Our board of directors is a volunteer team of diverse individuals committed to the earthtouch mission. Each of these people bring something important and unique as they collectively steer the future of earthtouch.
As the owner of Metcalf & Associates, I have developed, tested, and implemented emerging models that dramatically improve how my clients' businesses grow and thrive in changing times. I work with leaders to develop "Level 5" leadership competencies and with organizations to develop "Level 5" organizations. In a time when businesses are rocked with ethical issues, global competition, automation, bankruptcies and accounting scandals, it is critical to explore these emerging solutions for long term organizational sustainability. The alignment between the individual and the organization is key to retaining the most talented leaders and producing and sustaining significant business results.
As the Board President of Earthtouch, I have the privilege of steering an organization that preserves land for future generations and promotes healthy interaction between people and the natural world. When I think of the legacy I leave this world, I would like people to say I improved the quality of life of people and left the world a better place. I get the opportunity to do that through land preservation and programs that promote personal health for a broad range of the community. I will have been successful in this role if we expand both the land we preserve and the people we serve.
I am one of the original 6 founders of Earthtouch. My passion for preserving land began in 1989 after taking a class with Dr. Lou DeWein as my teacher, and after visiting the simply beautiful Niches Retreat Center. We birthed the Earthtouch concept in 1990, on the first anniversary of visiting Niches, when the land next door was being logged. Our original purpose was to preserve the land contiguous to Niches in order to protect it from future logging, mining and encroaching development. I am a graduate of Capital University and a retired banker. I have been on the Earthtouch board for 20 years.
As the owner of Greenovate®, the leading green building supply company in Ohio, I am intimately connected to the sustainability movement. My educational, advocacy and market development experience in the green building field is extensive, including involvement in dozens of LEED projects regionally. I have an intense passion for natural preservation and human connection to our natural world. As an Eagle Scout, I learned early on that our environment is and will continue to be irreplaceable as an asset to future generations.
With a diverse background including work in Washington, DC in presidential politics, management of international museum caliber artists and a life-long interest in historic building preservation, my entrepreneurial work focuses on authenticity, team building and long-term sustainability.
I currently serve on Columbus Mayor Coleman's Green Team Business committee, on the Board of Directors of Local Matters and have been active in many other political, educational, community and business organizations in the past decade. At present, I am highly committed to the U.S. Green Building Council- Central Ohio Chapter by serving on its Board of Directors and as a Co-Chair of the Programs & Education Committee.
I have always been amazed at how even a small patch of trees can dramatically change the environment. That’s probably part of what drew me to forestry as a career. I’ve now spent almost 20 years researching the genetics, and molecular and biochemical response of forest trees to pathogens and insects. I currently work as a Research Associate in the Department of Entomology at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center where I am studying the response of ash trees to the emerald ash borer, and beech trees to the beech scale insect.
In addition to my professional perspective, I also bring to earthtouch training and experience in non-profit leadership. I was part of the 2008 class of the United Way of Central Ohio’s Pride Leadership Program. I also serve on the Human Right’s Campaign’s Board of Governors and chair the Columbus Steering Committee. I have experience fundraising, planning events, and engaging members, supporters and volunteers in HRC’s work.
As a board member, I would like to help people understand the natural process and communities of earthtouch. And I’m hopeful that by understanding nature’s resilience and limits, people will take positive action to live and work in more sustainable ways.
