CORE LEADERSHIP team INTRODUCTION:
The Green Communities Leadership Institute (GCLI) is proud to operate under a Shared Leadership Model, fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Rather than having a single person in charge, our program is guided by the Core Leadership Team (CLT), a dedicated group of 12-15 leaders who collectively plan and implement the GCLI each year.
Members of the CLT typically serve three-year terms, with approximately 25-30% of the team transitioning annually. This ensures a continuous infusion of fresh ideas and perspectives while maintaining a dynamic and engaged leadership. The CLT operates not as a traditional “Board of Directors” but as a “working committee” where every member actively contributes to both governance and program execution.
Our Shared Leadership Model reflects our commitment to shared responsibility, collective wisdom, and the empowerment of diverse voices, making the GCLI a unique and enriching experience for all participants.
introducing the 2027
core leadership team
for Knoxville, TN
2027 CLT
Brett Frazier - Legal Engineer (Harvey)
Chris Neamtzu - Retired Community Development Director (City of Wilsonville, OR)
Jason Stein - Assistant Director of Operations (NYC Parks GreenThumb)
Jennifer Killian - Assistant Professor of Practice (Oregon State University)
Jennifer Wills - City Manager (City of Longview, WA)
Joanna Martin - Recreation and Facility Rental Manager (City of Battle Ground, WA)
JT Tomlinson - Parks and Rec Director (City of Plymouth, MN)
Kasey Krouse - Urban Forester (City of Knoxville, TN)
Seth Hawkins - Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager (Georgia Forestry Commission)
Tanner Haid - Senior Director of Urban Forestry Field Delivery (American Forests)
Val Masutier - Senior Operations Manager (The Field Museum Chicago)
Willette Jackson - Assistant Community Engagement Manager (Texas Trees Foundation)
Composition of the Core Leadership Team
The Core Leadership Team (CLT) at the Green Communities Leadership Institute (GCLI) is a dynamic and diverse group of experienced leaders and educators from various sectors within urban natural resource planning and management. Our team includes professionals from City Management, Public Works, Urban Forestry, University Professors, Non-Profit Directors, Parks and Recreation Managers, and more.
At GCLI, we believe that diversity in all its forms enriches the learning experience. Our CLT represents a wide range of professional practices, geographical locations, and employer types, providing students with a comprehensive perspective on urban natural resource management. This diversity ensures that students benefit from a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and innovative approaches.
We are proud that our future CLT will eventually be entirely comprised of GCLI graduates, reflecting our commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders. Each year, as some members transition out, we recruit new leaders to join the team, ensuring continuous renewal and fresh perspectives.
By learning from such a diverse group of experts, students at GCLI gain invaluable insights, networking opportunities, and a well-rounded understanding of the field, preparing them to become effective and visionary leaders in their own right.