GARRETT DAVIDSON

GARRETT DAVIDSON has nine years of professional experience in financial services and consulting. He graduated from James Madison University with a B.S. in Kinesiology, focusing on Sport and Recreation Management. It is also where he founded the JMU Outdoor Adventure Club to help promote outdoor recreation and environmental conservation. He is passionate about sustainability and conservation and hopes to build a career that promotes those efforts. In his free time, Garrett enjoys hobbies such as fishing, hiking, camping, and photography.

ALEXANDER WALTERS

ALEXANDER WALTERS works in maintenance at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Before his tenure with the Park Service, Alexander served as a Water and Fuels Systems Maintenance Technician in the United States Air Force where he gained experience in environmental compliance and occupational safety. Shortly after his enlistment, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in environmental management along with two other associate degrees. Although environmental stewardship is incorporated into his position within the Park Service, Alex aspires to build on what he has already learned and experienced about sustainability issues our planet is facing by providing new insights and ideas to resolve or alleviate the issues at hand.

SONGYI (KAREN) ZHANG

KAREN ZHANG grew up in the southeastern Chinese city of Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton. Her essays and op-ed articles have appeared in various publications in China and the U.S., and she authored the memoir “Golden Orchid: The True Story of an Only Child in Contemporary China.” She received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Chatham University in Pittsburgh. Karen has worked for the Washington-based Radio Free Asia as an administrator, broadcaster, and translator. With deep passions for language and the environment, Karen plans to join global efforts to promote sustainable development with her newly acquired knowledge in the field.

MEGAN FINK MEGAN FINK graduated with a B.S. degree in Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech and began her career at the North Carolina Aquariums. In 2011, she was hired by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) to lead students, teachers, and school administrators on ecological, cultural, and historical investigations of the Bay and its communities. After four years of managing CBF’s multi-day Island Environmental Education Programs, Megan moved to CBF headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland. As the Maryland Student Leadership Program Manager, she works with dedicated high school students, advising and training them on how to become Bay leaders and advocates in their home communities.

DIANNE KIM DIANNE KIM is currently an adjunct instructor in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction and the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University. Prior to teaching, she dedicated 26 years to Turner Construction Company, leading teams in construction project management, continuous improvement, organizational change management, and global sourcing. Teaching Building Science and Sustainable Design and LEED Accreditation allows her to bring that experience to the classroom. Dianne holds B.S. degrees in Management and Economics from Judson College and Building Science from Auburn University. Recently LEED Green Associate accredited, she is eager to expand her view of sustainability, aspiring to contribute to the work of preserving and conserving our natural resources.

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Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR) — Class of 2020

ERIC TORRACA ERIC TORRACA is a Supervisory Immigration Officer with United States Citizenship & Immigration Services. As a twenty-year veteran in the immigration world he has worked firsthand with immigrants and visitors to the United States from nations around the world. Eric holds a B.A. from Houghton College in Spanish and International Studies. He loves being in wild places and exploring the world through his experiences in travel, photography, amateur astronomy, electronics, hiking, and camping. He hopes to gain the knowledge, credentials, and networks needed to preserve the places he loves so much for his children and future generations.

JOSH STANLEY JOSH STANLEY graduated from Radford University with a B.S. in Physics and a concentration in Earth and Space Science. A native of Roanoke, VA, Josh currently works as a lab technician at an orthodontic lab. However, he strives for a more meaningful career in a field that aligns with his values. Josh has a passion for global sustainability and renewable energy. He seeks to garner the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate a positive impact on the future of our planet. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, hiking, meditating and reading.

LEAH COOPER LEAH COOPER is the Sustainability Specialist for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Mills River, North Carolina, where she works on environmental initiatives aimed at building an enduring and resilient company. Leah manages greenhouse gas reduction projects on the plant level, including energy generation and efficiency, zero waste, water conservation, and alternative transportation. Along with continuous improvement projects, she is responsible for educating and engaging employees around environmental issues and for advocating for projects and groups in alignment with company values within the local, Western North Carolina community.

JANET TSAO JANET TSAO has served the U.S. Army for more than two decades as a commander, planner, and analyst. She works for the CA Department of Industrial Relations as a project manager and problem solver. Janet holds a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College. A conversation with her daughter spurred her life-long commitment to counter the effects of climate change. Her goal is to combine the knowledge and skills from an Executive Master of Natural Resources degree, along with her professional experiences, to drive sustainability policies and innovations to reduce the global carbon footprint.

JODI GREENLEE JODI GREENLEE is a science teacher, currently teaching physical science for 6th-8th grades and environmental science for 9th grade. She is passionate about the environment and the natural lessons found there. She has been to 16 different countries for teaching and ministry, which has only fueled her love for diversity in nature and culture. Jodi holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of North Georgia.

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Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR) — Class of 2020

MATTHEW (MATT ) SMITH

MATTHEW SMITH is an Executive Digital Transformation consultant. He has held leadership positions with Fortune 25 global companies as well as been a co-operator of a small family-owned log home construction business. Matt comes with a grassroots upbringing tied to his Alaskan heritage, where he has had the privilege of proximity to some of the world’s best natural resources. His formative years relied heavily upon natural resource conservation and proper wildlife management. After completing the XMNR program, Matt will transition his career path by blending leadership experience with targeting sustainability challenges and solutions. He holds an Executive M.S. in Technology Management from Columbia University.

JOEL OSBORNE JOEL OSBORNE is a recent graduate from Virginia Tech with a degree in Natural Resource Conservation and Recreation Management. For the past five summers, he has worked as a Trails Maintenance crew leader at the Shenandoah National Park. Experiences there are what has driven his passion for the outdoors, the environment on a larger scale, and society’s role within it. As a member of a trail crew, he spent extensive time in nature care-taking for the Park’s valuable wilderness resources, creating a safe and pleasant experience for visitors from all walks of life.

SARAH STEELY SARAH STEELY is the Senior Program Manager for No Kid Hungry Virginia, a non-profit campaign to reduce childhood food insecurity in the Commonwealth. In this role, Sarah develops and executes partner-centric, data-informed engagement strategies to increase participation in USDA school nutrition programs. Sarah previously worked as an analyst for an environmental consulting firm, where she provided land use planning, stakeholder coordination, and environmental compliance services to military clients across the county. A Pennsylvania native, Sarah graduated from the University of Virginia (wahoowa!) with an interdisciplinary environmental degree. She aims to deepen her fluency at the intersection of food security and natural resource management.

ALYSON LEE ALYSON LEE is a Field Manager for the Advocacy and Strategic Alliances team at PhRMA, located in Washington, DC. As such, she educates the public and members of Congress on healthcare legislation, manages the STEM grants program, and researches how field programs can be more sustainable. Prior to joining PhRMA, Alyson was a Legislative Analyst for the Environmental Defense Fund. Alyson received her B.S. in Environmental Science from North Carolina State University, with a focus in Political Science and Communication. After completing the XMNR program, she hopes to utilize her knowledge to increase sustainability practices in the healthcare, environmental, or commercial sectors.

AMY ECKBERG AMY ECKBERG is a Natural Resources and Parks Superintendent with the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. She leads natural resource management initiatives and environmental education programming at two City of Raleigh nature preserves; one earned certification and a two-star rating from the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) in a program testing the nation’s first rating system for green landscape design, construction, and maintenance. Amy received her B. A. in History from California State University, Long Beach. A North Carolina Certified Environmental Educator, she has over 15 years of experience in nature programming and park management.

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Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR) — Class of 2020

ALEC MUTHIG ALEC MUTHIG is an award-winning leader, technologist, and educator, working to solve critical problems through innovation, systems thinking, and building transdisciplinary partnerships and teams. Currently, he is the manager of the University of Wyoming’s information technology training program, which provides technical guidance to the university community. He is a founding coordinator of Wyoming Pathways from Prison, and is an active member of multiple boards and committees. He received his M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Wyoming with an interest in environmental ethics and social justice, and has shifted his focus onto issues of climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

DARIEN HOLMAN DARIEN HOLMAN is a chemical analyst with Corbion, a sustainable ingredient solutions company in food and biochemicals. As a part of Corbion, Darien helps maintain quality standards for food additives and solutions that directly relate to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger and responsible consumption and production. Darien graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a B.S. in Chemistry with research in inorganic chemistry.

ELISE TRELEGAN ELISE TRELEGAN is the Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Program Coordinator for NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office. In addition to managing the $2.7M grant program, she designs professional learning opportunities for teachers and non-formal educators around the latest science topics and pedagogy. She supports young people in taking action on local environmental issues through the Youth Environmental Action Summit, which she co-founded in 2018. An interdisciplinary learner at heart, Elise earned her B.A. from Hampshire College with a self-built concentration in science communication, photography, and education. She has been recognized as one of NAAEE’s “30 Under 30.”

SARA PAYNE SARA PAYNE graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. with degrees in global cultural studies and journalism. She currently lives in Fort Myers, Florida, and works for Lee Health, the area’s largest healthcare system. For the past four years, she has worked in administrative roles for several organizations and is looking to transition to a role focused on sustainability. Her first experience with sustainability was working as a project assistant for the Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority, which owns and operates the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, a LEED Platinum Certified building, among other sustainable projects.

LUZBELLY (LUZ) DRADA

LUZ DRADA is a native of Colombia (South America) where she graduated from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She has held various positions in the financial sector and is a Certified Public Accountant. Throughout her career she has been interested in sustainability and the common good and has held leadership positions in philanthropic and animal rescue groups. Luz is a dedicated mother and wife and is in the middle of a career transition focusing on the conservation of wildlife and natural resources. After finishing the XMNR she hopes to put her knowledge and experience to spread awareness about the critical environmental issues facing her homeland. In her leisure time Luz enjoys nature and outdoor activities, like walks, scuba diving, photography, traveling and teaching her son respect for living beings and nature.

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Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR) — Class of 2020

ZIGMUND (ZIGGY ) KARPA

ZIGMUND KARPA is the Director of Environmental Programs and Regulatory Affairs for Exelon Nuclear, the largest nuclear power generating company in the United States. He is responsible for the stewardship, biodiversity and environmental management system programs for a fleet of 12 operating nuclear generating stations. Prior to joining Exelon, Ziggy held leadership roles in two international environmental engineering firms and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Resource Enforcement Program. Ziggy holds a Master of Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School and an M.B.A. from Maryville University.

JONATHAN FERNANDEZ

JONATHAN FERNANDEZ is an Environmental Specialist at FEMA with the Environmental and Historic Preservation cadre. Jonathan joined FEMA in 2018 working as a reservist, getting deployed across the country to natural disasters. He assisted with FEMA with Hurricanes Maria and Irma in Puerto Rico. At FEMA, Jonathan works on environmental compliance projects to make sure projects that will receive federal assistance are following environmental and historic preservation laws. Jonathan graduated in 2016 with a B.A. in History and joined Americorps NCCC the following year. He is looking forward to learning more about environmental sustainability and pursuing a career in it.

E. FRENCH PRICE FRENCH PRICE is a Value Chain Coordinator with Virginia Cooperative Extension working to enhance farm-to-market connections across the Commonwealth. French’s main responsibilities include networking and building relationships with colleagues, businesses, and community partners to create a more sustainable, regional food system. French is equipped with a B.S. in Applied Economics from Virginia Tech. She is a Shenandoah Valley native blessed by a large family with agricultural roots. While agriculture has taught French that there is always work to be done, her family reminds her about the importance of taking the time to appreciate the land, our food, and each other.

VICTORIA (TORI) YAUCH

VICTORIA YAUCH is a motivated professional who has taken on diverse responsibilities in her career, ranging from parks and recreation to law enforcement and, presently, data analysis. She is a rigorous problem solver who thrives where hard work and positive impact intersect. Her desire to pursue this program was inspired by her summers spent in Costa Rica, working alongside educators to facilitate students conducting valuable wildlife research and to embolden them with a broadened perspective on our global ecosystem. She would like to leverage this program to work in a managerial or analytical capacity in the sustainability sector.

TRISHA (TRISH) PORTER

TRISH PORTER runs Wander Seek Explore, providing consciously-selected educational materials to encourage hands-on exploration of nature. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in 1997 and worked for many years as a systems analyst at T-Mobile in Atlanta, GA. After moving back to the mountains of Virginia, her passion for the outdoors led her to complete the Virginia Master Naturalist program, graduating in 2017. As a mom of three, Trish has a strong desire to leave the world a better place for generations to come. She spends her free time hiking and camping with her family.

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Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR) — Class of 2020

JEREMIAH DUPIN JEREMIAH DUPIN has earned a reputation as a capable business/brand leader and coach with expertise in driving new revenue and fostering stellar team performance. A proud USMC Veteran, his progressive experience has led to the expansion of organizations globally, demonstrating his understanding of market planning and staff development. In 2016, he dedicated his life to personal transformation. Since then, he’s participated in courses and retreats, while receiving coaching and mentorship across the globe. He’s lived and traveled across 63 countries. In his free time, he enjoys meditation, transformational breath-work, piano, cold-water immersion, and helping others see new possibilities for their lives.

JOHN PAUL (JP) MCDONNELL

JOHN PAUL (JP) MCDONNELL is currently a Forester working for the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. His main duties include managing contracts, enforcing Parks and ISA tree work standards, and performing tree risk assessments. As an ISA Certified Arborist that also holds a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification through the International Society of Arboriculture, JP is passionate about promoting the benefits of healthy urban forests. JP received his B.S. from Sewanee: The University of the South, where he majored in Natural Resources with a focus in Forestry and minored in History.

NICOLE TROY NICOLE TROY graduated from Arcadia University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Montclair State University with a master’s degree focused on Social Psychology. She has spent the past few years in a variety of research positions, including work at the University of Pennsylvania. She currently works as an Administrator for a Biological Servicing Company working directly with a variety of clients in the biopharmaceutical and academic industries. Nicole hopes to combine her knowledge and skills in both social psychology and conservation initiatives, along with her passion for conservation, to attain a future position as a sustainability professional.

PATTY FISHER PATTY FISHER is a mom, successful professional, and global citizen. She considers herself to be a life-long learner and welcoming of new experiences. For the last 20+ years Patty has been a marketing executive in the technology and media industries. She currently works as the SVP, Global Marketing for OVHcloud. Being in the data center business has given her on-the-ground experience in the challenges companies face in managing natural resources (land, water, power) and their corporate responsibilities. She is pursuing her XMNR degree to apply learning to her current role and to fulfill a longer term personal interest for the outdoors, science, and nature. Over the years, she has volunteered for local environmental and STEM organizations.

ELIZABETH (BETH) DENOIA-FELICIANO

BETH FELICIANO is the Director of Global Events for the United Nations Foundation, overseeing the production and execution of all pan-foundation marquee and top priorities moments. She also leads the U.N. Foundation’s Green Team which spearheads the effort to implement a sustainable core strategy for internal and external facing events and business practices. She brings 12 years of experience in the events/hospitality industry with a strong focus on negotiations, project management, and client relations. A true Jersey Girl, she holds a B.A. in Political Science from Monmouth University. While she misses real slices of pizza and pork roll, she’s come to know and love Arlington, VA as home with her husband and daughter.

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Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR) — Class of 2020

MATTHEW (MATT ) MCCORKINDALE

MATTHEW MCCORKINDALE is a US Navy veteran, who cut his teeth early in leadership and management during six years of service, including two deployments. He has a B.A. in American History from Tulane University. His maritime background as an operations leader in the Navy, federal government, and port management, includes strategic communication, partnership-building, and collaborating with federal agency representatives and international partners. During eight years of joint interagency experience, he developed proficiency in facilitating cooperation across competing interests to build consensus and advance integrated strategies for collective solutions.

MALCOLM (MACK ) DES CHAMPS

MACK DES CHAMPS is an Environmental Scientist at an environmental engineering and consulting firm located in Raleigh, North Carolina. His primary responsibilities include stream and wetland delineation and restoration, threatened and endangered species surveys, permitting, and report writing. Mack received his B.S. in Zoology from North Carolina State University and has spent time as an environmental consultant on both the East and West coasts. Mack looks forward to using this opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to evolve his career in the global sustainability field.

HEATHER PFAHL HEATHER PFAHL has extensive experience in leading teams that drive results at the intersection of business and society. During her time at Mars, Incorporated, Heather advised global procurement teams on the design and deployment of their sustainable sourcing strategies. Heather also leads the Farmer Income Lab—a multi-stakeholder platform committed to transforming global supply chains. Prior to joining Mars, Heather held senior management positions for international development organizations. During her 10+ years living and working overseas, she successfully engaged with external stakeholders and partners to deploy multi-million dollar integrated programs, which increased the socio-economic wellbeing of communities, with a focus on women and children.

ALEXANDRA SINNER

ALEXANDRA SINNER earned her B.S. in Psychological and Brain Sciences and a certificate in Spanish for Healthcare from The Catholic University of America. Since graduating last year, she has been an Event Booking Assistant at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), as well as a Registered Behavior Technician providing behavior therapy services at KORA Analysis, LLC. After earning her degree, Alexandra completed a quarter AmeriCorps service term through Bethlehem Farm, focusing on sustainability, organic farming, and low-income home repair in Alderson, West Virginia. She is passionate about nature, wildlife, conservation, and sustainability.

SYDNIE HETZEL SYDNIE HETZEL earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she focused on marine wildlife conservation and scientific diving. Throughout her career, she has contributed to various environmental causes and wildlife conservation, and participated in habitat restoration in Honolulu, Hawaii and Deerfield Beach, Florida. She also served as an Environmental Education Volunteer in Fulgencio Yegros, Paraguay in the U.S. Peace Corps. Her main efforts were promoting wildlife conservation, tree-plantings, and waste management in elementary and high schools. Sydnie currently works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Fort Belvoir as a Graduate Assistant.

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