Meet the Team

Natalie Johnston-Russell, Executive Director

Natalie oversees organizational administration and planning, community partnerships, fund development, and staff and board training. She has over 15 years of experience as a nonprofit leader, most recently serving with the Red Cross, and she received B.S. degrees in biology and psychology at the University of Alabama. She loves working with passionate people across the state to influence communities to take action and make positive changes for the environment, and on a personal level, wants to preserve Georgia’s beauty and natural resources for her own children and generations to come. In fact, you can find Natalie almost any weekend out exploring the state with her family, from Red Top Mountain to Jekyll Island. Last summer, they renovated a camper for extended outdoor adventures.

You can reach Natalie at natalie.johnstonrussell@kgbf.org.

Meagan Whitehead, Program & Affiliate Support Manager

Meagan supports affiliates across the state in programming, training, and technical assistance. She has over eight years of combined experience in hospitality, tourism, and public relations, and has worked for Emory University, Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, and numerous hotels in Asheville, North Carolina. A Georgia native, she received a B.S. in sociology and anthropology from Berry College in 2008, and enjoys working with a system that not only improves the environment but changes the behaviors of a community. Meagan loves the diverse landscapes Georgia has to offer, and you can find her traversing them with her dog when she’s not busy renovating her home or spending time with friends, family, or local church community.

You can reach Meagan at meagan.whitehead@kgbf.org.

Taylor Schwensohn, Communications & Marketing Manager

Taylor wears many different hats as a storyteller. Whether she's drafting blog posts, designing digital campaigns, or generating ideas for print and broadcast media, she loves to create compelling content and get it out into the world. She previously managed communications and public affairs at Teach For America, sourcing and developing stories that increased awareness of the organization and solidified its brand. Taylor received a B.A. in Creative Writing from Macalester College in 2008, and as a lifelong environmental advocate, feels honored to promote KGBF’s mission. When she’s not in the office, you can find her reading, pursuing her passions in photography and writing, or enjoying the outdoors with her husband and dog. Her favorite locations in Georgia include Cumberland Island and the Blue Ridge Mts.

You can reach Taylor at taylor.schwensohn@kgbf.org.

Lindsay Bridges, President

Georgia Electric Membership Corporation

Mike Martinez, Vice President

Kennesaw State University

Nancy Hunter, Treasurer

Medshare

Jay Bassett

EPA Region 4

Heather Beaubien

Chik-Fil-A

Judy Bowles

Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful

Lynn Cobb

Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (retired)

Stacee Farrell

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful

Ann Kirk

Keep Smyrna Beautiful (retired)

Travis Lawrence

Home Depot

Meredith Lindvall

Cox Enterprises

Jalpa Patel

Georgia Power

Kevin Perry

Georgia Beverage Association

Jeremie Peterkin

Links Consulting Services

Michael Power

Georgia Cable Association

Allen Richardson

Koch Industries Public Sector, LLC

Dawn Smith

Pratt Recycling, Inc.

Jerry Travers

Bank of America