The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), a congressionally-chartered, non-profit organization working to make the environment more accessible, relatable, relevant, and connected to people’s daily lives, is pleased to announce the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors.
“We are so happy to welcome this group of talented and accomplished individuals to NEEF's Board of Directors,” said NEEF Board Chair, Kevin Butt. “Each brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership in their fields and will be tremendous assets in advancing NEEF’s goals as the nation's leading organization in lifelong environmental learning.”
Alongside current members, the following appointees will serve four-year terms on the NEEF Board:
Kim Moore Bailey, President and CEO, Justice Outside
With over 25 years of experience in strategic planning and community engagement, Kim Moore Bailey provides the leadership and vision that drives Justice Outside’s work shifting resources to, building power with, and centering the voices and leadership of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to advance racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement. As chief executive officer, Kim guides the overall strategic direction for the organization and supports the leadership team as they manage the organization’s grantmaking portfolio, training and capacity-building programs, and ongoing advocacy work.
Kim is a frequent speaker and thought leader on topics related to racial equity and inclusion in the outdoor and environmental fields. Kim’s thought leadership continues to inform political and social movements, resulting in service on the America the Beautiful For All Advisory Committee.
“I am honored to serve on NEEF’s Board of Directors,” said Bailey. “Racial justice has long been a pillar of my work, and I am excited to be part of shepherding this priority as part of NEEF’s newest strategic plan.”
Arielle V. King, Racial Justice Center Assistant Director, New York Civil Liberties Union
Arielle V. King is an educator and strategist committed to making environmentalism inclusive for all, with a background in civil rights law, impact-driven event production and programming, and community engagement. Prior to starting at the New York Civil Liberties Union, Arielle served as the inaugural Environmental Justice Staff Attorney at the Environmental Law Institute before freelancing full-time, where she coordinated events, collaborated with national environmental nonprofits on programming and social media campaigns, and offered lectures and keynotes at institutions across the United States.
Arielle is also the host of The Joy Report, a podcast produced by Intersectional Environmentalist all about positive climate solutions through the lens of intersectionality and environmental justice. She holds a BA in environmental and sustainability studies with a concentration in political ecology, a master’s degree in environmental law and policy, and a JD focused on environmental justice and civil rights.
"I am deeply honored and excited to embark on this journey as a member of NEEF's board,” said King. “I look forward to contributing to initiatives that foster environmental literacy and engagement, and shaping a brighter, more just future for all."
Chandra Taylor-Sawyer, Senior Attorney and Leader of Environmental Justice Initiative, Southern Environmental Law Center
Chandra Taylor-Sawyer is a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center’s (SELC) Chapel Hill office and leads the organization’s Environmental Justice Initiative. As leader of the Initiative, she works to incorporate strategies to reduce the disproportionate burden of environmental harm on communities of color and other underserved communities, as well as to increase access to amenities across SELC’s program work. She also serves as co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and on SELC’s Management Committee.
Taylor-Sawyer started her career at SELC in 2006, after practicing as a consumer protection attorney. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law and on the boards of the UNC Institute for the Environment, Appalachian Voices, and the Greater Triangle Chapter of the American Red Cross.
“I am enthusiastic about connecting with NEEF’s Board and staff around one of my core values, health, as we advance NEEF’s mission with the public,” said Taylor-Sawyer. “NEEF’s vision aligns with my own for community well-being, and it’s exciting to imagine the opportunities I may be able to support.”
Marc Washington, Entrepreneur, Finance and Business Advisor, and Investor
A dynamic business leader with 20 years of experience in operations, technology, and finance, Marc Washington has shaped innovative businesses globally, managing assets worth over $5 billion for firms such as The Carlyle Group, Mubadala, and MacFarlane Partners, and deploying $200 million in consumer debt lending for Capital One, developing a path to $5B of business opportunity through commercialization. As the co-founder of ChefXchange, he revolutionized the food/tech landscape in 20 countries throughout the Middle East, Europe, and North America. He champions a double bottom-line approach that balances profitability with community well-being.
Washington currently serves as an adviser to Shared Harvest Fund, which helps young professionals repay student loans through volunteering. He also has served as the finance chair and treasurer of the Harbor School. A native of Seattle, Washington holds a BS in civil engineering from MIT and a master’s in engineering management from Stanford. He holds an MBA from London Business School, where he was a member of the finance club and chair of the real estate club. He is a husband and father of three children, and enjoys deep sea and fly fishing, skiing, and rooting for the Seattle Seahawks with his family.
“As an avid outdoorsman, I am excited to use my skills and experience to promote an appreciation for the environment and the places that have shaped my outlook for my entire life,” said Washington. “I hope to help protect our natural environment by helping NEEF reach more young people and improve the financial health of the organization.”
John Whyte, MD, Chief Medical Officer, WebMD
Dr. John Whyte is the Chief Medical Officer at WebMD, where he plays a pivotal role in leading strategic initiatives that aim to create significant impacts on public health issues. His unique background combines experiences in both the government and private sectors, providing him with a comprehensive perspective on healthcare innovation, clinical trials, and wellness. Dr. Whyte is also an accomplished author and a board-certified internist who continues to engage in clinical practice.
“I am thrilled and wholeheartedly committed to delving deep into the intricate and profound impact that our environment exerts on our physical well-being and psychological state,” said Whyte.” It's a journey that promises not only to unveil the subtle ways in which the environment shapes our health and happiness, but also to illuminate the path towards nurturing spaces that foster a holistic sense of wellness and vitality.”
Sara Espinoza, president and CEO of NEEF, said she looks forward to collaborating with the new Board members. “It has been a pleasure getting to know each of our new Board members,” said Espinoza. “I have no doubt their experience and knowledge will be instrumental in helping achieve our strategic goals as well as in navigating the opportunities and challenges ahead.”