CORE LEADERSHIP 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 2025
core leadership team
for boise, idaho
2025 CLT
Jeremy Barrick, Assistant Superintendent - Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Phil Bennett, Deputy Director - City of Snoqualmie Parks & Public Works
Carlos Campero, Executive Director - City Plants
Lance Davisson, Owner/Principal Consultant - The Keystone Concept
Asia Dowtin, Assistant Professor - Michigan State University
Laura Krafka, Independent Consultant
Paul Ries, Chief Inspiration Officer - Oregon State University
Jessica Sanders, Executive Director - Sacramento Tree Foundation
Elise Schadler, Program Manager - VT Urban & Community Forestry
Jennifer Wills, Director - City of Longview, Parks and Recreation
Val Masutier, Senior Program Manager - The Field Museum Chicago
Jason Stein, Advanced Volunteer Coordinator - NYC Parks
Jermel Stevenson, City of Overland Park
Alex Villalta, Forestry Assistant - Los Angeles County Fire Department
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.