The following individuals will begin a three-year term on the Georgia Audubon Board of Directors beginning January 1, 2023.
Jennifer Johnson McEwen, Emory Woodruff Health Sciences Center
Jennifer is a lifelong birder, with a passion for everything related to birds. When she’s not out enjoying nature, she is helping lead communications at Emory University. Jennifer’s career spans 25 years as a communicator with experience in broadcast news, agency, media, higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.
Jennifer has spent the last 15 years directing medical and scientific communications, public affairs, and media relations for Emory’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center. Since 2018, she has led communications for Emory Brain Health, providing strategic counsel and execution of communication programs and health and behavioral information at the local, national, and international levels. Jennifer also helps produce "Your Fantastic Mind," an Emmy-winning and nationally syndicated PBS television series produced at Emory Brain Health in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Jennifer has a BA from the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism. She lives in the West Cobb area with her husband and two sons.
Jennifer is a lifelong birder, with a passion for everything related to birds. When she’s not out enjoying nature, she is helping lead communications at Emory University. Jennifer’s career spans 25 years as a communicator with experience in broadcast news, agency, media, higher education, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.
Jennifer has spent the last 15 years directing medical and scientific communications, public affairs, and media relations for Emory’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center. Since 2018, she has led communications for Emory Brain Health, providing strategic counsel and execution of communication programs and health and behavioral information at the local, national, and international levels. Jennifer also helps produce "Your Fantastic Mind," an Emmy-winning and nationally syndicated PBS television series produced at Emory Brain Health in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Jennifer has a BA from the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism. She lives in the West Cobb area with her husband and two sons.
Marlena Reed, Arthritis Foundation
Marlena Reed is an award-winning marketing communications professional with agency-side and client-side experience. She currently serves as Senior Director of Strategic Communications at the Arthritis Foundation. Marlena has managed public relations, marketing and social media initiatives for organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A multifaceted communicator, Marlena’s work has earned accolades from the American Marketing Association, the International Association of Business Communicators, and the Public Relations Society of America.
Marlena’s storytelling skills have resulted in media placements in trade press such as Nation’s Restaurant News, Data Center Knowledge.com and PR Week; national news outlets including the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Today show, and local media outlets in cities across the country. Prior to joining the Arthritis Foundation, she served in a communications role at The Nature Conservancy, and was a vice president at an integrated communications agency in Atlanta where she worked for more than 10 years. She also previously worked as a corporate communications manager at the American Cancer Society, one of the nation’s leading voluntary health agencies.
Marlena holds a bachelor of arts degree in communication from Arizona State University.
Marlena Reed is an award-winning marketing communications professional with agency-side and client-side experience. She currently serves as Senior Director of Strategic Communications at the Arthritis Foundation. Marlena has managed public relations, marketing and social media initiatives for organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. A multifaceted communicator, Marlena’s work has earned accolades from the American Marketing Association, the International Association of Business Communicators, and the Public Relations Society of America.
Marlena’s storytelling skills have resulted in media placements in trade press such as Nation’s Restaurant News, Data Center Knowledge.com and PR Week; national news outlets including the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Today show, and local media outlets in cities across the country. Prior to joining the Arthritis Foundation, she served in a communications role at The Nature Conservancy, and was a vice president at an integrated communications agency in Atlanta where she worked for more than 10 years. She also previously worked as a corporate communications manager at the American Cancer Society, one of the nation’s leading voluntary health agencies.
Marlena holds a bachelor of arts degree in communication from Arizona State University.
Jim Renner, Chemours
Jim is a geologist and environmental planner with 35 years of experience in natural resource management. He is currently Manager of Environmental Stewardship for the Minerals Operations of Chemours, a leading chemical manufacturer. In this role, Jim is responsible for advancing Chemours’ corporate responsibility commitments within the Georgia and Florida mining operations by engaging with stakeholders, sponsoring independent research on the environmental effects of mining, and supporting partnerships for regionally significant conservation. Previously, Jim was a principal with Golder Associates, where he led a global consulting practice in environmental impact assessment and permitting, water supply, and industrial minerals. Jim has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geology from the University of Georgia, and he is a Professional Geologist and Professional Wetland Scientist. Jim is a member of the Georgia Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, St. Marys Riverkeeper, One Hundred Miles, Society of Mining Engineers, and the Georgia Mining Association. Jim currently serves on the Boards of the Inuit Art Society and the Little Cumberland Island Homes Association.
Jim and his wife Shelley live on St. Simons Island. They love the Georgia coast and sharing its wild beauty with friends and family (3 daughters, 2 grandkids). As a birder, Jim is sufficiently capable to distinguish a Black Vulture from a Turkey Vulture, but most warblers remain a mystery. He hopes that Georgia Audubon will continue to thrive as a group dedicated to inspiring people to appreciate the world around them and to work toward conservation of our precious natural and cultural resources.
Jim is a geologist and environmental planner with 35 years of experience in natural resource management. He is currently Manager of Environmental Stewardship for the Minerals Operations of Chemours, a leading chemical manufacturer. In this role, Jim is responsible for advancing Chemours’ corporate responsibility commitments within the Georgia and Florida mining operations by engaging with stakeholders, sponsoring independent research on the environmental effects of mining, and supporting partnerships for regionally significant conservation. Previously, Jim was a principal with Golder Associates, where he led a global consulting practice in environmental impact assessment and permitting, water supply, and industrial minerals. Jim has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geology from the University of Georgia, and he is a Professional Geologist and Professional Wetland Scientist. Jim is a member of the Georgia Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, St. Marys Riverkeeper, One Hundred Miles, Society of Mining Engineers, and the Georgia Mining Association. Jim currently serves on the Boards of the Inuit Art Society and the Little Cumberland Island Homes Association.
Jim and his wife Shelley live on St. Simons Island. They love the Georgia coast and sharing its wild beauty with friends and family (3 daughters, 2 grandkids). As a birder, Jim is sufficiently capable to distinguish a Black Vulture from a Turkey Vulture, but most warblers remain a mystery. He hopes that Georgia Audubon will continue to thrive as a group dedicated to inspiring people to appreciate the world around them and to work toward conservation of our precious natural and cultural resources.
Amy Beth Sparks, Coca-Cola Company
As a lifelong animal and nature lover, Amy Beth Sparks has always been passionate about animals and nature. Her interest in sustainability led to her current role as Director of Communications within the Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability function at The Coca-Cola Company. In this role, Amy Beth has created communications strategies, crafted messaging, and supported many sustainability projects. Previous to this role, Amy Beth supported senior leadership with speech writing and town hall production, led employee communications in Canada, and served as editor-in-chief for the company intranet.
In addition to a BA in Literature from Georgia State University, Amy Beth also holds a master’s degree in teaching English to middle- and high-school students and spent five years teaching in both North and South Fulton. A few highlights of Amy Beth’s dedication to community service include serving as a photographer for Art on the Beltline, working behind the scenes as a writer/editor for Canine Cellmates, and arranging local community ecosystem cleanups in Atlanta and Toronto.
In her free time, Amy Beth enjoys painting, the trapeze, spending time with her dog, and gardening.
As a lifelong animal and nature lover, Amy Beth Sparks has always been passionate about animals and nature. Her interest in sustainability led to her current role as Director of Communications within the Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability function at The Coca-Cola Company. In this role, Amy Beth has created communications strategies, crafted messaging, and supported many sustainability projects. Previous to this role, Amy Beth supported senior leadership with speech writing and town hall production, led employee communications in Canada, and served as editor-in-chief for the company intranet.
In addition to a BA in Literature from Georgia State University, Amy Beth also holds a master’s degree in teaching English to middle- and high-school students and spent five years teaching in both North and South Fulton. A few highlights of Amy Beth’s dedication to community service include serving as a photographer for Art on the Beltline, working behind the scenes as a writer/editor for Canine Cellmates, and arranging local community ecosystem cleanups in Atlanta and Toronto.
In her free time, Amy Beth enjoys painting, the trapeze, spending time with her dog, and gardening.
Ayanna Williams, National Recreation and Parks Association
Ayanna Williams is a tested leader in place-based environmentally focused nonprofits. She currently serves as the Director of Community and Environmental Resilience at the National Recreation and Park Association focusing on facilitating conversations between park and recreation professionals and community partners to amplify equitable solutions to address historic environmental injustices. Park and recreation professionals plan, manage, program and maintain 11 million acres of public parks and green spaces across the USA, and are poised to bring community-driven climate solutions that build a healthy, more resilient and more equitable future for generations to come. Throughout her career Ayanna has cultivated a broad perspective and deep understanding of environmental resilience through local parks. Previously she was the Healthy Cities Director at The Nature Conservancy in Georgia, mobilizing public and private financial support, facilitating equity centered conversations, and sharing stories of impact with caring respect for all. For more than a decade, she served as the Director of Community Building with Park Pride, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that helps communities enhance parks and greenspace through advocacy, volunteerism, and capital improvements.
Throughout her career she has cultivated a broad perspective and deep understanding of environmental resilience, building and maintaining relationships, while engaging in work that depends on diverse local partnerships and the support of national institutions. Ayanna possesses a unique combination of hands-on experience, knowledge fueled passion, and commitment to community.
Ayanna has also worked with the United Way of Central Indiana, the University of Michigan's Ginsberg Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement, and Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan with a concentration in community organizing and social systems. Ayanna grew up in Michigan’s Manistee National Forest where she developed an appreciation for green spaces, gardening, and community.
Ayanna Williams is a tested leader in place-based environmentally focused nonprofits. She currently serves as the Director of Community and Environmental Resilience at the National Recreation and Park Association focusing on facilitating conversations between park and recreation professionals and community partners to amplify equitable solutions to address historic environmental injustices. Park and recreation professionals plan, manage, program and maintain 11 million acres of public parks and green spaces across the USA, and are poised to bring community-driven climate solutions that build a healthy, more resilient and more equitable future for generations to come. Throughout her career Ayanna has cultivated a broad perspective and deep understanding of environmental resilience through local parks. Previously she was the Healthy Cities Director at The Nature Conservancy in Georgia, mobilizing public and private financial support, facilitating equity centered conversations, and sharing stories of impact with caring respect for all. For more than a decade, she served as the Director of Community Building with Park Pride, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that helps communities enhance parks and greenspace through advocacy, volunteerism, and capital improvements.
Throughout her career she has cultivated a broad perspective and deep understanding of environmental resilience, building and maintaining relationships, while engaging in work that depends on diverse local partnerships and the support of national institutions. Ayanna possesses a unique combination of hands-on experience, knowledge fueled passion, and commitment to community.
Ayanna has also worked with the United Way of Central Indiana, the University of Michigan's Ginsberg Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement, and Hands On Atlanta AmeriCorps. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan with a concentration in community organizing and social systems. Ayanna grew up in Michigan’s Manistee National Forest where she developed an appreciation for green spaces, gardening, and community.
The following members of the Georgia Audubon Board of Directors are up for re-election to a second three-year term beginning January 1, 2023.
Joshua Gassman, Lord Aeck Sargent
In his current role as Principal and Sustainable Design Director at the architectural firm Lord Aeck Sargent Planning and Design, Joshua Gassman has leads interdisciplinary architectural teams focused on sustainable design projects across the Southeast. He has designed a broad spectrum of projects ranging from large research labs for major universities to interpretive and education centers, many of which are nationally-recognized, award winning, and LEED Certified. He specializes is projects with complicated performance requirements that also require sensitive responses to their local communities; many of his projects are net positive water and net positive energy.
Projects to his credit includes the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Tech, which aims to be the most sustainable building ever built in the southeastern U.S and Trees Atlanta’s new Urban Ecology Center, just nearing completion. Other projects on which he has worked include the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, Chattahoochee Nature & Discovery Center, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, The Bascom Visual Arts Center, and the High Museum of Art.
In his current role as Principal and Sustainable Design Director at the architectural firm Lord Aeck Sargent Planning and Design, Joshua Gassman has leads interdisciplinary architectural teams focused on sustainable design projects across the Southeast. He has designed a broad spectrum of projects ranging from large research labs for major universities to interpretive and education centers, many of which are nationally-recognized, award winning, and LEED Certified. He specializes is projects with complicated performance requirements that also require sensitive responses to their local communities; many of his projects are net positive water and net positive energy.
Projects to his credit includes the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Tech, which aims to be the most sustainable building ever built in the southeastern U.S and Trees Atlanta’s new Urban Ecology Center, just nearing completion. Other projects on which he has worked include the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, Chattahoochee Nature & Discovery Center, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, The Bascom Visual Arts Center, and the High Museum of Art.
Gus Kaufman, Oakhurst Psychotherapy Associates
Gus Kaufman, Jr., is a familiar face to many Georgia Audubon members who have attended one of his bird walks. A licensed psychologist whose practice is with Oakhurst Psychotherapy Associates, Gus’s love for nature and birdwatching began as a child growing up in Macon, with an Eagle Scout father and a Girl Scout leader mother. Living next to the largest tract of forest in Macon provided the Kaufmans with ample opportunities to hone their bird identification skills. Gus made his way to Atlanta in the fall of 1968, post-college, where he was a public school teacher, in addition to writing under the pseudonym Smokey Kaufman for the Atlanta-based underground newspaper, the Great Speckled Bird. He later received his Master’s in Humanistic Psychology at West Georgia College and studied psychotherapy in Boston, receiving his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Fielding Graduate University. Gus is a member of the Greater Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Birders (The Gaggle) and, in addition to birding, he still plays soccer, (badly, he says) and engages in social activism.
Gus Kaufman, Jr., is a familiar face to many Georgia Audubon members who have attended one of his bird walks. A licensed psychologist whose practice is with Oakhurst Psychotherapy Associates, Gus’s love for nature and birdwatching began as a child growing up in Macon, with an Eagle Scout father and a Girl Scout leader mother. Living next to the largest tract of forest in Macon provided the Kaufmans with ample opportunities to hone their bird identification skills. Gus made his way to Atlanta in the fall of 1968, post-college, where he was a public school teacher, in addition to writing under the pseudonym Smokey Kaufman for the Atlanta-based underground newspaper, the Great Speckled Bird. He later received his Master’s in Humanistic Psychology at West Georgia College and studied psychotherapy in Boston, receiving his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Fielding Graduate University. Gus is a member of the Greater Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Birders (The Gaggle) and, in addition to birding, he still plays soccer, (badly, he says) and engages in social activism.
Paige Martin, The Nature Conservancy
Paige Martin is a career fundraiser and serves as a global director of development at The Nature Conservancy (TNC), an international leader in conservation. She staffs the organization’s chief scientist, Katharine Hayhoe. Prior to her current role, Paige led the development team for TNC in Georgia and managed a comprehensive $36 million campaign. Paige joined TNC in 2014 after six years at Emory University, most recently as chief development officer for the neurosciences. In addition to her experience at Emory and five years in the corporate world (Fidelity Investments in Boston), Paige has led record-breaking development programs at The Asheville School, Duke University, and All Saints’ Episcopal Church. She holds a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, both in communication.
Paige lives in Atlanta with husband and Centers for Disease Control expert Dr. Arjun Srinivasan, two sons (when one is home from college), and two rescue dogs. A nature enthusiast, Paige recently had her yard certified as a Georgia Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary and is a Georgia Audubon Master Birder. She enjoys attending Georgia Audubon field trips when her schedule allows.
Paige Martin is a career fundraiser and serves as a global director of development at The Nature Conservancy (TNC), an international leader in conservation. She staffs the organization’s chief scientist, Katharine Hayhoe. Prior to her current role, Paige led the development team for TNC in Georgia and managed a comprehensive $36 million campaign. Paige joined TNC in 2014 after six years at Emory University, most recently as chief development officer for the neurosciences. In addition to her experience at Emory and five years in the corporate world (Fidelity Investments in Boston), Paige has led record-breaking development programs at The Asheville School, Duke University, and All Saints’ Episcopal Church. She holds a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Auburn University, both in communication.
Paige lives in Atlanta with husband and Centers for Disease Control expert Dr. Arjun Srinivasan, two sons (when one is home from college), and two rescue dogs. A nature enthusiast, Paige recently had her yard certified as a Georgia Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary and is a Georgia Audubon Master Birder. She enjoys attending Georgia Audubon field trips when her schedule allows.
Jon Philipsborn, SLR Consulting
Jon Philipsborn currently serves as SLR’s Climate Resilience Manager. He advises clients on the strategic integration of climate change into planning, project development, and management decisions. This has included supporting public and private sector clients with disaster preparedness and climate resilience planning, understanding potential climate change impacts and associated vulnerability, and identifying and implementing adaptation strategies. Throughout his career, Jon has communicated technical information to decision makers, and worked on innovative projects that produce climate, conservation, and community benefits. He has gained valuable experience working across geographies for government, non‐profits, and the private sector. Jon has also collaborated with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), including supporting the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) and contributing to updates and promotion of the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities, as well as co‐authoring the Public Health Addendum to the Scorecard.
Prior to consulting, Jon worked for two international non‐governmental organizations supporting project development and capacity building at the nexus of climate, conservation and community. He also worked for a U.S. Senator as a Conservation Fellow and has conducted ornithological research around the globe, ranging from Leach's Storm Petrels in the Bay of Fundy, to Black Brant on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. He has also lived on two islands in the southern hemisphere with penguins! An avid and enthusiastic bird watcher, Jon brings his binoculars wherever he goes and is an participates each year in the Christmas Bird Count. Jon has published and presented for various platforms on topics related to climate adaptation, disaster resilience, and creating positive climate, conservation, and community outcomes. In addition to serving on the board of the Georgia Audubon, he currently serves as Vice Chair on the Advisory Board of the Southeast and Caribbean Disaster Resilience Partnership.
Jon lives in Decatur, GA with his wife, Becca, two kids, Michael and Claire, and dog, Scout.
Jon Philipsborn currently serves as SLR’s Climate Resilience Manager. He advises clients on the strategic integration of climate change into planning, project development, and management decisions. This has included supporting public and private sector clients with disaster preparedness and climate resilience planning, understanding potential climate change impacts and associated vulnerability, and identifying and implementing adaptation strategies. Throughout his career, Jon has communicated technical information to decision makers, and worked on innovative projects that produce climate, conservation, and community benefits. He has gained valuable experience working across geographies for government, non‐profits, and the private sector. Jon has also collaborated with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), including supporting the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) and contributing to updates and promotion of the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities, as well as co‐authoring the Public Health Addendum to the Scorecard.
Prior to consulting, Jon worked for two international non‐governmental organizations supporting project development and capacity building at the nexus of climate, conservation and community. He also worked for a U.S. Senator as a Conservation Fellow and has conducted ornithological research around the globe, ranging from Leach's Storm Petrels in the Bay of Fundy, to Black Brant on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. He has also lived on two islands in the southern hemisphere with penguins! An avid and enthusiastic bird watcher, Jon brings his binoculars wherever he goes and is an participates each year in the Christmas Bird Count. Jon has published and presented for various platforms on topics related to climate adaptation, disaster resilience, and creating positive climate, conservation, and community outcomes. In addition to serving on the board of the Georgia Audubon, he currently serves as Vice Chair on the Advisory Board of the Southeast and Caribbean Disaster Resilience Partnership.
Jon lives in Decatur, GA with his wife, Becca, two kids, Michael and Claire, and dog, Scout.
LaTresse Snead, Bonsai Leadership Group LLC
LaTresse Snead is the Chief Executive Officer of Bonsai Leadership Group. She has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and business sectors and a reputation for being bold, authentic, and transparent. As Birkman Certified Consultant, Certified Executive Coach and BoardSource Certified Board Consultant, she helps nonprofit executives cultivate inclusive, dynamic and high performing teams to succeed in an increasingly complex workplace.
She most recently served as chief program officer of the National Park Foundation (NPF), driving awareness and engagement in the national parks system while overseeing more than $55 million in program investments to protect its wildlife, history, and culture. Prior to the National Park Foundation, LaTresse spent seven years at The Nature Conservancy. She began her career there as global director of volunteer programs and community outreach and went on to become global director of the Healthy Cities program, leading an all-remote team of scientists, fundraisers, environmental educators and communications professionals in developing global solutions to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. She has also held leadership positions at the American Red Cross, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
LaTresse earned a master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Administration from Georgia State University and bachelor’s in Black Studies from San Francisco State University.
LaTresse Snead is the Chief Executive Officer of Bonsai Leadership Group. She has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and business sectors and a reputation for being bold, authentic, and transparent. As Birkman Certified Consultant, Certified Executive Coach and BoardSource Certified Board Consultant, she helps nonprofit executives cultivate inclusive, dynamic and high performing teams to succeed in an increasingly complex workplace.
She most recently served as chief program officer of the National Park Foundation (NPF), driving awareness and engagement in the national parks system while overseeing more than $55 million in program investments to protect its wildlife, history, and culture. Prior to the National Park Foundation, LaTresse spent seven years at The Nature Conservancy. She began her career there as global director of volunteer programs and community outreach and went on to become global director of the Healthy Cities program, leading an all-remote team of scientists, fundraisers, environmental educators and communications professionals in developing global solutions to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. She has also held leadership positions at the American Red Cross, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
LaTresse earned a master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Administration from Georgia State University and bachelor’s in Black Studies from San Francisco State University.
