Board of Directors
The KAEE Board of Directors is a working board that provides guidance at the policy level aimed at enhancing environmental education professional development efforts across the state, region, and nation. Keeping in mind KAEE’s vision of a sustainable world where environmental and social responsibility drive individual and institutional choices, board members work together and lead the association toward achieving the KAEE mission to increase environmental knowledge and community engagement in Kentucky through the power of environmental education. Ultimately, the board works collectively to guide KAEE’s work to promote excellence in environmental education and provide support, resources, and networking opportunities to Kentucky’s community of educators.
The KAEE Board of Directors consists of up to 15 members, five of whom are officers: chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer, and immediate past chair. New board members are elected each fall at the annual KAEE conference and join a core team of KAEE representatives from across Kentucky. Board members serve two years as they work to provide strong leadership for the organization and improve environmental education efforts throughout the state.
MEET OUR BOARD
Dr. Meg Gravil
CHAIR
Eastern Kentucky University
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2017
Vivian Bowles
TREASURER
Retired Madison County Schools Teacher
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2010
Ryan Bowers
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
The Lexington School
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2021
Pony Meyer
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2020
Kyle Yarrow
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Life Adventure Center
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2022
Louis Ross
VICE CHAIR
Kentucky State University
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2016
Rae McEntyre
PAST CHAIR
Retired KY Department of Education
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2015
Jennifer Hubbard-Sánchez
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Lexington Parks & Recreation
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2013
Dan Pascucci
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Bernheim Forest & Arboretum
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2017
Aviva Yasgur
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Murray State University
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2010
Jennifer Beach
SECRETARY
Kenton County Public Library
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2012
Andy Beichler
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Partners for Rural Impact
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2024
David Logsdon
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Pathfinders of Perry County
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2022
Vivian Ross
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Woodford County Conservation District
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
2022
Dr. Terry Wilson
ADVISORY MEMBER
Western Kentucky University
Professor Emeritus
KAEE MEMBER SINCE
1976
BOARD MEMBER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The KAEE Board of Directors is a working board. Members work together and lead the association toward achieving the KAEE Mission to increase environmental knowledge and community engagement in Kentucky through the power of environmental education. The Board provides guidance at the policy level aimed at enhancing environmental education professional development efforts across the state, region, and nation. KAEE will advocate for environmental education, but KAEE will not advocate for any particular environmental issue.
BOARD GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
The Governance Committee is charged with:
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Identifying current board needs related to KAEE board membership and board development.
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Selecting a slate of candidates to fill board officer and board member vacancies.
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Ensuring the current board receives any professional development it needs to fulfill its legal and fiduciary responsibilities.
The Governance Committee is made up of a five-member appointed committee that includes the past chair, two board members, and two KAEE members-at-large. The two KAEE members-at-large will serve a one-year appointment. In order to qualify for this position, you must be a current KAEE member in good standing. During the spring and early summer, you must be able to participate in several conference calls and review documents before the calls. Previous knowledge of KAEE’s mission, vision, and long-range plan is preferred.
All board nominations, including both Board officers and Board members, will be submitted to the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee will use a matrix to determine gaps in the current board composition related to gender, geographic location, race, age, skills, and the vocations of current members. From that analysis, the Governance Committee will submit a non-competitive slate of candidates for each elective board position and office to be filled. The slate of candidates will be presented to the membership for final approval.