The Green Communities Collaborative was founded to bring the Green Communities Leadership Institute (GCLI) to the next level. Since its inception, GCLI has worked with partner nonprofit organizations to handle the financial and logistical aspects of running the program alongside the core leadership team. By founding a nonprofit entity to oversee GCLI, we have opened new pathways to partnerships, funding, and growth opportunities for the Institute.

INTRODUCING THE GREEN COMMUNITIES COLLABORATIVE BOARD

‍ ‍Dana Karcher - President

(Former Core Leadership Team Member)

‍Phil Bennett - Vice President

(Former Core Leadership Team Member; GCLI 2023 Cohort)

‍ ‍Lee Mueller - Secretary

(GCLI 2022 Cohort)

‍ ‍Christina McLaughlin - Treasurer

(GCLI 2024 Cohort)

‍ ‍Meg Morgan - Board Member

(Former Core Leadership Team Member; GCLI 2022 Cohort)

‍ ‍Bill Hubbard - Board Member

(GCLI 2022)

‍ ‍Josh Petter - Board Member

(GCLI 2023)

‍ ‍Paul Ries - Interim Executive Director

(Former Core Leadership Team Member)

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Mission: The Collaborative is incorporated for educational purposes that advance the practice, understanding, and application of leadership skills in nature-based solutions and the planning and managing of natural resources within communities. The specific purposes of the Collaborative are to:

1) Increase the knowledge, education, and expertise of leaders working to make greener communities and advance nature-based solutions.

2) Support educational initiatives such as the Green Communities Leadership Institute and any other future educational program created by the Board.

The Collaborative shall develop educational programs and education materials and initiatives that advance this purpose and the natural resources profession.

Green Communities Collaborative also operates the domain greencommunitiesleadership.org and greencommunitiescollaborative.org

Established 2026, Charity ID: 41-2728064

Address: P.O Box 5324 Maryville, Tennessee 37803