Essert to step down from Sonoma’s Vintage House

Vintage House Executive Director Priscilla Call Essert announced Monday that she will step down this summer.

In the announcement, Essert said that she and her husband, Bill, will be moving to Angels Camp, California to be closer to children and grandchildren.

“This is a time in my life to listen to my heart and move into a new, exciting chapter for all of my family,” she said in the announcement.

Essert joined Vintage House in November 2017. Of her accomplishments during her tenure, Essert noted with pride the broadening of programming at the organization, new collaborative efforts, music series, food programs and productive relationships with donors and philanthropists.

“Priscilla has built on a solid foundation that was created over more than 40 years and has taken Vintage House to the next level,” said Paul Chakmak, board chair and president of Vintage House, in the announcement. “We thank her for all that she has done to enrich the lives of the people her work has touched.”

Essert noted that her primary goal was to change the conversation around aging.

“My time here has changed my life for the better as I hope the Vintage House has done for the Sonoma community during my work here,” she stated.

Essert stressed that she will work closely with board and staff to assure a smooth transition and that she expects to continue her involvement with the nonprofit as a volunteer.

A new executive director is expected to be named by the end summer 2021.