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 (Presiden) Is A 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.
Rachel Guarnieri (Vice President) 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 works hard to 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.
Khann Chov (treasurer) is Community Schools Regional Supervisor at United Way of Greater Knoxville, she drives initiatives to enhance self-sufficiency and equitable outcomes. Her previous work included Executive Director of Keep Knoxville Beautiful, UT's zero-waste program Manager and directed the urban agriculture program at CAC Beardsley Community Farm.
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.
Brian Campbell is a Maine transplant and an enthralled Horticulturalist. He was the Director of Horticulture at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum for 10 years. During that time he donated the greenhouse space to NPRS. He is currently the estate gardener for the Haslam family and on the Grounds Committee for KBGA.
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.
Kara Strouse is a community leader and currently serves as a Regional Supervisor for United Way Community Schools. She is currently the President of the South Haven Neighborhood Association. Her passion for outdoor education started with securing funds and managing the Vestal Boys & Girls Club Outdoor Learning center. she convened the Dogwood Outdoor Coalition and Under her leadership, the coalition successfully obtained numerous community grants and awards.