While compiling our historical list of board members, we discovered that some records may have been lost or misplaced during periods of organizational transition. If you notice that someone is missing or any information is incorrect, we would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Your help in ensuring our records accurately reflect the individuals who have served our organization is sincerely appreciated. 

Aaron James Tuley, AICP, is Managing Partner of Meta-Pattern, LLC: Planning for Sustainability, an environmental planning consultancy with offices in Houston. He has 20 years experience in landscape architecture, urban and regional design and planning, specializing in sustainable development, natural, cultural and scenic resource management. He is routinely involved in all phases of conservation and development design and planning, from project inception, site selection and planning, through contract negotiation, administration, and management of construction operations. Tuley is an advocate and practitioner of sustainability and is routinely engaged to review and evaluate how projects have embraced sustainable development principles and best practices. Aaron Tuley serves as District Manager for The Climate Project / Alliance for Climate Protection and administers the work of approximately 90 TCP presenters in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona. Tuley is routinely invited to make presentations on climate change, sustainability / sustainable development, green building and cultural landscape interpretation. Served as vice president in 2012.

Alex Chua works at Ecolab Inc. as a Manager in Finance Planning and Analysis. Previously, he worked at Anadarko Petroleum Corporation in a variety of accounting roles. Alex began his nonprofit experience at various organizations, including College Houses in Austin, Junior Achievement, The Woodlands Marathon, The Houston Rodeo, and the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston as a part of his MBA. As a kid, Alex developed a love of chess and became a chess master. He enjoys guitar, travel, and healthy eating. He earned his Masters in Business Administration from Rice University. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters in Professional Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin. Alex is a certified public accountant in the state of Texas. His current interests include issues related to civil rights, independent journalism, and government oversight. Joined November 2016.

Alex Drummond is excited to have finally returned to his native Houston. Since arriving, he has worked passionately to cultivate a culture of outdoorsmanship and an appreciation of Nature’s fragile bounties–especially efforts to educate our youth and community newcomers. He brings a mixed skillset of graphic design, community outreach and policy analysis to bear on the issues of the day: including a primer on environmental economics with Houston Wilderness. He is always ready to geek-out over discussions of hyper-local food chains, sustainable landscaping practices and multi-modal transit. Alex recently completed his bachelor’s in Community, Urban and Regional Planning at Harvard University. Joined November 2016

Asha John, CSR-P, is a global business woman who specializes in sustainability and accounting business solutions. She has worked with multi-national companies and nonprofit organizations. Her skills range from creating sustainable business strategies to supply chain analysis to preparing financial statements and schedules to monitoring budgets and forecasts. Areas of interest include the Triple Bottom Line, child poverty and waste management. Hobbies include travel, music, art/design and yoga. Joined May 2016.

Brenda Willson moved to Houston in 1972 from Puerto Rico and has seen the city expand into the fields where horseback riding and blackberry picking were favorite activities. She is a Residential Broker with Greenwood King Properties and has worked in nonprofit development. She is an active volunteer with MFAH, Bayou Bend, The River, Nehemiah Center, Memorial Park Conservancy and Amazing Place. Interests include anything related to the ocean, gardening, kayaking, reading and the arts. Brenda is married and has 3 children.

Brock Nedland holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Humboldt State University and a Master of Science in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources from Colorado State University. He has worked for organizations such as Walking Mountains Science Center, Whiskeytown Environmental School, The Watershed Stewards Project, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mattole Salmon Group, US Fish and Wildlife and is currently working as a Naturalist for the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department.

Bruce Bodson is an attorney in private environmental practice. He has nearly 40 years of environmental experience as a scientist, consultant, attorney and academic. He has been involved in the protection of Houston area waters and riparian areas for over 20 years. Bruce has served on the boards of Bayou Land Conservancy, the Christmas Bay Foundation, the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, and the Bayou Preservation Association. He founded and directs Lower Brazos Riverwatch and the associated Columbia Bottomlands Conservancy, promoting clean water, riparian habitat protection, and recreational access to the Brazos River and tributaries. He is also adjunct faculty for Texas A&M University at Galveston, where he teaches Environmental Policy, and Environmental Impact Analysis for the Masters Program in Marine Resource Management. His bachelor’s degree is from the University of Arizona at Tucson, in Fisheries Biology, his Masters is from the University of Texas at Dallas in Environmental Science, and his JD is from South Texas College of Law. He has also done post doc studies in environmental and energy law at University of Houston Law Center. Bruce usually spends any spare time on area waters, kayaking, kayak racing, birding and helping other people get out and gain an appreciation of this amazing resource.

Bud Karachiwala, Environmental and public health professional

Carole Kernohan is an independent consultant, offering business development, sales, and marketing services to the private sector. Her focus throughout her career has been on applying software and technology to solve business problems and promote a more sustainable environment. She has extensive international work experience with large multi-nationals including Oracle, JD Edwards, and Siebel Systems, as well as smaller technology companies focusing on creating and designing resource-efficient, low carbon, sustainable buildings and communities. Her nonprofit experience has included Board membership with Texchange Houston and service as a Business Advisor to the Houston Technology Center (now Houston Exponential). Her B.A. degree is in French and Russian Studies, and she is passionate about the environment, travel, languages, tennis and sailing.

Chrystal Beasley is an environmental engineer who operates BeAspire Enviro Consulting, LLC in Houston, Texas. She has worked within environmental compliance and sustainability for over 13 years within oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, government, and agriculture. She holds a BS in environmental engineering from Louisiana State University and a MS in Engineering Management from University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Her current outreach includes educating citizens to modify their behaviors to include environmental stewardship through social media (@beastheenvironmentalist), and assisting underserved farmers to align with agricultural resource planning.

Colley Hodges is an architect, LEED AP, and one of the first in the country to earn the WELL Accredited Professional designation from the Green Business Certification, Inc., a credential that demonstrates extensive knowledge of factors that impact health and wellness in the built environment. As a sustainability consultant at Kirksey Architecture, Colley has been responsible for the certification of millions of square feet under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. He is co-facilitator of Kirksey’s post-occupancy evaluations, specializing in metrics related to air quality and the presence of toxicants in the built environment. Colley is a regular contributor to local design publications and has spoken before both professional and academic audiences on topics such as climate-responsive design, ecological restoration, and material health. Colley is an organizer of the annual AIA Houston Gulf Coast Green conference, serving as chair in 2017. He is also a member of the User Advisory Panel of the Health Product Declaration Collaborative and serves on the 2017 Materials and Resources Technical Advisory Group of the US Green Building Council. Joined November 2016.

Della Barbato has served on the board of the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition since 2013. She has been a Master Naturalist and informal environmental educator since 2007. She has served as Education Director for the Galveston Bay Foundation, GreenSchools, and Federal International Recycling. Della was employed as a Montessori middle school science teacher for 5 years prior, creating her curriculum. Strengthening the awareness of our environment and preservation of natural resources by facilitating Earth Programs is her passion. In 2011 she started her own business called Earth Voice which delivers tailored, unique, interactive Earth programs to youth and adult audiences. In 2014, Della was awarded a travel grant to Cambodia where she co-facilitated several zero waste and recycling workshops to youth and adults in a community based ecotourism village called Chi Phat. She returned to Chi Phat in 2015, and was asked to speak at an event by the Cambodia Environmental Department. She is currently authoring a book targeting millennials focusing on self love, planet stewardship and global citizenship. She worked in seed research, seed enhancement and quality control in various seed labs in California for six years in the late 1990s. She has a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Horticulture from Texas A&M University. Served from April 2013 to December 2016.

Eden Taylor is a marketing and communications professional. Served 2024-2026.

Emily Merrell joined the board in 2010 and is in her second term as board secretary. A native Houstonian, Emily comes from a background in environmental advocacy, policy and education. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Environmental Conservation Education from New York University and Bachelors degrees in Environmental Science and Political Science from the University of St. Thomas. Currently Emily is an administrator at the Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling at the University of Houston. Served as secretary from 2012-2013.

Geri J. Wells  Served from 2010-2012

Hayley Pallister is a native of southeast England. She immigrated to Houston in 1994 and soon developed an administrative position for a local landscape architecture firm into a passionate career marketing within the building industry. Hayley joined Asakura Robinson Company in 2005 after previously working with Keiji Asakura at SLA Studio Land. Her time is divided between office management, in-house marketing and business development. She works closely with Principals, Keiji Asakura and Margaret Robinson, to develop and nurture business relationships within the industry, pursue project opportunities for the firm, identify educational and professional development opportunities for staff and coordinate community-based volunteer projects. In 2007 Hayley became involved with the AIA COTE Gulf Coast Green Symposium, her volunteer position graduated from conference volunteer to Publicity Co-Chair in 2008, and to Speaker Chair from 2009 to 2011. A previous industry-related board position includes two years as Treasurer for the Society of Marketing Professional Services, Houston Chapter. Her involvement in coordinating the much publicized 611 Walker Container Garden project contributed to her receipt of an Honorable Mention, Mayor’s Proud Partner Award in 2010. A personal interest in organic gardening and urban agriculture led Hayley to receive her Permaculture Design Certificate in 2008 and she is an active participant of several annual volunteer events including Trash Bash and Marsh Madness. Served from 2010-2013.

Helen O’Connor has a broad-based background in International Oil and Gas technology and services. Among the diversity of positions she has held, she served as Director, Sustainability and Health, Safety and Environment with a large multi-national organization, giving her an opportunity to positively influence corporate culture by strengthening its commitment to long-term environmental and social responsibility, aligned with overall business goals. This opened opportunities to work closely with educational institutions and nonprofit organizations on specific projects. As a mother of two small children she feels a strong sense of urgency around the need for global environmental stewardship, and her involvement with the CEC has given Helen an opportunity to give back to her community in a meaningful way. Served as board president in 2012.

Hilary Toma is the Director of Administration and University Partnerships at Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research. In this role, Hilary oversees all internal operations and manages cross-campus communications and partnerships. She previously worked for The Nature Conservancy in Arlington, Virginia, where she held multiple roles. Highlights include managing the organization’s government funding, including the Grants Service Network and all associated training, and serving as the Chief of Staff for the Chief Conservation Officer. Hilary has a Master of Public Affairs from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

Jaime Gonzalez, Community Education Director for the Katy Prairie Conservancy, is responsible for developing and implementing an annual schedule of activities and outreach programs to augment public access and awareness of the Katy Prairie. Jaime’s work also involves expanding collaborative efforts with other organizations and agencies, including local universities. He earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Science Education (2007) and a B.S. in Biology (1996), both from the University of Houston-Main Campus. Mr. Gonzalez serves as a member of the Texas Children in Nature Coalition Steering Committee. He has been awarded the Alban-Heiser Award from the Houston Zoo (2011), the Elizabeth Hull Abernathy Award (2011) from the Garden Club of America and the Army and Sarah Emmott Conservation Award (2009) from the CEC for his prairie conservation efforts. Served from 2010-2012.

James Cargas has dedicated his life and professional legal career to implementing smart, sustainable, affordable, and renewable energy. Prior to founding his green law firm, James was a public servant at the City of Houston’s City Attorney’s Office, U.S. Department of Energy, Clinton-Gore White House, U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and U.S. Congress. When James ran for Congress in 2012, 2014, and 2016 in Houston’s Energy Corridor, he earned the Chronicle’s endorsement each time. His career also includes experience in the private sector at a large DC law firm, a major interstate pipeline company, and the North American Energy Standards Board. James is a graduate of the University of Michigan and The American University’s Washington College of Law. He is admitted to practice law in Texas, Washington DC, Michigan, West Virginia, and the United States Supreme Court.

Jessica Wilt Navas is the Executive Director of the Central City Co-Op, Houston’s organic food Co-Op. She is passionate about bringing people together, building community to make meaningful change, and sustainability. The first of its kind in the city, the Co-Op now acts as a micro-business incubator and hub and provides a space where members and non-members can shop daily to support local organic farmers, growers, and makers. In addition to her work with the Co-Op, Jessica is Vice President of the Sunset Heights Civic Association, serves on the Houston Symphony’s Wine Auction and Collector’s Dinner committee (which raises money for the symphony’s outreach programs and provides music education to over 200,000 students), volunteers with animal rescue organizations, and advocates for saving historic trees. She has worked abroad as a journalist for a major D.C. newspaper, is fluent in Spanish, and loves to travel. Jessica holds a Master of Science in Community and Economic Development from The Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Wittenberg University. She and her husband Erick live in the Heights with the pets that adopted them, Kiko, a Shiba Inu, Luna, the cat with the magnificent tail, and other rescues. Jessica served as CEC Board Secretary.

Jesus Davila is the Founder of Landing Advisors, LLC. He has extensive policy, evaluation, and management experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. He’s Passionate about using his training in public policy and data analytics to deliver thoughtful and vetted solutions to improve public welfare. Prior to Landing Advisors he was an engagement manager at a consulting firm, an analyst within the Economic Development division of the Houston Mayor’s office, worked with Harvard’s Strategic Data Project and served as a Houston TFA corps member. He holds an MPP from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government where he was awarded a public service fellowship. He currently is a part-time law student at U of H. Jesus served as CEC Board Treasurer.

John Gonzales is a graphic designer and owner of Rounder Graphics, and member of Transition Houston, Houston Peace and Justice Center, Houston Urban Gardeners (HUG). Served in 2015.

Juan Martinez is the Sustainability Coordinator at the University of Houston-Downtown in the Center for Urban Agriculture and Sustainability. He is passionate about furthering education on sustainability within the greater Houston area. His main focus is exposing students to opportunities throughout Houston that relate to sustainability. As an extrovert, he loves meeting new people and working with others. Juan lives with his two Doberman Pinschers, Nahla and Athena in North Houston. He enjoys being outdoors and staying active. Juan holds a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Oklahoma and a Master’s of Science from Texas State University in Sustainability Studies. Juan served as CEC Board Secretary.

Julie Hendricks, AIA LEED AP, served as CEC Board President.

Kathryn E. Rose is an MBA student at Rice University and was selected as part of the Rice Board Fellows program to join the CEC board as a non-voting member. She currently works at a project cost estimator for Praxair in The Woodlands. She is a mechanical engineer with experience in project management and capital project execution. Assignments have included capital projects focused on process improvements and leading compliance activities focused on Process Safety Management. She has a B. S. in Mechanical Engineering with Minor in Math Southern Methodist University. Joined November 2016.

Katie Donovan is a 10th grade Chemistry instructor with YES Prep Public Schools at the East End Campus, where she works to help bring a college-prep education to students in underserved communities. She created the career exposure program that connects 10th grade students with a variety of careers and professions to better prepare them for what they might want to do in college and beyond. Katie also worked with the UTHealth Medical School to develop the first-ever program that connects high school students interested in careers in medicine with current medical students. The program is a three year mentorship where high school students develop skills and connections within the medical field. Katie has also served on YES Prep East End’s High School Leadership Team as the 10th grade chair since 2013. Katie graduated from Rice University with a degree in Linguistics and English. Joined November 2016.

Kelly White is an award-winning educator with over seven years of experience designing, developing, and delivering innovative curricula in and out of the classroom. Currently a middle school earth science teacher, Kelly is passionate about teaching children and adults about the wonders of nature, environmental consciousness, and how to protect, sustain, and make positive changes to our local, national, and global environments. Outside of work and volunteer endeavors, he is interested in hiking, canoeing, traveling, birding, baseball, singing, and counted cross-stitch.

Kim Kaiser, Principal with Kim Kaiser and Associates, LLC, has extensive experience in the nonprofit industry. With more than 20 years of producing measurable, results in development, branding and strategic positioning for nonprofit groups, with a strength in new business and board development and establishing collaborative relationships. Kim specializes in the ability to quickly review an organization and find where there are missed opportunities in thinking about nonprofits in for-profit ways and meeting the mission of the organization with clear focus and a unified vision. Throughout her career, she has worked with many of the nation’s largest health charities and corporations and has helped put together their plans to grow their reach and effectiveness and trained and mentored both senior and junior staff members and leadership volunteers. Served as president in 2011.

Lester O. King, Ph.D., AICP, LEED-GA, is a sustainability planner at the Shell Center for Sustainability at Rice University where he oversees the development of the Sustainable Development Indicators report. He has served on the boards of the American Planning Association Houston Division, Green Door Houston, and Great Plains Restoration Council, and is a member of the Urban Land Institute’s Marketplace Committee. He has Bachelors in Fine Arts, Masters of City Planning, and a Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy, all from Texas Southern University. Served from 2013-2015.

Lisa Robertson is currently the Executive Director of External Relations for UH Engineering. A major focus of her work involves the design and development of campus-wide programs to advance women faculty in the STEM fields, and bringing together stakeholders to work on meeting global challenges. Before moving to Houston in 2010 Lisa served as Chief of Staff to the A&M Provost. Prior to working at A&M she served as Director of Corporate Relations and Special Assistant to the Dean at Purdue’s College of Science. Lisa now lives in the Montrose area. She is an active volunteer at the HSPCA and is a new volunteer at the Houston Arboretum. Served 2013-2014.

Lily Wells, AICP, served as the Clean Air Strategy Manager for the Port of Houston Authority. Served from 2010-2013.Laura Reid serves as a Demand Gen Manager at SMA Technologies, a workload automation solution company for business operations. She is responsible for pipeline growth through various marketing strategies and tactics, including digital and traditional channels. During the times she’s not generating demand, she is looking for ways to spend outdoors hiking, exploring, and staying connected to nature. She’s very excited to bring together her marketing skills and love of the environment into CEC Houston to help grow the cause of the organization in the city she was born and raised.

Linda Foss is an active community volunteer and has been involved with the Wildlife Center of Texas, Transition Houston, Houston Food Policy Workgroup, Native Plant Society of Texas-Houston, Last Organic Outpost, Houston Urban Gardeners, and Urban Harvest. Her education and experience includes technical writing, business analysis, project management, software and database design, instructional design for children and adults, marketing, television, travel, science, and more. Linda has a Masters of Education in instructional technology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and a B.S. in professional writing from the University of Houston.

Linda Paisley discovered biomimicry by attending a speech by Janine Benyus at an environmental conference in 2000. “I was captivated by biomimicry’s simplicity, its optimism, and the possibilities,” she said. Since that time, Linda, a LEED accredited professional with a degree in biology and a master’s degree in architecture, has participated in biomimicry workshops in Peru, Arizona, and Austin. She is an active volunteer with The Biomimicry Institute. Biomimicry is the investigation and research in nature for solutions to some of humanity’s greatest challenges. This often includes urban planning, architecture, home living and meeting environmental challenges. Linda now helps others discover biomimicry through her presentations in Texas as a representing member of the BiomimicryTX Regional Network. She was instrumental in the development of a biomimicry trail at the Houston Arboretum, where she serves on the board. Linda Paisley graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Biology. She also received her Masters from the University of Houston in Architecture and is currently working on her MBA in Sustainability. Linda served from 2105-2016.

Lynn Henson has worked in planning for more than 20 years. She is currently with the City of Houston’s Planning and Development Department where she has worked on projects which include community planning, neighborhood and housing redevelopment, neighborhood character protection, planning education, and development of the City’s first general plan – Plan Houston. Her volunteer project work with the Last Organic Outpost, Houston Arboretum, Houston Urban Gardeners, and the Mayor’s Go Healthy Houston Task Force meets her interests in health, nutrition, composting, and gardening. Joined May 2016.

MaDiana Diaz is a consultant with Freedom Enhancements, offering project accounting and management and entrepreneurial services consulting. She is an active volunteer with the Harris County Sheriff Office (where she serves as the district lead/crisis chaplain), Last Organic Outpost, and Houston Access to Urban Sustainability (HAUS). MaDiana has also volunteered with Gulf Coast Mensa and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Madyson Chavez, research associate at Working Partner LLC. Madyson, a graduate of the United Way of Greater Houston’s prestigious Project Blueprint, has worked as a strategic Planning Advisor helping clients achieve actionable and effective solution-driven strategies. Madyson has served as the business development coordinator for the City of Houston’s Policy and Operations program. Her degree from Texas Christian University is in political science, sociology, and health care ethics. Served from 2013-2015.

Mary Kate Kunzinger is the Conservation Sustainability Coordinator at the Houston Zoo, where she guides sustainable operations through research, planning and development. Her passion for wildlife conservation led her to become more involved in environmental issues around Houston. She currently volunteers with the Recycling Committee for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and enjoys traveling and spending time in nature.

Matthias Jung is a founding member of Houston Access to Sustainability (HAUS), a cooperative living development, and a member of numerous environmental groups, including Air Alliance Houston and Transition Houston. Joined the board in July 2015. Updated 2016.

Maurilio “Mo” Flores Sanchez is an Assistant Controller with Apex CAES, LLC, a Texas-based company created to develop, construct, own and operate compressed air energy storage (CAES) plants. As an outdoors enthusiast and CPA, Mo is very passionate about using his professional skills while serving with the CEC to further environmental efforts in the Houston and Gulf Coast region. Mo lives in East Downtown Houston, volunteers with CEC Houston, Houston Electric Auto Association, Texas Campaign for the Environment, and the Ronald McDonald House Houston, and commutes via an electric motorcycle (weather permitting) or Plug-In Hybrid EV MiniVan. After marrying another animal lover, Mo’s family includes four rescues – Remy, an Australian Cattle Dog mix, Luna, a Lab mix, JeeBee, another Australian Cattle Dog mix, Buffalo, a Boxer / Pit mix, – and now they have a fur-less one year old human nugget of joy. Maurilio served as CEC Board President.

Michael Walker teaches environmental systems and societies in the International Baccalaureate program at The Village School in Houston. He has also taught at Lee High School in Houston; has done extensive educational outreach at the elementary, high school, and college levels; and is a Teach for America Alum. In 2018, Michael completed his Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Biology from the University of Kansas, where he also earned his B.S. degree. A native of Kansas, Michael has been in Houston since 2007.

Nicholas Eusepi, CPA, is an audit associate with Briggs and Veselka Co. P.C. Served as treasurer 2012-2014.

Nicole Cloutier-Lemasters is a dedicated communications professional working in the science and conservation fields. A lifelong learner, Nicole holds degrees in Journalism (Texas A&M University) and Biology (University of Houston – Clear Lake). In addition to her role with CEC, Nicole volunteers with United Against Human Trafficking, the Wildlife Center of Texas and Armand Bayou Nature Center where she is a lead guide for their night hike programs. She enjoys traveling, hiking, and backpacking and is eager to help amplify the amazing work of CEC and its member organizations with the Houston region.

Oscar Gil is a Project Manager at Hewlett Packard (HP) – a global technology company specialized in developing and manufacturing person computing as well as imaging and printing devices. Oscar’s career with HP has been as diverse as his background, supporting major systems deployment in the areas of marketing, supply chain, and finance. Oscar’s relentless passion to drive positive change attracted him to the Social Impact and Sustainability Group at HP, where he created a sustainability chapter in the Houston office where employees enjoy monthly environmental webinars, outdoor volunteer activities such as cleanups, gardening, and educational events a local elementary schools. Oscar’s achievements include the deployment of a ChargePoint stations for electric vehicles, elimination of foam-based products, and the annual Earth Day celebration and vendor fair at the campus, where thousands of employees learned about sustainable practices. Oscar was born in Bogota, Columbia, and has been living in the heart of the Heights in Houston since 1999. Oscar is also an avid photographer and Toastmaster practitioner.

Rebecca Luman, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, is a native Texan and environmental consultant whose career has taken her across the country and abroad, where she has assessed and cleaned up contamination in our environment, helped prevent industry from further contaminating our Earth, and interpreted regulations to protect worker health and the environment. She formed Healthy Tweaks to educate consumers and businesses on the importance of conserving natural resources and reducing the impact of chemicals in the natural and built environment, enabling them to make choices to improve their health and reduce their ecological footprint. The mother of two, she uses her background, experience, and passion to help her children and others understand their connection to our Earth so that they choose to make a positive impact on the environment. She actively participates in her children’s school’s sustainability program, and mentors students on the importance of math and science, integrating real-world experiences in her discussions to inspire them to excel in STEM subjects. She is also involved in a number of professional organizations with similar missions to educate our youth and inspire them to appreciate and protect our Earth. Joined May 2015.

Ross Tomlin is an MBA student at the University of Houston. His background includes energy efficiency policy, outreach, media relations, web and graphic design, and volunteer work for several Houston nonprofit groups. He earned his MPAff from the LBJ School of Public Affairs in 2009 and did his undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin. Served as secretary in 2013-2014.

Russell Adams comes to the CEC Board as a community volunteer who has spent the past 10 years being involved with the Greater Houston Off Road Bicycle Association (GHORBA) and the Memorial Park Conservancy. He is a certified kayak and rock climbing instructor and member of numerous outdoor advocacy organizations who has spent his working career in small businesses. He hopes to develop programs that will encourage more individuals to become involved in the process that shape their outdoor lives. Served from 2010-2012.

Sarah Mason is a Sr. Environmental Analyst in the Solid Waste Management Department for the City of Houston. Previously she worked in the Mayor’s Office of Environmental Programming under Mayor Bill White. Ms. Mason works to expand recycling opportunities in the metro area. Her major projects include, leading the project team for the design and implementation of the Building Materials Reuse Warehouse, and soliciting and implementing contracted recycling services for all city owned buildings and facilities. She provides legislative analysis and comment on behalf of the SWD and the City of Houston to the State of Texas. Ms. Mason serves as a co-chair on the Texas Medical Center Sustainable Practices Advisory Council, secretary of the USGBC Gulf Coast Chapter Recycling Committee, alternate representative to the H-GAC Solid Waste Management Committee and as a liaison to the Downtown Management Recycling Task Force. In addition to her recycling projects she served on the steering committee for the Texas Tree Print project; and provided statistical analysis of US EPA air toxics data for policy makers. Outside the office she enjoys learning about the native flora and fauna of southeast Texas, yoga, hiking, reading and spending time with her dog. Ms. Mason holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Analysis from Rice University, (Houston, TX) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University (Clemson, SC). Served as vice president in 2012.

Sarah McKenney, P.E., is a first year MBA student at Rice University and was selected as part of the Rice Board Fellows program to join the CEC board as a non-voting member. She is currently working as an Engineering Supervisor at an EPC firm and has been working in the Oil and Gas industry for over 10 years. Her career has taken her all over the country and abroad since she graduated with her B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Arizona, so she has participated in various volunteer events, but has not stayed in a place long enough to continually participate in any organization. She is very excited to be joining the CEC, because volunteering and the environment are two very important causes, and she looks forward to helping further environmental awareness in the community. Joined November 2016.

Sarah J. Morath is the Director and Clinical Associate Professor of Lawyering Skills and Strategies at the University of Houston Law Center. Her research interests include environmental and natural resources law, food law policy, and legal writing pedagogy. Sarah’s first book, From Farm to Fork: Perspectives on Sustainable Food Systems in the Twenty-First Century, was published in 2016. She earned her J.D. from the University of Montana School of Law, her M.E.S. in Environmental Studies from Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, and her B.A. in Geology from Vassar College. She is a mom to two sweet girls and is an Ohioan native who loves to run in her free time.

Shawn McFarland is a green architect, educator and environmental activist. Her working life spans 30 years and she has been teaching environmental issues for 10 years. She is a member of the Board of Directors at Urban Harvest and teaches Permaculture Design through that organization. She has a degree in Architecture from the University of Houston and her areas of interest include travel and photography. Served as board president 2013-2014.

Steve Hupp is the Water Quality Director for Bayou Preservation Association. He advocates for improved water quality in greater Houston area waterways. Previously he held various positions with the environmental enforcement efforts of Harris County with the agency now known as the Harris County Pollution Control Services Department. He retired from Harris County in the Fall of 2010 after 30 years of service. He is a CEC Synergy Award recipient in the government category for 2006. Mr. Hupp holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management from the University of Houston – Clear Lake and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental and Applied Sciences from Stephen F. Austin State University. Served from 2010-2012.

Steve Rosencranz is the Founder and President of The Woods Project, an organization that involves low income high school youth in wilderness activities, including environmental service projects and wilderness challenge programming. In 2011, over 350 low income youth from Houston will participate in TWP programming. Prior to forming The Woods Project in 2008, he capitalized and led businesses in the finance industry and served as an intermediary in mergers, acquisitions, and financings. His prior experiences include rationalizing businesses to better serve their markets and formulating merger and acquisition strategies. His current interests include issues related to poverty and social mobility. Served from 2010-2013.

Sylvie Bauerova is a Director of Affiliate Finance and Administration at Baylor College of Medicine. Graduated from Hunter College the City University of New York in 2006 with bachelos degree in Economics. Sylvie has 12 years experience nonprofit finance. Originally from the Czech Republic, she moved to Houston over a year ago from the New York City area with her daughter. She enjoys cycling, the outdoors, cooking and art. Joined November 2016.

Thomas Colbert, AIA, APA, is a practicing architect and planner. He is on the faculty of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston where his research concerns the cultural, technological, and environmental forces that shape the built environment and the dialogue between building and place. His recent work has concerned the preparation and evaluation of architectural and land-use planning responses to the threat of extreme weather events. Working with environmental scientists, civil and environmental engineers, landscape architects and environmental attorneys at Rice University’s SSPEED Center, his research anticipates fundamental transformations of the upper Texas Gulf Coast and the development of regional architecture and urbanism based on the requirements imposed by severe weather events, sea level rise and other impacts of climate change. Prof. Colbert holds a bachelors degree in architecture and urban planning from Princeton University and a graduate degree from the University of Cambridge. Served from 2013-2015. Dec’d.

Tim Lewis currently works for the University of Houston as its real estate and minerals asset manager. He previously worked for the University of Texas in a variety of positions at both the Houston Health Science Center and the University of Texas System as well as in educational budget and policy positions at the Governors Office and the Texas Education Agency. He was involved at UT Houston in its sustainability initiatives. He is a veteran backpacker, with extended treks into many of the wilderness areas in the western United States and western Canada. Served from 2006-2012.

Yingfei Wang, Green Building Architect with Gensler.

Yvonne Harris, Diversity and Inclusion Executive at Capgemini NA