Greg Abernathy

Greg’s background in forest ecology coupled with a love of maps and art have lead to a life of working for the natural world. He has spent his career working on conservation and biodiversity protection-related issues, primarily in the Commonwealth. Most days he can be found doing digital mapping, cartography and graphic/web design for Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. In his free time, he collaborates with regional land trusts/conservation groups while also working on his various art projects. His interests lie in using visual mediums to convey information about the natural world that engages and educates people, with the ultimate goal of compelling them to be more active in protecting and appreciative of our shared natural heritage.

Mary Beth Brown

A meandering path led Mary Beth Brown from art and French studies at Centre College to a career as an account executive to her current role as a preschool teacher. Along the way, she has accumulated interests in tending the earth, becoming an involved citizen, and being “Aunt Meeb” to 19 nieces and nephews. She lost 2,384 pounds in 2009 when she ditched her Neon for a bike and TARC, and has been car-free ever since.

Pete Bivens

Pete Bivens was born in Louisville and attended U of L’s Speed Scientific School before receiving an architecture degree from UK. Having lived in Chicago, Tampa, New Orleans and Ft. Lauderdale, he returned to Louisville to stay...so far at least...unless they really mess things up. He’s also traveled enough to both truly appreciate what Louisville already has and to recognize what is missing.

He’s happy to live with Donna and their two daughters Rachael and Stacia and although not quite sure how bright the future looks, he’s optimistically wearing shades.

Tony Belak

Tony Belak is the Ombuds at the University of Louisville, Associate Director of the Center for Conflict Resolution at La Sierra University, Riverside, California, founder of The Institute for Workplace Transition, and the former Executive Director of the International Center for Collaborative Solutions at Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky, where he was also on the faculty of the Master of Science in Conflict Management program. He was the Senior Dispute Resolution Counsel for the Department of Veterans Affairs and is not only a mediator and arbitrator but also a teacher in basic, advanced, and specialized conflict resolution. He is recognized for his innovation in designing conflict resolution programs within the workplace.

Billy Davis

Billy Davis is a local mountain biker and trail builder and is Vice President of the Louisville chapter of the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association. His focus on trail design is towards allowing all users to experience natural surface trails that are as naturalistic, sustainable, and fun. Billy lives in the Highlands and works for Philips Healthcare as a specialist in evidence-based experience design.  His many volunteer hours wouldn’t be possible without the support of his wife Kate and their two children, Ella and Isaac.

Amy Sparrow Potts

Amy Sparrow Potts is the Rural Heritage Programs Director for Preservation Kentucky and has worked with the Kentucky Crossroads Rural Heritage Development Initiative (RHDI) program since 2006.  The RHDI is one of two demonstration programs in the country sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to help develop and implement preservation-based economic development strategies in rural areas.  Programs of this initiative include a statewide barn preservation program, rural survey and documentation projects, rural design guidelines, oversight of a National Scenic Byway dedicated to Abraham Lincoln's early years, an oral history website to document rural traditions and folklore, and various technical assistance for rural preservation issues. Previously, Amy worked as Executive Director of the Harrodsburg Kentucky Main Street Program and completed studies at Berea College and Appalachian State University (Boone, North Carolina) with an academic background in cultural studies. She is married to Craig Potts and has two sons, Sam and Simon.

John Campbell

John has worked for Schlafly Beer, Bluegrass Brewing Company, New Albanian Brewing Company, and Falls City Beer. He is co-founder of LouisvilleBeer.com and an outspoken advocate for all things local.

George Parker Jr.

George Parker Jr. is a litigation consultant, producer, entrepreneur and partner at ParkerLane, LLC, producers of the award-winning program Kentucky’s Greenside, featured on kyGREEN.tv and KET.  In addition, Parker acts as CEO of kyGREEN.tv Foundation, a non-profit internet-based TV station for all things green and sustainable across Kentucky.  Parker is a founding member and board member of the Louisville Film Society and Flyover Film Festival and serves on the board of the Kentucky School of Art at Spaulding University.

Lauren Argo

Lauren Argo is a Cynthiana, Kentucky native with a BA in Theatre from the University of Kentucky.   Argo is an installation and performance artist, actor, director, playwright and teacher who adores collaboration.  This year she toured "The Triangle Project" to NYC and "The House of Bernalda Alba" with Looking for Lilith Theatre Company, performed "Farmer's Daughter Cycle" and participated in "Summer Heat" at Land of Tomorrow gallery, collaborated on public art for the Center for Neighborhood's P.A.I.N.T. Project and broke her collarbone (whaa, whaa).

Andrew Berry

Andrew Berry is a native of the Lexington area and has spent his life exploring and studying the lands of Kentucky and beyond.  Interests include the protection of natural areas, wandering far and wide, good conversation, and hard work. As the Forest Manager at Bernheim Forest, Andrew spends his professional life working to preserve the ecological integrity of 14,000 acres of Knobs located just south of Louisville. In his personal time he enjoys hanging out with his wife, Tara Littlefield. Together they are making improvements on a 34 acre farm in the Benson Creek watershed in north Anderson County.

Jay Stottmann

I am a staff archaeologist at the Kentucky Archaeological Survey, a lecturer at the University of Louisville, and a PhD. candidate at the University of Kentucky.  I am a native of Louisville and I have always been interested in the rich history and culture of my hometown.  I most recently published an edited volume last year called Archaeologists as Activists:  Can Archaeologists Change the World?, which discusses how archaeology can benefit contemporary communities.

Nathan Smith

Before starting PART Studio LLC in Louisville, Nathan Smith worked for firms in Albuquerque, New York City, Oslo, San Juan and Mexico City. Along the way, he received his MARCH from Rice University and taught design at the Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala) and the University of Puerto Rico (he currently teaches at the University of Kentucky).  He is married to Ashley and awaiting the arrival of their daughter Ellison.

Summer Auerbach

Summer Auerbach, Chief Operating Officer for Rainbow Blossom Natural Food Markets, literally “grew up” in the natural foods industry.  Her parents, Rob and Pumpkin Auerbach, started the family business in 1977.  In 2004, her father was diagnosed with cancer and she moved back to Louisville to take over the family business, which has grown to five locations under her leadership.  Summer is currently on the board of directors of the Independent Natural Foods Retailers Association, the Louisville Independent Business Alliance, St Francis High School and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Summer is passionate about supporting local and sustainable agriculture, environmental awareness, and the development of a vibrant local economy.