The Dogwood Alliance Board of Directors is full of visionary leaders. They hail from diverse backgrounds and experiences. They share a common commitment to the future of Southern forests and communities.

Morgan Alexander

Morgan Alexander is a Masters student at Duke University. She’s studying both Environmental Management and Public Policy. She has a background in atmospheric sciences and geography. She’s adept at policy research, renewable energy strategies, and environmental justice advocacy in the Southern US. Morgan develops climate solutions that center equity and community resilience.

John “The Baker” Beal

John grew up in rural New England. He wandered the woods, climbed trees, and tracked animals. John was an activist in the Civil Rights and Peace movements. There he saw the destructive forces of poverty and racism. He also learned there is tremendous power in joining together to take action. People aren’tt powerless to affect major change. He later discovered Dogwood Alliance hosting a booth at a music festival in Atlanta. For many years, John has organized events supporting the work of Dogwood. John is returning to the board. He’s excited to be working with the “brilliant staff and dynamic board.”

Dr. Marvin J. Burns

Marvin is a higher education professional. He has over 20 years of experience working in colleges and universities. Marvin grew up around the Tuskegee National Forest. There he learned to appreciate the world of natural resources. He has also worked for the US Forest Services in Oregon and Montana. He understands the impacts of natural resources on people and communities. Marvin has a BS in Environmental Science from Alabama A&M University. He holds a MS in Agricultural Education from the University of Missouri. He has a PhD in Education and Human Resources Studies from Colorado State University.

Michael Corley

Michael is the Senior Manager of Strategy for the South Carolina Environmental Law Project. He’s spent most of his career as a public interest environmental lawyer. He protects natural resources and communities across South Carolina. He’s been an adjunct professor of environmental law at Furman University. He’s been a board member for Friends of the Reedy River and Trees Upstate. Michael was the Executive Director of Conestee Nature Preserve. He has a degree in engineering from Clemson University.

Aanahita Ervin

Aanahita combines science and policy to address the climate crisis. She explores the link between climate change, poverty, and criminal justice. Aanahita hopes to work at the local level. She plans to use her skills to better serve marginalized Southern communities. She has a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma. Aanahita is earning a Masters in Public Policy.

Dr. Allen Hershkowitz

Allen is an environmental scientist. He’s an activist and writer. Allen was a scientist at NRDC for 26 years. He worked on forestry, plastics, and paper industry impacts. He’s also worked on waste management and industrial ecology. He’s been on scientific committees and advisories for many organizations. He lectures throughout the world. Allen received the Distinguished Alumni Townsend Harris Medal.

Joe Jackson

Joe has managed natural resources for over 30 years. He’s a consultant at EcoGrounds Management Systems. Joe works with green industry organizations. For 18 years, he was a Facilities Management Director at Duke University. He also managed the buildings and grounds at the school’s Marine Laboratory facility. Joe has a Masters in Environmental Management from Duke University

Judy Kinney

Judy is a nonprofit leader and community builder. She’s devoted much of her career to the well-being of older adults. She promotes the equality, safety, and health of older LGBTQIA+ people. Judy manages multimillion dollar budgets. She’s increased budgets through grants and donations. Judy is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Judy has led and participated in anti-racism work.

Dr. Krystal Nichole Martin

Krystal is a passionate advocate, educator, organizer, and servant leader. She is the founder of KMARTIN Group and cofounder of the Greater Greener Gloster Project. Krystal promotes environmental justice, clean air, and a better quality of life for those impacted by the wood pellet industry. Krystal is a three-time graduate of Jackson State University. She has a life membership with the JSUNAA. She also has a diamond life membership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the daughter of Jane Martin. She is the mother of two amazing sons and the grandmother of three gifted granddaughters. Krystal is a native of Gloster, Mississippi.

Rebekah Miel

Rebekah is the founder of Miel Creative, a design and communications studio. Her clients span the ecosystem of ESG. From soil health to community outreach and food systems policy to affordable housing. She has spent 20 years fundraising for nonprofits, movements, and disaster relief. Rebekah enjoys putting together puzzles. She loves hiking through the Smoky Mountains with her partner and 11-year-old twins. Her tattered copy of “50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth” sits on her office bookshelf. It’s a reminder of the teenager who started out on this path, trying to make sense of our changing planet.

Jonathan Phillips

Jonathan is the Director of the Energy Access Project at Duke University. He’s the Area Director at the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment, & Sustainability. Jonathan works on policy and economic issues. He focuses on rural electrification and grid de-carbonization. He’s volunteered with the Peace Corps in Mongolia. He was on the House Natural Resources Committee. Jonathan has a master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Abigail Rome

Abi is a conservationist and environmental advocate. She’s worked throughout the Eastern US and Latin America. She’s established and managed nature reserves. She fights climate change supports healthy communities. She consults on projects throughout the world. Abi offers ecotours in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. She serves on the Boards of American Rivers and As You Sow. She advocates for racial justice. Abi loves bicycling, hiking, paddling, and pickleball!

Dr. Aby Sène-Harper

Aby is an environmental social researcher. She advocates for just ways to care for public lands, natural areas, and cultural sites. For over 10 years, she’s worked with government agencies in the US and Africa. She creates management plans for important conservation areas. Her plans protect wildlife and support local economies. Her research also focuses on the relationship between race and nature. Aby is also a professor in Parks and Conservation Area Management.

Damie A. Sesay

Damie is an experienced attorney dedicated to serving her community. She serves as Assistant General Counsel at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. Her vast legal experience has led to several speaking engagements and publications. Damie is passionate about Dogwood’s mission. She has a BA in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. Her law degree is from American University Washington College of Law. Damie received the Pro Bono Honors Pledge Award for her community service. She is proudest of this honor.

Erica D. Smith

Erica is a mechanical engineer. She has extensive leadership experience in academics and public service. She represented North Carolina’s Senate District 3 from 2014-2020. District 3 is comprised of 8 rural counties in Eastern NC. Now Erica serves humanity as a public school educator. There, she’s inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. Erica is an unwavering champion for the environment. She advocates for taking bold climate action.

Amanda Starbuck

Amanda is and experienced campaigner. She’s worked in network building and organizational change. She was the program director for Greenpeace in South America. She also led the global finance team at Rainforest Action Network. She’s pressured the largest US and European banks to address their role in the climate crisis. She challenged them to reduce their financing of destructive fossil fuel extraction. Now she works with the Sunrise Project. She holds a MA in Environmental Policy. Amanda has lectured at Yale, Berkeley, and Leeds Universities.

Reverend Leo Woodberry

Leo has been community organizing since he was 14. He’s the Executive Director of New Alpha Community Development Corporation. Leo supports research on clean energy projects in South Carolina. He created programs for the International Climate Action Network. He worked on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Leo has organized a training for Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project. He’s a co-founder of The Southeast Environmental Justice Network. He co-drafted the Environmental Justice State Guidance Document. He’s been on many boards and committees. Leo has managed five African American churches.