Tracie Mattivi Thomas
Chief Operating Officer
Tracie Mattivi Thomas hails from Prairie Village, Kansas, but her friends say that she’s a displaced southerner since the beaches and Lowcountry of Charleston, South Carolina, are her favorite places in the world. She grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, and has a Bachelor of General Science in Political Science and Business from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, and a Master of Business Administration from the Bloch School of Management at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Tracie’s 30-year career working in public, private, and nonprofit organizations has taken her across the country to Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Ohio, and Madison, Wisconsin. A mentor described Tracie’s career path as a treasure hunt marked by startup initiatives, organizations where she could make a difference, and environments where there is no road map.
Q&A
What’s most inspiring about your specific position at TLI?
I am so excited to be a part of the Land Institute and work with a brilliant, dedicated group of professionals working to build a global movement for perennial agriculture.
What drew you to work at TLI?
Climate change and the prospect of changing the agriculture paradigm drew me to the work of The Land Institute.
What’s one aspect of your life history that most people don’t know or wouldn’t expect?
I backpacked through Europe for three months by myself. I learned so many things on that adventure, but the most important was how to be alone. Traveling alone allows you to really be present and experience the world with your own thoughts and feelings.
What else are you passionate about (outside of work)?
Family, dogs, cooking, and reading.
What’s your motto / favorite quote?
“Attract what you expect, reflect what you desire, become what you respect, mirror what you admire.”
What were you like at age 10?
Sassy, bossy, talkative, and full of laughter – pretty much the same as I am today. 😊
Support the work of Tracie and others at The Land Institute with a donation.