We'll Miss You, Cade!

Cade's speech at our fundraising event in February 2025 at Hidden Villa

CRC’s Senior Director of Programs and Communication, Cade Cannedy, is a critical thread in the interwoven network of environmental justice efforts in the Bay Area. Countless community-based organizations, community members, and governmental staff, just to name a few, are familiar with both his quick jokes and insightful perspectives. Within CRC, he inspires staff members through his leadership and serves as a mentor, advocate, and friend. In honor of his years of work with CRC and the admiration and appreciation he has earned, CRC staff share a few thoughts on what they appreciate and what they will miss most about Cade (responses are organized alphabetically).

What was your first impression of Cade? 

Derek Garcia, Americorps Neighbor to Neighbor Fellow: Cade was part of the team that interviewed me, so not gonna lie I was a bit intimidated at first because it was in such a professional setting, but later seeing him around the office making jokes and talking with everyone I got to see how friendly and warm of a person he is. 

Hope Saena, Communications Associate: To be honest, I don't remember because I was like 13 haha. But I remember my mum being very excited to hire her first full-time employee with Caroline. 

Ines Koch, Development Manager: Eloquent, passionate public speaker, and knowledgeable environmental justice advocate. I first saw Cade and heard him speak at the Hidden Villa Donor Appreciation Event in Feb 2025. 

Jackie Duprey, Leadership and Partnerships Program Manager: Super quiet because he was listening to me being interviewed by Kae, John, and Chase. 

Kae Jensen, Resilient Adaptation Program Manager: Quiet, thoughtful, and impossible to read.

Lesley Lopez, Outreach Coordinator: My first impression of Cade was that he is a very sweet person willing to help anyone! Just a person who you are willing to have a conversation with. 

Lina Karamali, Communications Manager: My first impression of Cade was that he was thoughtful and pensive, which over time also included a facet of humor and goofiness. 

Maya Paulo, Resilient Homes Program Manager: He's so put together and he's got a good head on his shoulders! 

Pierre Sherrill, Chief of Staff: I was thoroughly impressed by his depth of knowledge and keen sense of self-assurance. 

Theo Gress, Resilient Adaptation Associate: I knew from my first few interactions with Cade that he was a very quick thinker and confident. This personality I thought was an awesome encouragement to the whole team. 

Violet Saena, Founder and Executive Director: I talked with Cade a couple of times online before meeting him in person. He carried himself well, spoke with passion, and I immediately knew he would be a great fit for CRC.

When I met him in person for the first time, I was a little taken aback by how young he was. But that didn't matter at all. Cade has a remarkable ability to command a room, and when he speaks, you can feel the sincerity and heart behind his words.

From that moment on, I was in awe of him. His leadership, confidence, and genuine commitment to the work made a lasting impression on me. 

Cade tabling to encourage folks in coast-side communities to share their experiences in our San Mateo County Environmental Justice Element Survey

What do you see as some of Cade’s greatest contributions to CRC’s work?

Derek: Honestly, it's all the behind the scenes work that I am not privy to, so to say. All the work he does to help ensure things keep running the way they should. 

Hope: CRC is what it is today because of Cade. His work ethic, style of leadership, and presence, in my opinion, have been crucial to CRC's rapid growth. 

Ines: Cade has always been the guiding light for all decisions on what can and cannot be achieved with the staff time and resources at hand. 

Jackie: I think Cade's work in housing policy is an incredible model for how community-based organizations can scale their impacts to more broadly uplift communities. I also appreciate his awesome writing and speaking skills; his speeches often make me tear up. 

Kae: Cade, quietly, with a well-placed question, and a well-stated firm comment, always asked us to think strategically about what was right for us and what was right for the community. His legacy of informed decision-making; conscientious, human-focused leadership; and dedication to community impact has made CRC the thriving, vibrant place that it is. 

Kamille: Making sure CRC always gets paid for our time! Being a strong advocate in representing CRC's political stance on issues that impact our residents directly like housing policies, EJ Element development and adoption, and the process of addressing our contaminated sites. 

Lesley: Cade’s greatest contribution to CRC’s work is helping the community themselves be leaders, being able to guide folks on how to speak up for themselves, and actually being there throughout community lead projects. 

Lina: Anyone familiar with CRC's work can see how Cade's leadership has shaped what we do and how far our reach extends. His ability to captivate audiences and solidify partnerships is invaluable, and his guidance shaping CRC's programmatic vision is how CRC is where it is today, as a pillar within our communities and a trusted partner and collaborator with countless others. 

Maya: SO many things, but the community that Cade has established with the Belle Haven neighborhood and CCCT team is incredible. This community trust that Cade has built has been an integral part of some of the outreach work we do for the Minor Homes Repair Program. 

Pierre: I don't know anyone who knows all of the ins and outs of CRC quite like Cade. I see his sensibility in those he leads. Community members will never know the level of work Cade has invested to ensure each CRC project is funded and operationalized. 

Theo: Cade contributed to CRC through a lot of growth and change. I can see his adaptability and commitment to the work. I admire his ability to make an impact with a team of less than five, and his steady hand in managing a rapidly growing team. 

Violet: Cade was CRC’s first full-time hire. He joined the organization at a pivotal time when I was still building CRC, and he played an instrumental role in helping grow both our programs and our funding streams, particularly through government contracts.

Together, we built several Climate Change Community Teams, and Cade led the development of our Adaptation Program, which remains a cornerstone of our community-based work. In those early years, when all of us wore many hats, he stepped up wherever he was needed and provided support across countless aspects of the organization.

Cade also helped establish and shape CRC’s policy and advocacy work. Because of his leadership, CRC became more engaged in advancing policies that support and strengthen our communities.

I am deeply grateful for Cade’s dedication, leadership, and partnership. His contributions have left a lasting impact on CRC and the communities we serve. 

Cade speaking with a resident at an East Palo Alto Environmental Justice Draft Policy Workshop

What is your favorite thing about working with Cade?

Derek: One of my favorite things is that I know I can just sit and talk with him if I need to, whether it's a work-related thing or not. 

Hope: Although he's my mega boss, I'm glad Cade and I can still joke and laugh around. I appreciate the detailed comments on the newsletter and the ways he has helped me become better at what I do. 

Ines: Cade provides calm, clear, and structured responses in meetings, emails, and documents. He could have destroyed my writing, but he didn't. He edited it with kindness, and I appreciated his comments and review of any document. 

Jackie: He's got a fun sense of humor! He brings levity to our work. 

Kae: Cade was the first boss that always made sure I had the opportunity to voice what I needed, and ensured that was treated with consideration and respect. 

Kamille: I appreciate how Cade thinks so differently than me and offers a different perspective that helps me see and care about what I am looking at from a view I would never otherwise have access to without him sharing. He is direct, pensive, and passionate, and that helps me see things in a more critical perspective that enhances my view every time we get to connect and learn together about whatever comes our way in this work. 

Lesley: My favorite thing about Cade is he makes dad jokes that make me giggle. 

Lina: I really enjoy being able to chat about anything with Cade, from fitness races to reality TV to travel, but then to also dive deep into visioning and ideology for our programs and overarching aims. Bouncing writing and edits off each other is one of my favorite parts of this job, and I love working with someone who seems to love the process as much as I do. I also enjoy the humor and levity he brings to our spaces, regardless of how serious the literal and figurative climate of our work may be. 

Maya: Cade means business --- he will never shy away from pinging someone's boss or sending multiple follow-up emails. Now, I tend to work this way, too! He gives great feedback and manages in a way where you feel confident to excel and try new things, always knowing you're supported and can always ask questions. 

Pierre: I love Cade's JOY and sense of humor. It's love if it's a twinge sarcastic. 

Theo: Cade has offered me some wise advice that has improved my work tremendously. I will miss his keen eye for editing and admire his ability to approach the work with both confidence and humility. 

Violet: My favorite thing about working with Cade has been his honesty, integrity, and willingness to explore solutions, even when challenges seem complex. He approaches his work with authenticity and a genuine commitment to doing what is best.

Cade is also a joy to work with. He brings warmth, humor, and positivity to the workplace, making even the most difficult projects feel manageable. What stands out most is that he is grounded in love, care, and kindness.

Cade presenting at a BayCAN meeting

What will you miss most about Cade?

Derek: How he can always make any situation lighter and make funny jokes while still being professional. 

Hope: I've never told Cade this, but he is someone I deeply admire. Seeing the wonderful things he and my mum have built together has been incredibly inspiring to me. I'm grateful for everything he has done for CRC, but what means the most is the love, friendship, and support he has given my mum all these years. Knowing how much happiness he has brought into her life is something I will always cherish. For that, I will be forever grateful. 

Ines: Sentences like "this cannot be done at this moment," "work shall only be done if we are paid for it," and "work needs to fit in a 40h work week." These sentences from a Senior Director of Programs protect the workforce and speak for CRC's culture as a whole. I appreciate this a lot. But I will also miss his smile and dry humor, his knowledge, commitment to CRC, and his passion for environmental justice. 

Jackie: The grounded, wise strategy he brings to program-related challenges. We're losing a great leader. :( 

Kae: His grounding presence, his book recommendations and his humor (fingerguns!). 

Kamille: I will miss our brotherly banter! I love being silly and teasing each other about the nonsense that we get into because we know each other so well and can get on each other's nerves like siblings. It is super fun and super silly. I'll miss my buddy who teases me about my odd tendencies and my poor invoicing math and when I forgot to enter my time in Quickbooks. 

Lesley: What I will miss about Cade is his presence in the community and not having his support physically. 

Lina: I'll miss the warmth and connection Cade brings to every interaction, whether with other staff members or with our communities and partners. As a leader he also helps the team stay grounded and mission-driven, but keeps the passion and joy in our work visible and front-of-mind. 

Maya: I will miss Cade being my direct supervisor and having his support always with the Resilient Homes program. Cade gives great advice and I'll miss that! I'll also miss his humor.

Pierre: Our weekly check-in. Hearing what outdoor activity he did over the weekend. Monday afternoons won't be the same. 

Theo: I will miss the unique combination of Cade's seriousness and willingness to have fun. I will remember fondly Cade bringing a counter to a Giants game team outing and letting everyone play the game of guessing what he was counting. He counted the number of times he "had fun." 

Violet: His advice and presence. As an Executive Director, I am often faced with important decisions, and Cade has a way of making me feel confident and secure when navigating those moments. His thoughtful perspective, honesty, and steady leadership help bring clarity to complex situations. 

What would you like to tell Cade as he starts this new chapter? 

Derek: Good things come to an end so better things can come together! 

Hope: Having just wrapped up my chapter in the United Kingdom, I have a few parting words of wisdom: always order a cheeky pint of Tennant, opt for a Sainsbury's Meal Deal over Tesco's, and never leave Dishoom without rolling the dice (you might just get lucky). 

Ines: Mainly: It's not all white and black. And also: British black humor is real; go to the family pubs and enjoy a pint! Don't look back; jump forward! Enjoy student life! 

Jackie: We may not get to see you every day, but know that we will be thinking of you all the time! We are with you every step of the way. Please lean on people back home if you ever need extra support or encouragement. 

Kae: I have been so glad for your friendship and mentorship. I hope you find all the things you are hoping to learn in the UK and beyond -- and I hope you keep connected with us as friends and colleagues. I look forward to seeing the path your journey takes you, and all the fish you find and the books you read along the way. 

Kamille: I would like to tell Cade that I'm grateful that our paths intersected for the time in life that they did. I feel blessed to have been able to learn from him and grow up as a leader alongside him. I have learned how to be direct, to be tough, and to say what I think so much more from him, and I know I am a different person because of the three years we got to work together. I hope this new chapter brings him so much joy and curiosity and ignites passions that he hasn't been able to tap into yet. Cade makes everything he takes on an adventure and I cannot wait to tag along and observe the adventure he goes on next in the UK! 

Lesley: Cade, you will forever be a part of CRC. We support you in every decision you make (Cade always makes smart decisions). Be proud of the young leader you have become and CRC will always be behind you every step of the way . 

Lina: I'm so excited for you! Your CRC team will always be rooting for you, and I hope you take the opportunity to explore as many new places, experiences, foods, and friendships as possible. I hope this next chapter fuels your passions, enhances your worldview, and fills your capacity for exploration! 

Maya: I am happy for you and excited for your new chapter in London!!! Have so much fun!!! 

Pierre: May your investment in your future through education reap a return double to the investment you made to CRC! Because it is tremendous. 

Theo: I wish you many more opportunities for learning in your next chapter. And I hope you continue offering your insightful and thoughtful advice to everyone who will listen. 

Violet: Good luck and thank you for everything you have given to CRC and to me. I am forever grateful to you. Thank you for coming into my life and for willingly helping me build CRC.

I wish you all the best in this next chapter. I know you will continue to make a difference wherever you go, and I will be cheering you on every step of the way.