POST Appoints Erin McDermit as Chief People Officer & Chief Legal Officer

Peninsula Open Space Trust Appoints Erin McDermit as Chief People Officer & Chief Legal Officer

PALO ALTO, Calif. (September 4, 2025) — Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) today announced the appointment of Silicon Valley attorney Erin McDermit as Chief People Officer & Chief Legal Officer. In this dual leadership role, McDermit will oversee POST’s human resources and legal functions across the organization in support of POST’s mission, vision and strategic direction. 

McDermit is an accomplished attorney with more than 20 years of experience advising organizations, executives, business owners and board members on employment, litigation and compliance matters. She has held leadership roles at law firms, including M&H LLP and Shuman Snyder LLP. Erin has managed complex workplace legal matters and provided strategic counsel on employment issues in mergers and acquisitions. Her expertise includes serving as a trusted advisor to public and private companies, non-profits and individuals. She also has extensive experience in training, public speaking and policy development.  

“Erin has a rare combination of deep legal knowledge, people leadership experience and a personal commitment to our mission,” said Gordon Clark, President of POST. “She has supported POST for many years as external counsel, and her strengths in employment law and people management will be invaluable as we continue to grow and cultivate an inclusive, high-performing workplace that advances our conservation mission.”

Raised in Palo Alto and Menlo Park, McDermit has lived in several Bay Area cities and spent much of her life exploring the local natural landscapes, fostering a deep appreciation for the lands POST protects. 

“I am honored and excited to join POST in this new capacity,” said McDermit. “I’ve had the privilege of working with POST in an external role for years, and it is an area of my work that I am tremendously proud of. It’s thrilling to be part of the POST staff now, and I look forward to contributing directly to POST’s people, mission and future in a meaningful way.” 

McDermit earned her J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law and her B.A. in communications and journalism from Mills College. She has held volunteer roles in community organizations, including on the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce board.

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ABOUT THE PENINSULA OPEN SPACE TRUST

POST protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. As a private nonprofit land trust, POST has been responsible for saving more than 93,000 acres since its founding in 1977. POST works with private landowners and public agencies to create a network of protected lands so that present and future generations may benefit from the careful balance of rural and urban landscapes that makes our region extraordinary. Visit openspacetrust.org for more information.