Joy Grissom, Director and co-founder, is a Tennessee native with a background in public health advocacy and community education. She is dedicated to the health of the environment and how human engagement and our connection with wildlife is an integral component of our well being.
Jake Resor (President-Elect) is native Tennessean. with a background in Philosophy and religion, He is drawn to questions of human belonging and well-being. A gardener, a hiker, a runner, currently works as the Director of Horticulture at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, and prefers to be outside when ever possible.
Sandra Korbelik (President), a retired city planner and a Life-long gardener With 17 years of experience as a master gardener and a Landscape Certificate from UTK extension. Sandra is interested in the cultural relationship between plants and people and how the natural and built environment influences behavior.
Natalie Landry has been involved in environmental work for the past 20 years. Her focus is freshwater ecosystems and watershed management.
Janis (treasurer) is a registered nurse who relocated to Knoxville to be near family in retirement. Janis hopes to increase her skill in the garden and become involved in the Knoxville community, read, cook, and travel while retired.
Sue Calcote Is a life-long lover of all things outdoors; an avid native plant gardener, a hiker, an artist (specifically in paint media), wildlife advocate, and accountant.
Rachel Guarnieri is a non-profit and community organizer passionate about East Tennessee, conservation, building community and anything outdoor. She has a keen awareness of the finite resources we have on this earth, and worked hard incorporate this interest in her career and personal life. Her work with NPRS is a perfect opportunity to highlight local non-profits and connect with people.
Andrea Ludwig has fifteen years of experience in conducting outreach education through State Land GranTUniversities. She is passionate about empowering people with inform stewardship and challenging us all to formulate and live a land ethic that recognizes all living things.
David Krebs (secretary) is a science teacher at West High School. curious, gregarious, inquisitive and captivated with learning new things and being involved in the community, especially if it's outdoors.
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Elizabeth Meyers is a Knoxville native, passionate about the environment and the community in this region. She is currently a forestry Student at UT with a focus on conservation and restoration, Upon graduation she plans on pursuing a career in the field of natural resource management.