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Oregon Tilth Welcomes LaNeé Kittrell as Chief People and Culture Officer
Appointment reinforces the organization’s commitment to its people, mission-driven leadership, and long-term organizational strength.
CORVALLIS, Ore. (November 9, 2026) — Oregon Tilth, a trusted leading nonprofit organic certifier, educator, and advocate, today announced the appointment of LaNeé Kittrell as Chief People and Culture Officer. Kittrell joins the organization’s executive leadership team with more than two decades of experience advancing people strategies, organizational transformation, and workplace cultures across the nonprofit sector.
Kittrell’s appointment reflects Oregon Tilth’s continued investment in its people and the organizational infrastructure needed to advance its mission. Building on more than 50 years of service to the organic community, her leadership will help strengthen employee engagement, talent development, organizational resilience, and the connection between workplace culture and mission-driven impact.
Investing in Our People and Culture
Through her previous partnership with Oregon Tilth, Kittrell brings firsthand knowledge of the organization, its people, and its evolving needs. She will build on these established relationships while advancing a more integrated, values-aligned approach to People and Culture.
“Great organizations thrive when they invest in talented people, creating an environment where they feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work,” said Kellee James, Chief Executive Officer of Oregon Tilth.
“The trust we’ve built and the mission we steward are made possible by the dedication of our team. Welcoming LaNeé reflects our continued commitment to investing in our people, strengthening our culture, and building a resilient organization for the future. She brings the vision, thoughtfulness, and values-driven leadership to help us foster meaningful collaboration, support our staff, and ensure our organizational values are reflected in how we work and serve the organic community. I’m excited about what we’ll accomplish together.”
LaNeé Kittrell: Leadership and Experience
Throughout her career, LaNeé Kittrell has held senior in-house HR leadership positions and served mission-driven organizations nationally as a fractional Chief Human Resources Officer. Her expertise spans culture transformation, employee and labor relations, workplace equity, strategic talent management, and organizational change. She has also partnered with nonprofit boards and executive teams to strengthen governance, leadership accountability, and strategic planning.
Kittrell believes organizational values must guide everyday employee experiences, leadership decisions, and workplace practices. Her approach emphasizes building human-centered workplaces grounded in equity, trust, accountability, and belonging.
“What excites me most about joining Oregon Tilth is the opportunity to build on 50 years of meaningful legacy and the people who bring it to life every day,” said Kittrell. “I believe meaningful people strategies begin with understanding who we are, what we value, and where we want to go together. Those values should be evident in everyday employee experiences and leadership decisions. My focus will be on strengthening the systems, relationships, and opportunities that foster a culture of intentionality, accountability, and collaboration, while helping our teams grow and contribute their best work.”
Strengthening Oregon Tilth for the Future
Kittrell’s professional experience also includes nonprofit board service with Stepped Care Solutions and Bright Beginnings, along with speaking engagements at national and regional Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conferences. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional credential.
As Chief People and Culture Officer, LaNeé Kittrell will lead and advance a people-centered strategy focused on strengthening organizational capacity, fostering collaboration, supporting professional growth, and developing the workforce needed to serve an evolving organic sector.
Her appointment reinforces Oregon Tilth’s commitment to thoughtful leadership, organizational stability, and a workplace culture that supports its people and the mission they advance together.
About Oregon Tilth
Oregon Tilth is a trusted leading nonprofit organic certifier, educator, and advocate working to support and promote biologically sound and socially equitable agriculture. Founded in 1974, Oregon Tilth supports farmers, ranchers, processors, handlers, and businesses through trusted organic certification services, education, advocacy, and partnerships that strengthen organic integrity and advance a more sustainable food and agriculture system.
For more information, visit tilth.org and follow Oregon Tilth on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn at @OrganicTilth.