About
- Diane W. Wood, President
Diane W. Wood is president of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). Diane has over two decades of executive experience both nationally and internationally. She worked for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for 15 years in a variety of executive capacities including vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean and vice president for research and development. Under Diane’s tenure the Latin American program grew to an $18 million conservation program. Before joining NEEF, she was the executive director of the Center for a New American Dream. Her experience in environmental education spans formal and non-formal education sectors and includes curriculum development, nature interpretation, conservation education, sustainability education and natural resources extension. Diane served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay from 1977-1981. Diane has been a consultant to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Peace Corps and the U.S. Agency for International Development. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including a 10-year Presidential appointment (under both George H.W. Bush and William J. Clinton) to the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative board. Diane has a Masters in Science and Environmental Education from Cornell University.
- Deborah A. Sliter , Senior Vice President for Programs
For the last 10 years, Deb Sliter has managed the NEEF’s major programs focusing on the environmental education of key professionals in our society–corporate employees, K-12 educators, health care providers, public land managers and broadcast meteorologists. Deb developed the innovative Earth Gauge™ initiative in partnership with the American Meteorological Society providing broadcast meteorologists with the tools they need to incorporate environmental information into the local weathercast. She earned her B.A. from the University of Massachusetts and has significant experience in public private partnerships and program design and development. Her work experience includes serving as the Executive Director of Renew America, a national nonprofit environmental organization; Development Director of Citizen Action; Deputy Executive Director of the Democratic National Committee; Chief of Staff to Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.; and partner in the public relations firm of Marttila and Kiley, Inc.
- Tracey Adams, Program Associate, National Public Lands Day
Tracey Adams started at NEEF in January 2008 as an intern for Learn for the Planet (since renamed Classroom Earth), which ended in May 2008. In March 2008, she received a full-time position as a Program Associate for the National Public Lands Day (NPLD) program, where she provides general support. Tracey conducts outreach, communicates with NPLD site managers, volunteers, nonprofit and federal partners; manages the online and database site updates; leads special projects such as representing NEEF and NPLD at public events; and other duties. In December 2007, she graduated from the George Washington University with a Master of Arts in Environmental and Resource Policy and holds a B.A. in Psychology from Fairfield University.
- Franca Brilliant , Director of Development
Franca Brilliant joined NEEF in November 2008. Franca’s varied work experience includes stints at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, consulting on humanitarian assistance and democratization for USAID, and fundraising for a variety of nonprofits. Prior to coming to NEEF, Franca spent over six years at the Center for a New American Dream, where she had the good fortune to work with Diane while learning the ins and outs of development. She has a B.S. in Geology from Yale College and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University. She’s been married to Seth Grimes for almost 20 years and has two sons, Raphael and Ezra. In her spare time she helps community organizations raise money and give out grants.
- Bobby Cato , Senior Education Project Manager
Bobby Cato joined NEEF in August 2008 and serves as the Senior Education Project Manager. Bobby manages Classroom Earth and supports the Education Department's outreach efforts. Prior to joining NEEF, he served as the Director of Technology Programming and Initiatives for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE). A former K-12 classroom teacher and Instructional Designer, he has trained hundreds of teachers in school systems across the country on how to integrate digital technologies into the classroom. In addition, he has served as a consultant in a variety of education arenas. Bobby received his B.S. in Elementary Education from North Carolina A & T State University and M.S. in Educational Administration and Policy from Trinity University.
- Jane Chang , Program Coordinator, Health & Environment
Jane Chang works closely with the Senior Health Director, Leyla McCurdy, assisting in the development and implementation of health programs while providing logistical support on all aspects of NEEF’s work. Prior to joining NEEF, Jane attended George Washington University to obtain a Master’s in Public Health on the Community Oriented Primary Care Track. Jane received her B.A. in Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2007.
- Fiona Clem , Technology Manager
Fiona Clem joined NEEF in April 2008 and serves as the Technology Manager. Fiona updates and maintains the NEEF family of websites using a variety of content management systems including WordPress, Drupal, and ModX, works in Microsoft SBS 2008 to provide solutions for staff and assists staff with technical issues. Fiona has been involved with upgrading the phone system to CISCO's IP phone system; updating the Earth Gauge website by incorporating more of the built-in power of WordPress' technologies to make the new Earth Gauge site bigger, brighter, and more dynamic; moving the web server from GoDaddy to Pair Networks – a more reliable web server environment that is also green and standardizing the workstations at NEEF helping with reliability and up-time. Fiona also has extensive computer training experience, is certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist and provides help desk support with Microsoft Office applications and other software applications. Fiona has a B.A. in English Literature and a Masters in Library and Information Studies. Before joining NEEF, Fiona worked as a web site consultant and freelance writer. Prior to that, Fiona spent several years working as a librarian at OCLC CAPCON and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
- Jessica Culverhouse, Program Manager, National Environmental Education Week
Prior to joining the education team at NEEF, Jessica Culverhouse spent two years teaching high school Biology in northern Virginia. During graduate school, Jessica worked as a program assistant in education and outreach for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. She earned a B.S. in Biology from Georgia Tech in 2004 and a M.Ed. in Science Education from Georgia State University in 2006.
- Patrick Deavy , Director of Special Projects
Patrick Deavy comes from the Cincinnati area where he received his B.A. in Fine Arts from Northern Kentucky University. Patrick began his nonprofit career in the Theatre Arts as a director at various professional theatres, and as Development Associate for the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati. He moved to Washington, D.C. in the summer of 2003, where he started work at NEEF. He has played a few roles in his six years at NEEF, first as Development Associate, then as Director of Development and now as Director of Special Projects. In his role, Patrick focuses on areas such as Strategic Planning and Grant Making. Patrick recently received an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University and serves on the board of Literacy Volunteers and Advocates, a Washington, D.C.-based adult literacy organization
- Sara Espinoza , Program Director, Weather and Environment
Sara Espinoza has been part of the Earth Gauge™ program since 2005, working with the American Meteorological Society and broadcast meteorologists across the United States to incorporate environmental and climate information into the television weathercast. She has expanded the program from seven to 200 participating meteorologists while building strategic partnerships with a range of agencies, organizations and media outlets. Sara also coordinates the development of a series of online environmental education courses for broadcast meteorologists as part of their continuing education program. Before joining NEEF, Sara worked with the education programs at World Wildlife Fund and The Jane Goodall Institute. She holds a B.A. in Animal Behavior from Bucknell University and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University. Sara recently became a Mid-Atlantic Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program.
- Ali Funk , Development Associate
Ali Funk joined NEEF in July 2010 as Development Associate. She works closely with Development Director Franca Brilliant to raise funds in support of all NEEF programs. Prior to joining NEEF, Ali spent three years as Philanthropic Partnerships Associate for the Salzburg Global Seminar, a nonprofit organization that seeks to challenge present and future leaders to solve issues of global concern. Ali received a B.A. in Mathematics and certification in Secondary Education from Connecticut College, in addition to a Community Action & Public Policy certificate. She has been active in the field of education through an internship at the Vermont Department of Education as well as student teaching and volunteering in K-12 public schools in New England.
- Carson Gray, Intern, Earth Gauge
Carson Gary joined NEEF in June 2010 and comes from Pittsburgh, Pa. He received his B.S. in Meteorology at Ohio University and volunteered at the local television station, WOUB-TV, as a broadcast meteorologist. He works within the Earth Gauge™ program researching low-impact development and green infrastructure, developing water conservation and energy-efficiency tips and finding U.S Environmental Protection Agency-sponsored events and outreach programs. Carson enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing and watching sports, traveling, cooking and going to the beach.
- Robb Hampton , Director, National Public Lands Day
Robb Hampton has been with NEEF since August of 1999 working primarily on the National Public Lands Day program. In November 2004, Robb was named Program Director of the National Public Lands Day program. He has grown the program to more than triple the amount of participating sites, developed several new partnerships and instituted the Public Lands Tour. Robb earned a B.S. from Arizona State University. In Arizona, Robb worked as a counselor for inner-city teens and as a teacher on Gila River Indian Reservation instructing high school students how to create and manage a waste water management system for the reservation. Robb worked as a Legislative Assistant/Specialist for The National Park Service Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs and owned his own bicycle courier company, Church Street Courier before working with the National Environmental Education Foundation. He is an avid cyclist and competes regionally most weekends.
- Jessica Harig, Communications and Grantmaking Associate
Jessica Harig received a B.A. in Geography, with a minor in Journalism, from the George Washington University in 2008. She worked as a research and writing intern for the Earth Gauge™ program from June 2008 until July 2009 when she accepted a full-time position with NEEF as the Communications and Grantmaking Associate. Jessica works closely with both Patrick Deavy and Dan Seligson, as well as with each program manager, to address their public outreach and grants management needs.
- Jessica Jones , Program Coordinator, National Public Lands Day
Jessica Jones started at NEEF in June 2010 as the Program Coordinator for National Public Lands Day. She focuses on writing the newsletter, developing content for the website and print and helping to assist parks with all their NPLD needs. Before joining NEEF, Jessica received her B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in Environmental Conservation Education from New York University. Her previous work experience includes managing the striped bass tag recovery program for the Hudson River Foundation and the Wildlife Watch program for the National Wildlife Federation. Jessica is also active with the Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach and Service Programs serving on their Board of Directors as Treasurer.
- Sarah Kozicki , Program Associate, National Environmental Education Week
Sarah Kozicki graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Applications. She spent a semester in college at EARTH University in Costa Rica and returned last fall to do an internship researching the potential use of finesse to feed cattle, as well as offering and translating courses and internships for foreign students. She has educational and outreach experience creating publications and awareness campaigns around invasive species, community recycling programs, and food waste audits. In Costa Rica she gained experience in a K-12 setting, developing and teaching as part as an Eco-Alphabetization course. In college she wrote environmental articles for Michigan State University's EJ Magazine and Michigan Audubon Society's Jack Pine Warbler.
- Kristopher Kraus , Climate Research Coordinator, Weather and Environment
Since joining NEEF in October 2006, Kristopher Kraus has led the Earth Gauge™ weekly e-newsletter’s Climate Facts feature, which highlights the latest research on observed climate trends and climate-biosphere connections. This work includes coordinating a network of experts at universities, government agencies, and other NGOs, as well as promoting the dissemination of Earth Gauge™ information through various media outlets. Kristopher also writes briefs on subjects including preparing for extreme weather events, reducing water and air pollution, managing invasive species, and fostering biodiversity. Before he joined NEEF, Kristopher advocated for wilderness preservation and indigenous rights while working at Save America’s Forests. He graduated in 2004 from Willamette University with a B.A. in Environmental Science.
- David Lanham , Education Associate, Classroom Earth
Specializing in the Planet-Connect side of NEEF’s Classroom Earth program, David Lanham works to increase NEEF’s outreach to high school students. David spends much of his time creating additional content for the website, as well as devising new ways to socially market the Planet-Connect website. Before beginning his internship at NEEF, David received his B.A. in Public Policy from the College of William & Mary. During his undergraduate years, David interned several times for the Department of Treasury, within the Financial Management Services bureau. There, he worked on both the payments and receivables sides of the Federal Government’s collections bureau.
- Christopher Luther , Intern, Earth Gauge
A rising senior at the University of Maryland, Chris Luther is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Geography at the University of Maryland, College Park. He enjoys watching The Weather Channel and investigating different global climate cycles including carbon, radiation and water. Upon graduation, he plans to continue studying physical geography or environmental law. In his free time, he’s an avid tennis player who skis once the courts freeze over.
- Felicia Mason , Office Administrator
Felicia Mason serves as NEEF’s Office Administrator, working closely with Nancy Smith, Senior Director of Finance and Administration, with operational needs such as accounts payable/account receivable, human resources, and general administration. Felicia has a B.A. in Business Administration from South Carolina State University. Before joining NEEF, Felicia worked with the Center for a New American Dream as the Executive Assistant to the President and Executive Director. Prior to that, Felicia spent several years working with senior level management in other organizations including ‘Cellular One’ and ‘The National Tree Trust’ in all aspects of administration (human resource, accounts payables and receivables, development, and general administration). Felicia lives in Maryland with her husband and their daughter.
Leyla McCurdy serves as the environmental health expert for the organization and directs program activities, including the Health Care Provider Initiative which employs a strategic framework to integrate environmental health into health care. In addition, she currently serves as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Public Health Nursing Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Previously she directed the American Lung Association's national programs. She has served on several governmental and non-governmental committees and expert panels, given numerous presentations, organized trainings and developed a variety of environmental health publications. A chemist by training, her 20 years of professional experience in health and environment also includes product management for the Johnson & Johnson health care products and environment, health, & safety affairs for the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association.
Erin Milstead received a B.S. in Biology from James Madison University in December 2008. While this is Erin’s first position in the environmental arena, prior to joining NEEF, she obtained a Project Learning Tree certificate which enables her to teach critical environmental issues to children in grades K-12. She plans to continue working in the environmental field and hopes to one day receive a graduate degree in biology
As Outreach Coordinator for Earth Gauge™, Ann Posegate works with partners throughout the country to obtain science and environmental information for distribution to meteorologists and promote the use of the program's materials. She also manages the program's Content Partner Grants, Earth Gauge™ Kids webpage and partner newsletters, in addition to researching and writing Earth Gauge™ content. In January 2010, Ann was selected by the National Science Foundation to participate in a media expedition to Antarctica to communicate important science research through Earth Gauge™. Ann received a B.S. in Environmental Science from Elizabethtown College and taught informal environmental and science programs for five years before coming to NEEF, including one year as an educator for the Mount Washington Observatory, home of the "world's worst weather." In addition to her work at NEEF, Ann is also a volunteer with the D.C. Environmental Education Consortium (DCEEC) and a writer for washingtonpost.com's Capital Weather Gang blog.
A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Daniel Ramirez learned about environmental issues through hands-on field work. After college, he joined Americorps and worked in Portland, Ore. as a member for the Northwest Service Academy where he performed a variety of environmental conservation tasks – invasive species removal, native species planting, trail work and environmental education. He soon became hooked on the outdoors. He moved to Montana to be a Youth Crew Leader with the Montana Conservation Corps where he led high school age youth in outdoor service projects. He is currently enrolled at Georgetown University where he is pursuing a Master’s in environmental history.
Dan Seligson is the Communications Director for NEEF. He has more than 15 years experience in journalism, communications and publication management. Previously, he worked for nearly eight years at Stateline.org and Electionline.org, both projects of the Pew Charitable Trusts. At Stateline.org, he had the dubious distinction as the only reporter in America covering election reform full time in the wake of the 2000 election. A few months later, he took over as editor and communications manager at electionline.org, devising the organization’s first media plan and steadily raising its profile from a five-person anonymous think tank to a leading, nonpartisan and non-advocacy voice on election administration and reform. Before joining electionline.org, he worked as a journalist – covering a wide range of stories from senior citizen beauty contests and bench dedications to budget fights in the U.S. Senate – for Virginia’s Connection Newspapers, Journal Newspapers and the Washington, D.C.-based PlanetGov.com. He received his B.A. from Connecticut College and his M.S. in Journalism from Columbia University.
Nancy Smith, Senior Director of Finance and Administration, started with NEEF in November of 2007. Nancy has many years of nonprofit experience and came from the Center for a New American Dream, where she worked with Diane as Director of Operations. Prior to that, she was Business Manager with the National United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. She lives in Silver Spring with her husband and three children, and can be found enjoying nature on various athletic fields in the area most weekends.
As Senior Director for Education, Jennifer Tabola is responsible for establishing NEEF’s environmental education leadership by creating alliances with key environmental education and K-12 educational organizations, convening experts in the field; celebrating and advancing existing school and classroom models; promoting new environmental learning strategies and encouraging youth involvement in solving local environmental problems. Before joining NEEF, she worked with nonprofit and socially responsible organizations, including the National Civilian Conservation Corps, where she served as Director of Training and Education, and AmeriCorps, where she served as a program officer. She served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Quito, Ecuador, where she helped develop the country’s first environmental youth service corps. A native of Las Vegas, she graduated with B.S. in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine and Master’s in Education, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University.
Meghan Trossen began her role as Executive Assistant to Diane Wood and Deborah Slitter in April 2008. Meghan coordinates the NEEF Board Meetings in addition to managing schedules, business correspondence, travel arrangements, and development research. Meghan is the liaison to the Board of Trustees, and coordinates the Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award. Coordinating the Bartlett Award includes forming a judging panel made up of members of the EE community, maintaining relationships with previous awardees and planning a Washington, D.C. trip for the winner. Before joining NEEF, Meghan worked at Silver Marketing, an advertising agency in Bethesda, as an Assistant Account Executive. In May 2007, Meghan graduated from Virginia Tech with a Marketing Management major and a Global Business minor.
Kate Winterbottom focuses on the Children and Nature Initiative and the health effects of climate change. She began interning at NEEF through her graduate program at Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, and she now holds an MPH in Environmental Health Policy. Kate has had a long-standing interest in the environment, concentrating in Environmental Biology in her undergraduate studies at Tulane and working to promote environmental awareness during the summers as a camp counselor at a nature center.
