PUC Vice President for Alumni and Advancement Kellie Lind to Depart for Private Business Opportunity

Pacific Union College President Ralph Trecartin announced this week that after nearly 25 years of service, Vice President for Alumni and Advancement Kellie Lind will transition to a new business opportunity in the Napa Valley. 

Trecartin told PUC staff that Lind’s departure at the end of the month came with “mixed emotions.”

“Kellie possesses an exceptional ability to connect with everyone, making each person feel special and important,” Trecartin told the PUC faculty and staff in an email announcement. “Her vibrant personality and warmth exemplify the kinds of friendships and connections that PUC is famous for. While we celebrate Kellie’s exciting new business opportunity, her regular presence on campus will be deeply missed. Going forward, I will continue to welcome her advice and guidance.”

Lind’s distinguished career at PUC began in 1991 when she joined the college as the public relations director. Within just two years, then-President Malcolm Maxwell, recognizing her exceptional talent, appointed her as the director of alumni and development. 

“I owe Malcolm Maxwell a huge debt of gratitude,” said Lind, who, in her time at PUC, also served as the associate director of student enrollment. “Without him, I would not have embarked on a wonderful career helping serve our amazing PUC alumni and friends.”

Lind briefly stepped away from PUC in 2008 to open and manage La Boheme, an antique resale boutique in St. Helena dedicated to benefiting Collabria Hospice California. She also successfully managed an antique shop called Maxine’s in downtown Calistoga. Kellie also loved managing The Acorn Gift Shop at what is now Adventist Health St. Helena.

But when then-President Eric Anderson came to PUC, he approached Lind about returning and, in 2017, appointed her as vice president for alumni and advancement. She quickly worked to bolster the college’s connections with the community and alumni, setting a new high standard for how PUC worked with donors. 

“Throughout her time at PUC, Kellie has been an invaluable member of our leadership team, contributing immensely to the growth and success of our college,” Trecartin said. “Her steadfast dedication to cultivating meaningful connections with our alumni and furthering PUC’s mission has left a memorable legacy.”

“In our administrative meetings, we’ve shared many laughs that started with Kellie saying, ‘That reminds me of the time,’” Trecartin told the PUC faculty and staff. “You can hardly be in a meeting discussing boring topics without her bringing in some hilarity or joy.”

Originally from Lodi, California, Lind graduated from Lodi Academy before earning public relations and journalism degrees from PUC in 1982. She raised her two sons, Christian and Carignane, here, and both attended PUC Elementary and PUC Preparatory schools before graduating from PUC. 

Lind has been an active member of the Angwin and Napa Valley communities, serving as a board member at both PUC Elementary and PUC Prep, and serving as president of the Angwin Community Council. She is a member of the St. Helena Rotary and has enjoyed speaking at many Napa Valley area service clubs.

“I will continue to love and support PUC, and I encourage everyone to do the same,” Lind said.

Lind plans to stay close to PUC and the surrounding community, continuing to live in the beautiful historic home she’s called hers for the last three decades. Family will also remain a priority for her, as she enjoys being a grandmother to Eleanor and Bennett. 

Trecartin said PUC has benefited immensely from Lind’s leadership, outreach, and service.

On behalf of the entire PUC community, Trecartin wished Lind “happiness and blessings as she pursues new pathways beyond PUC while remaining a treasured member of our community.”