Andrea cuts the ribbon for the new Llagas Creek Bridge and accessible Hidden Meadow Trail at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve in 2024.
Board Chair Kathy Sutherland reflected on Andrea's impact as well:
"Andrea took a small agency with big ambitions and has turned it into one of the most accomplished open space districts in the state. Under her stewardship, the Authority has grown into a mature, financially strong institution with the clear support of the voters who just passed Measure D. She has built a culture rooted in science, equity and community connection that will carry this agency forward long after she's gone."
What's Next
Andrea will remain in her position through the end of 2026, working closely with the Board and senior leadership to ensure a smooth transition. The Board of Directors has begun the search for the Authority's next General Manager and more details will be shared in the coming weeks.
For 15 years, Andrea's rallying cry to the community has been simple: this is our moment, join us. She leaves the Authority stronger than she found it, with more land protected, more engaged community members and the resources to sustain our critical conservation work for years to come.
The momentum she built isn't going anywhere. It's ours to continue.
Thank you, Andrea, for 15 years of vision, dedication, and love for the land and people of Santa Clara Valley.
Related Posts
