(Santa Rosa, CA, July 2025) — Sonoma CAN announces that Cynthia King, who has served as CEO since 2023, will be leaving the organization on August 1. Cynthia has been appointed Executive Director of the Humane Society of Sonoma County (HSSC), where she will begin her new role on August 4.
“Cynthia’s leadership over the past two and a half years has helped guide Sonoma CAN through both transformation and turbulence,” said Carolyn Spencer, Board President of Sonoma CAN. “She has brought an unwavering commitment to equity, strategic innovation, and resilience—qualities that have made a lasting impact on our staff, programs, and the families we serve.”
Cynthia’s departure comes as Sonoma CAN reaches a moment of relative stability after navigating a series of federal policy shifts and funding uncertainties. Under her leadership, the agency strengthened internal cohesion, responded to emerging community needs, and deepened its impact across early education, family support, and economic mobility programs.
“It is with great sadness that I share that my time at Sonoma CAN is coming to an end,” said Cynthia. “Working here has been the highlight of my career. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I leave with deep appreciation for the team’s courage, compassion, and vision. While I hadn’t planned to leave so soon, recent external pressures required me to make a difficult decision. I am confident in the strength and integrity of this agency, and I will be working closely with our board and interim leadership to ensure a smooth transition.”
The Sonoma CAN Board of Directors has appointed longtime staff member Kathy Kane as Interim CEO. Kathy brings nearly 15 years of experience with the organization and is widely respected for her grounded, thoughtful leadership and deep knowledge of Sonoma CAN’s programs and community partnerships.
As Cynthia prepares for her new role at HSSC, that agency’s Board President Lisa Barnes shared her enthusiasm:
“Cynthia has been a pillar of the non-profit community in Sonoma County for more than a decade. Her compassionate leadership, strategic vision, and community-led solutions – combined with a lifelong passion for animals – make her the ideal choice to lead HSSC into the future. We are excited and proud to welcome Cynthia to our team, and to take our ability to support the animals and people of our community to new heights.”
Cynthia’s background includes over 20 years in public health, social work, and nonprofit leadership, including roles in disaster response, food access, financial stability, and community health. Her transition to HSSC reflects a continued commitment to equity, systems change, and improving the lives of underserved populations—human and animal alike.
Sonoma CAN remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen families, uplift early education, and build thriving communities in Sonoma County. The organization thanks Cynthia for her exceptional service and wishes her the very best in her next chapter.
SONOMA CAN’S MISSION:
Sonoma Community Action Network is a catalyst of equitable transformation, aligning partners and resources to implement values-based, data-driven, community-led solutions that help families reach their full potential.
SONOMA CAN’S VISION:
We see our Sonoma County transformed into an empowered community of thriving families where every child is raised with joy, justice, and connection.
COMMUNITY ACTION PROMISE:
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
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Contact
Genesis Vondergeest, Communications and Content Manager
Email: gvondergeest@sonomacan.org
