A southern California native, Dee and her husband, Peter, have lived in the western Sonoma County forests for 36 years where they raised two children, Hiya and Jesse. Dee is the North Bay Trail Director for the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. She is a founder of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open SpaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety. District (1989).

Fei Tsen, an urban planner, has been a member of the board since 2007. She lives in San Francisco

Jake Mackenzie is on his 16th year on the Rohnert Park City CouncilA city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establish¬ing city policy, and hiring some city officials. The council adopts the general planA statement of policies, including text and diagrams setting forth objectives, principles, standards and plan proposals, for the long-term future physical development of the city or county. The general plan is a legal document required of each local jurisdiction by the State of California Government Code section 653o1 and adopted by the city council or board of supervi¬sors. In California, the general plan has seven mandatory elements (circulation, conservation, housing, land use, noise, open space, safety and seismic safety) and may include any number of optional elements (such as air quality, economic development, hazardous waste, and parks and recreation). The general plan may also be called a city plan, compre¬hensive plan, or master plan., zoningThe division of a city or county by legislative regulations into areas, or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings within these areas; a program that implements policies of the general plan., and subdivisionThe division of a tract of land into defined lots, either improved or unimproved, which can be separately sold or leased, and which can be altered or developed. ordinance. and is Mayor for the fourth time. A retired pesticide regulator (30 years with U.S. EPA), he currently occupies his retirement years chairing and serving on regional water, transportation, open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety., sustainable growth and climate protection bodies.

Board member Jeff Blanchfield is the former San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission Chief Planning Officer

Bob Johnson is a Greenbelt and urban outings leader and works with Urban Advantage to produce photo-realistic visualizations of better urban designThe attempt to give form, in terms of both beauty and function, to selected urban areas or to whole cities. Urban design is concerned with the location, mass, and design of various urban components and combines elements of urban planning, architecture, and landscape architecture.; he has been a board member since 1991.

As Executive Director, Jeremy Madsen sets and implements the organization’s strategic goals and manages its operations. He frequently speaks on land conservation and smart growthA broad concept that describes a series of principles that encourage development that better serves the economic, environmental and social needs of communities than do many of the principles that have guided development in the post-World War II period. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified the following ten principles of smart growth: 1. Mix land uses 2. Take advantage of compact building design 3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices 4. Create walkable neighborhoods 5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place 6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas 7. Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities 8. Provide a variety of transportation choices 9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective 10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.

Hillary oversees the Development Department and the Outings program at Greenbelt Alliance. She is focused on bringing an innovative approach to Greenbelt Alliance’s fundraising strategies, working to further connect donors and supporters to Greenbelt’s critical work. Prior to joining Greenbelt Alliance, she worked at Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco and Friends of the Earth.

Alexis is responsible for general administrative support for the San Francisco and field offices.

Dedicated to creating sustainable vibrant communities, Online Communications Manager Sara Barz came to Greenbelt Alliance in January 2010 after stints at Grist.org and the New York State Legislature.

Michele is a San Mateo County native and has been working to protect open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety. lands and create livable communities in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties since 2004. She often speaks on affordable housingHousing that can be purchased or rented by a household with moderate, low, or very low income, based on a household's ability to make monthly payments necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing, including utilities. and smart growthA broad concept that describes a series of principles that encourage development that better serves the economic, environmental and social needs of communities than do many of the principles that have guided development in the post-World War II period. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified the following ten principles of smart growth: 1. Mix land uses 2. Take advantage of compact building design 3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices 4. Create walkable neighborhoods 5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place 6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas 7. Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities 8. Provide a variety of transportation choices 9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective 10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.

A self-taught computer guru with an emphasis on Apple technologies, Chuck has created a smoothly functioning cross-platform environment for Greenbelt Alliance.

Amanda is responsible for engaging residents to create great neighborhoods and to protect the greenbelt in Sonoma and Napa counties. She often speaks on smart growthA broad concept that describes a series of principles that encourage development that better serves the economic, environmental and social needs of communities than do many of the principles that have guided development in the post-World War II period. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified the following ten principles of smart growth: 1. Mix land uses 2. Take advantage of compact building design 3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices 4. Create walkable neighborhoods 5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place 6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas 7. Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities 8. Provide a variety of transportation choices 9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective 10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions and sustainabilityCommunity use of natural resources in a way that does not jeopardize the ability of future generations to live and prosper..

Amanda currently oversees the programmatic work of Greenbelt Alliance, including field, policy research and communications. She speaks on local and regional policy and advocacy.

Since joining Greenbelt Alliance in 2009, Ellie’s primary pursuit and passion has been developing local teams of engaged sustainable growth advocates. She frequently speaks on smart growthA broad concept that describes a series of principles that encourage development that better serves the economic, environmental and social needs of communities than do many of the principles that have guided development in the post-World War II period. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified the following ten principles of smart growth: 1. Mix land uses 2. Take advantage of compact building design 3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices 4. Create walkable neighborhoods 5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place 6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas 7. Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities 8. Provide a variety of transportation choices 9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective 10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions and community outreach.

Alex joined the Greenbelt Alliance team way back in the year 2011 as a lowly unpaid intern. He started showing up every day and has since conned his way into his current position as Live Local Coordinator.

Adam brings a diverse background rooted in environmental and city planningControls by central or local government over the use of land. Land-use planning is used to keep activities causing harmful externalities, such as noise or visual intrusion, away from places where they are believed to be particularly harmful. to the Greenbelt Alliance team. His background allows him to lead cutting-edge research initiatives, public policy analysis, and mapping services.

Jennifer joined Greenbelt Alliance in 2008 and is a former reporter and editor.

Melissa is a native San Franciscan who has been fortunate to live in many parts of the Bay Area over her life. She frequently speaks on agriculture and open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety. conservation.

Janeen serves as a point of contact for those needing to reach the Executive Director and is responsible for comprehensive executive administrative support.

Ken has introduced countless children and adults to the delights of the nature and the greenbelt as an outdoor education teacher, park ranger, and hike leader. He is an entertaining storyteller and expert speaker on the natural world, including Bay Area geology, flora, and fauna.

Ed Lee has over 19 years of experience in the nonprofit sector primarily in management or board roles with social justice organizations such as Public Advocates Inc., Californians for Justice, and the Center for Third World Organizing.

Evan Lovett-Harris, long passionate about creating healthy and livable communities, loves the cultural and biological diversity of the Bay Area.

Daniel prefers to go by Danny. Danny moved to San Francisco 7 years ago and fell deeply in love with the Bay Area.

Whitney works with community leaders, elected officials, and diverse organizations to increase opportunities for Marin’s workers, aging seniors and persons with disabilities to live locally. She often speaks on affordable housingHousing that can be purchased or rented by a household with moderate, low, or very low income, based on a household's ability to make monthly payments necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing, including utilities. and sustainabilityCommunity use of natural resources in a way that does not jeopardize the ability of future generations to live and prosper..

Erin is responsible for coordinating citizen efforts to protect open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety. and working landscapes in South Santa Clara County.

Lan is responsible for the coordination and outreach efforts of the Grand Boulevard Initiative campaign. She volunteers with a local non-profit that helps to raise awareness on topics relevant to the Asian-Pacific Islander Community.

Lopa manages the cultivation and stewardship of Greenbelt Alliance’s Major Donors. She lives in San Francisco where she is committed to raising urban children in the most responsible and sustainable way possible.

Stephanie works on regional and statewide smart growthA broad concept that describes a series of principles that encourage development that better serves the economic, environmental and social needs of communities than do many of the principles that have guided development in the post-World War II period. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified the following ten principles of smart growth: 1. Mix land uses 2. Take advantage of compact building design 3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices 4. Create walkable neighborhoods 5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place 6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas 7. Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities 8. Provide a variety of transportation choices 9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective 10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions, affordable housingHousing that can be purchased or rented by a household with moderate, low, or very low income, based on a household's ability to make monthly payments necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing, including utilities., and open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety. protection policy development and advocacy.

Matt Vander Sluis leads open spaceAny parcelA lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development. or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety. and community revitalizationThe renewal and improvement of older commercial and residentialLand designated in the city or county general plan and zoning ordinance for buildings consisting only of dwelling units. May be improved, vacant, or unimproved. areas through actions or programs that encourage and facilitate private and public investment. This investment can include activities and programs designed to improve neighborhoods; strengthen existing businesses; encourage quality renovation and new construction; enhance public spaces and pedestrian amenities; ensure safe, efficient, and convenient traffic flow; attract new businesses; and contribute to the social and economic vitality of the area. campaigns across Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties. He frequently speaks on smart growthA broad concept that describes a series of principles that encourage development that better serves the economic, environmental and social needs of communities than do many of the principles that have guided development in the post-World War II period. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identified the following ten principles of smart growth: 1. Mix land uses 2. Take advantage of compact building design 3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices 4. Create walkable neighborhoods 5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place 6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas 7. Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities 8. Provide a variety of transportation choices 9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective 10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions and land conservation.

Marla specializes in educating residents and decision-makers about the building blocks of livable communities through special events, tours, and other public engagement strategies. She often speaks on community outreach and affordable housingHousing that can be purchased or rented by a household with moderate, low, or very low income, based on a household's ability to make monthly payments necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing, including utilities..