At this point, most of us have been practicing social distancing and sheltering at home for more than a month. Like most organizations and institutions across the country, and across the world, Service and Conservation Corps have been forced to rethink how they operate. At The Corps Network, we are inspired by the way our member organizations have confronted tough decisions about whether and how to continue engaging in projects. I want to provide an update on how Corps are responding to this crisis, as well as how we, as the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps, are supporting the Corps movement through today’s challenges.
Corps on the Frontlines
Several Corps continue to engage Corpsmembers in service. Some Corps that traditionally engage Corpsmembers in providing certain “essential services” have been able to continue these projects through instituting new health and safety protocols. Examples of such projects include removing hazardous fire fuels, trimming vegetation to keep streets and powerlines clear, collecting recycling, and providing emergency home repairs for the elderly and low-income households.
Some programs have diverted crews to COVID-19 response efforts. For instance, Civic Works in Baltimore and Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast in Florida are having Corpsmembers deliver food and other essentials to high-risk, home-bound individuals and families; Conservation Corps of Long Beach helped construct several temporary medical facilities; and the California Conservation Corps has helped manage distribution centers for emergency medical supplies, including helping the National Guard pack and ship hundreds of ventilators.
A number of Corps are providing their Corpsmembers with access to online education and training while they shelter in place.
Assisting Corps through Operational Challenges
Many Corps are operating at significantly reduced capacity or have been forced to cease programming. Corps often complete work through a “fee-for-service” model: project sponsors–such as city governments or public land agencies–compensate Corps to do specific projects. Because so much of our country is closed, many projects are not possible. Some Corps have received funding through Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
In addition, The Corps Network is working diligently with our federal land management partners at the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture to help Corps access administrative funding attached to fee-for-service projects that have been postponed or cancelled. To date, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service have agreed to let Corps access project-related administrative funds. Access to this funding will be critical for the Corps should they have to remain at reduced operation beyond the term of their PPP loans.
Likewise, The Corps Network’s AmeriCorps team has been working with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to help organizations in our Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI) program gain access to the full amount of their fixed-cost grant awards. As a result, 13 Corps have been able to draw down more than $1.2 million in AmeriCorps funding. These funds will help those Corps keep their doors open until they can resume regular programming (hopefully in early summer).
Information
The Corps Network is working to provide our member organizations with timely information. We continue to send newsletters and regularly update a resource library of relevant information. One resource is a new catalog of more than 100 online training and certification courses Corpsmembers can do from home.
In addition, we have hosted weekly town hall discussions for our membership on a range of topics. We are grateful that our federal partners and Corps have made themselves available and joined these calls to share their insights.
Lastly, The Corps Network launched a new online platform – Corps Connect – to provide a space for Corps staff across the country to communicate and share ideas.
Recovery: “A New Civilian Conservation Corps”
In opinion columns across the country, there have been numerous calls to revive the Civilian Conservation Corps of the New Deal Era. Given the growing unemployment rate, many are drawing comparisons between this current economic crisis and the Great Depression. The Corps Network has been contacted by officials in the Administration and Congress about what it would take to bring the existing network of Service and Conservation Corps to scale. For example, The Corps Network provided input on a jobs-creation package currently in development in Senate. We have also communicated with a group of Democratic Senators preparing to introduce legislation that would increase the number of AmeriCorps positions from 75,000 annually, to 150,000. Service and Conservation Corps are referenced several times throughout the draft bill.
Working from home, The Corps Network team remains busy. We aim to provide our member organizations access to funding and resources that will keep them afloat during this phase of the pandemic, while also positioning Corps for significant expansion should a federal investment in service and jobs come to pass.
Wishing you health and safety,
Mary Ellen Sprenkel President & CEO, The Corps Network
https://corpsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo-1030x421-1.png00actualizehttps://corpsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo-1030x421-1.pngactualize2020-04-30 13:42:172022-10-03 11:03:49A Message From Our President & CEO: Update on Corps and COVID-19 Response and Relief, April 30, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Corps across the nation are stepping up in a major way to assist their local communities. Below is a photo and video timeline of how Corps continue to engage America’s young adults in meaningful service.
For general updates from The Corps Network during this crisis, and to learn how we are supporting the Corps community, please go to our COVID-19 Response Landing Page.
Responding to the COVID-19 crisis: Local Conservation Corps of California provide emergency and essential support services to meet local needs.
June 8
Lending a helping hand: AmeriCorps members from Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa assisted Minneapolis Public Housing Authority with distributing household essentials and food to residents in south Minneapolis.
June 4
Returning back to the field:Great Basins Institute’s field personnel are back in the field with a “new normal” way of completing projects that includes PPE, updated sanitation protocols, and social distancing.
Securing food for local residents: With help from community partners, members with Conservation Corps North Bay provided food for thousands of residents in Marin.
May 28
Preparing for the summer season: Members with LA Conservation Corps removed over 3,000 invasive Arundo Donax plant stalks in Big Tujunga Canyon to help with fire prevention.
May 27
Back in the field with the BLM: AmeriCorps members with Western Colorado Conservation Corps are wearing masks and practicing social distancing while serving on projects in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. One crew recently completed a project on the Lower Colorado River to remove invasive tamarisk and Russian Olive trees. They also applied herbicide to prevent regrowth. Two crews are currently assisting the BLM: one is working on a sign project, while the other is building a fence.
Gathering for a morning stretch: With Corpsmembers excited to start the Wild Restoration team, Montana Conservation Corps Field Coordinator, Darcy Smith, leads a socially distanced stretch circle.
May 25
Cleaning up the local bike trail: Over Memorial Day, Canyon Country Youth Corps crew leaders and field bosses volunteered to maintain Monticello’s bike trails for the local community to enjoy.
May 22
Restoring native wetlands and trails: For the last few weeks, members with Conservation Corps of Long Beach have been working alongside Tidal Influence to help restore native wetlands and trails at Zedler Marsh. Corpsmembers collected 138 pounds of trash, removed 3,360 pounds of invasive vegetation, and repaired over 750 feet of recreational trail.
May 20
Continuing their service: Crew leaders with Canyon Country Youth Corps have been volunteering with Bluff Mutual Aid since April by packaging and delivering supplies for families living in remote parts of southeastern Utah.
Training for chain saw certifications: Members from California Conservation Corps practice using the chainsaw to get their cut down perfect. During this training, Corpsmembers master their chain saw skills for wild fire season.
Preparing parks for re-opening:Maine Conservation Corps Environmental Steward, Amanda Haddock, gets trails ready for visitors at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park.
May 19
Back in the field: Members from Northwest Youth Corps started their field leader training this week. With increased safety precautions and protocols in place, they are ready to improve more public lands and empower the next generation of conservation leaders.
Picking up where they left off: Members from YouthWorks are excited to be back! Corpsmembers spent the day being trained on new safety protocols and making improvements at Deyoung Natural Area for the Leelanau Conservancy.
May 18
Work hard, play hard: It’s refreshing to start your day off with some fun during these times. Watch Corpsmembers from Conservation Corps North Bay give a dance routine before heading into service.
Creating online content for students:Montana Conservation Corps‘ Big Sky Watershed members have been busy creating an online watershed curriculum for local clubs and schools to use while students work from home.
Highlighting the work of Corps: Corpsmember Development Specialist, James Winfield, appeared on MSNBC with Senator Chris Coons. In this conversation, James Winfield talks about how Civic Works has responded to the pandemic with a food outreach program to elderly residents.
May 15
Giving back to the community: Members from Conservation Corps North Bay are still working hard helping distribute food at food banks three days a week.
Returning to the field: Members from EarthCorps safely returned to the field to continue caring for the Puget Sound greenspaces.
May 13
Tracking the habits of turtles: VetWorks Interns from Mt. Adams Institute set up turtle traps at Mason Flats in Portland, OR. This project is part of a multi-year study looking at how western painted turtles are utilizing urban habitats as well as tracking distribution and population trends.
May 11
Bringing the summer camp experience to your home:Mt. Adams Institute piloted their very first At-Home Adventure Camps (A-HA): Budding Birders and Backyard Explorers! Due to COVID-19, this will be the first year that Mt. Adams won’t have an in-person camp.
May 10
Cleaning up the coast: Corpsmembers from GulfCorps Bay Crew are back in the field with St. Andrew Bay Resource Management Association (RMA) bagging oysters shells for new living shorelines installations.
May 7
Assisting the National Guard: Iowa-based AmeriCorps members from Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa joined the Iowa National Guard and Habitat for Humanity, Inc. to assist the Northeast Iowa Food Bank with food packaging and distribution.
Delivering food to families in rural areas: With support from the Rural Utah Project, Canyon Country Youth Corps and a group of volunteers gathered at the Twin Rocks Cafe multiple times each week to pack food into boxes and deliver to families from Blanding to Navajo Mountain to Aneth.
Prepping for fire season: Wildfires don’t a take a break. Members of the California Conservation Corps dug a fire line the size of a football field as part of their test to become part of a wildland firefighting hand crew. CCC Butte’s crew passed their drill this week and are now ready to take on the task of protecting property and people.
May 6
Investing in Landscape: Corpsmembers from Conservation Corps of Long Beach built and installed OHV barriers in Angeles National Forest to protect habitat from illegal activities, giving the landscape a chance to make a full comeback.
May 5
Cleaning up the natural world: Corpsmembers from Conservation Corps North Bay collected tires from Russian River Alliance to recycle. Corpsmembers are using this time as an opportunity to keep the natural world clean while most people are staying inside.
Assisting in numerous ways: Over the past month, Los Angeles Conservation Corpspressure washed 1,600 feet of sidewalks, cleared thousands of pounds of litter from public alleys, and removed 428 discarded mattresses from streets to maintain public health and safety.
Sorting and boxing food: Members of the Polk County Crew with Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa deployed for two weeks to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank where they will sort and box food for those in need.
May 4
Working on the frontline:California Conservation Corps spent the last several days packing and unpacking equipment, maintaining the grounds, and moving hospital beds at the Porterville Developmental Center. The facility will add more than 200 beds for COVID-19 patients.
Serving canned goods:Utah Conservation Corps USU AmeriCorps members, VISTA’s, students and community volunteers grab “Low Hanging Fruit” to serve their community.
April 30
Loading essential items in vehicles:Greater Service Miami Corps provided food and other goods to residents in partnership with Board Member and State Rep. Kionne L. McGhee, Miami-Dade Dade Police Department and Farm Share.
Assisting with debris pickup:Conservation Corps of Long Beach partnered with the City of South Gate to provide bulky-item pickups, freeing up necessary city personnel for the coronavirus response.
April 29
Providing supplies for infants: Through the support of the Orsinger Foundation and Greater Austin, American YouthWorks was able to continue purchasing diapers for the babies of parents enrolled in the YouthBuild Austin a program of American Youth Works.
April 28
Aiding the local food bank: Corpsmembers from the Iowa Lakes and Timbers crews with Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa package and sort food at the River Bend Foodbank.
Preparing and delivering meals for the community: Corpsmembers from Santa Fe YouthWorks assisted the World Central Kitchen serving nearly 2,000 children in need each day.
April 27
Serving members of the community:San Jose Conservation Corps passed out bags of groceries to those affected by the crisis.
April 24
Providing healthy food for families: Watch this video of the San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School explain what they are doing to divert food from landfills and provide nutrition to people in need.
April 23
Donating technology to the local community:YouthBuild Austin Mentor Program of American YouthWorks partnered with the City of Austin Government Digital Inclusion initiative. Through this partnership, computers refurbished by MediaCorps students were donated to residents who need access to technology.
Donating food to those in need: Corpsmembers from Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa‘s Field Crew and Youth Outdoors programs supported emergency food assistance efforts at Second Harvest Heartland.
Gathering food for families:Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps teamed up with Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission Food Services Division to bag food for those impacted by COVID-19.
Delivering food to remote areas:Canyon Country Youth Corps (CYCA) is partnering with Bluff Area Mutual Aid (BAMA) to pack and deliver essential items to members of the Navajo Nation living in remote areas of San Juan County, UT.
Providing help to the food bank:Civicorps assisted the Alameda County Community Food Bank to serve local citizens in need.
April 20
Constructing micro homes: The Construction crew members of YouthBuild Austin a program of American YouthWorks are building a micro home at Community First Village. These photos were taken last month before the City of Austin Stay Home Order, but the crews’ work did continue with extra safety precautions as construction was deemed essential service.
Fixing up an alternative care site:CCC Pomona Corpsmembers worked last week and over the weekend to help get the Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa ready to accept COVID-19 patients. The center is an alternate care site to help reduce the strain on Southland hospitals.
April 17
Transforming a former sports arena into a medical site: California Conservation Corps set up hospital beds, IV stands, mattresses, and more at Natomas Arena. The arena will hold a maximum of 400 beds and is among several sites setup across the state to relieve the strain put on hospitals.
April 16
Farming to feed Baltimore families in need:The local news reported on the Civic Works Real Food Farm, where AmeriCorps members and staff are growing more produce and delivering food and other necessities directly to people in need.
April 15
Preventing the spread of wildfires: During the COVID-19 crisis, the work to prepare for and prevent wildfires takes no break. CCC Monterey Bay Corpsmembers are working to protect a prestigious park and trails system in Santa Cruz called Pogonip.
Servicing the Utility District:Civicorps continues to work with East Bay Municipal Utility District to remove overgrown and hazardous vegetation.
April 14
Feeding the community: Over the past week, LA Conservation Corps delivered 71 food boxes and 71 bags of vegetables to 6 different senior living communities. Corpsmembers also picked up 225 food boxes from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in Commerce, and gathered 222 Easter hams from Serv-Rite and Bar-M Meat Companies and delivered them to the LA Boys & Girls Club, Healing Urban Barrios, Church of the Epiphany, Toberman Park Association, and MacArthur Park Apts.
April 13
Staffing food pantries:Conservation Corps North Bay Corpsmembers partnered with Canal Alliance and Marin Community Clinics to staff food pantries in San Rafael and Novato every week.
April 10
Providing essential support for those in need: The San Jose Conservation Corps are working hard to provide emergency support services. They are helping with activities including sheltering the homeless, preparing and distributing food, building tiny homes for homeless students, and fire managing fire fuels.
Refurbishing medical supplies:CCC Santa Maria Corpsmembers are refurbishing older surgical masks from the national stockpile and building face shields for Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. The refurbished masks will be used by Santa Barbara County health workers until the newly manufactured masks ordered by Governor Newsom arrive.
April 9
Delivering food to senior citizens:Conservation Corps of the Forgotten Coast distributed food to over 90 households belonging to individuals of the senior citizen community.
April 7
Prepping vehicles for safety:Conservation Corps North Bay practice social-distancing by disinfecting work vehicles.
April 6
Preparing Long City Beach for COVID-19 patients:Conservation Corps of Long Beach built and placed 100 cots for the Long Beach Convention Center.
Distributing food donations: Corpsmembers from the CCC Delta Center are assisting the Interfaith Food Bank of Amador County in Jackson. Corpsmembers are unpacking, sorting, and prepping food donations. They’re also filling up cars and unloading trucks as residents in and around Jackson need and offer assistance.
Reducing fuel hazards: Local Forestry Fire and State Lands Wildland Urban Interface seasonal employees, Utah Conservation Corps crews and Bureau of Land Management wildland firefighters worked to reduce fuel hazards along Pack Creek and Mill Creek.
Shipping medical supplies:Volunteer personnel from the California Conservation Corps prepare pallets of ventilators that will ship to various states.
April 5
Supplying companies with fresh fruit: Corpsmembers from Urban Corps of San Diego continue to bring some Vitamin C to San Diego. They are working with ProduceGood to help pick fresh fruit and make it available to those in need during these times.
April 3
Feeding hundreds of families:Utah Conservation Corps continues to assist with serving food to Utah State University students, faculty and staff during COVID-19. The Student Nutrition Access Center remains open to serve Utah State University students, faculty, staff and student families during the (COVID-19) public health emergency.
Helping disperse food to the local community:LA Conservation Corpshelped the West Valley Food Pantry sort and box donations. Corpsmembers delivered boxes of prepared meals and fresh vegetables from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to dozens of senior citizens in Council Districts 4 and 10, and kept the community healthy by hauling away thousands of pounds of trash from streets throughout the city.
April 2
Assisting local food banks: Across the state, California Conservation Corps responded to calls from local food banks to help get food to families in need.
April 1
Sanitizing school equipment: Corpsmembers from MHYC’s Energy and Water Conservation Program are working with Denver Public Schools to help prepare equipment for students to use at home while engaging in distance learning. They are taking the necessary precautions for social distancing and helping ensure equipment is clean and disinfected.
March 31
Providing essential items for infants:LA Conservation Corps is working to engage Corpsmembers in local and state-coordinated response efforts. Corpsmembers recently assisted local nonprofit Baby2Baby, which provides diapers, clothing, and other essential items to children living in poverty.
March 30
Distributing fresh produce: As an essential service, the Civic Works’ Real Food Farm program continues to operate, seeing increased demand for food. Through this program, Corpsmembers and volunteers grow healthy produce and make it available to community members in need.
Volunteering at local food banks: Some members from Civicorps have volunteered at the Alameda County Community Food Bank. The Food Bank launched an urgent response to the public health crisis.
March 27
Sanitizing hard to reach surfaces: Corpsmembers from the CCC Delta Center are helping protect emergency managers and decision makers by disinfecting railings and other high-touch surfaces—both inside and out—at the operations center where the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating the state’s response to COVID-19.
Building tents for medical centers:Conservation Corps of Long Beach Corpsmembers constructed emergency tents for St. Mary Medical Center.
March 26
Keeping roads clean and safe: Crew Supervisors and Corpsmembers with Civicorps‘ Recycling and Land Management programs continue to deliver essential services in a reduced and modified capacity (to adhere to social distancing guidelines), including helping keep roads safely clear of foliage and debris, maintaining flood channels, and collecting recycling from customers around the East Bay.
March 25
Constructing emergency testing facilities: Corpsmembers with Conservation Corps of Long Beach have worked with the City of Long Beach’s Emergency Response Team to help construct large tents to be used for triage, screening, and other health care-related purposes.
March 24
Supplying medical goods: Corpsmembers from the CCC Delta Center in Northern California are helping manage a distribution center for medical supplies. The center is helping distribute everything from syringes to cots. At the time of this post, they had already processed roughly half a million masks.
March 23
Helping distribute masks:California Conservation Corps in Placer County moved about 2,000 surgical masks out of storage and loaded them into trucks to be transported to a distribution point. From there, the masks will make their way to health care providers that partner with the county.
Preparing fresh meals: To address nutritional and economic needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kupu launched a free meal distribution program on Oʻahu. Each meal is prepared fresh by Kupu’s Culinary Program, housed at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Hoʻokupu Center in Kewalo Basin.
March 20
Cleaning local facilities: Corpsmembers from the California Conservation Corps helped prepare a warehouse in Fresno to be used in distributing medical supplies. Before shipments arrived, Corpsmembers cleaned the facility and helped ensure it was ready to store supplies.
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As is the case for people around the world, we at The Corps Network are concerned about the coronavirus pandemic; we are closely following the changing recommendations from health officials and the government.
This is a challenging time for many people and organizations, including Corps and the young people and communities they serve. Due to social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders, most Corps have needed to suspend or reduce operations.
However, in collaboration with state and local officials, some Corps are providing essential services to those in need. This includes activities such as managing distribution centers for medical supplies, delivering food to seniors, collecting recycling, constructing tents to be used as temporary health care facilities, and providing home repairs so vulnerable populations can safely shelter in place. We are incredibly grateful for the important services these Corps provide and we are proud of the way these programs quickly adapted to new regulations in order to promote the safety of Corpsmembers and staff.
Through this evolving situation, The Corps Network team is working remotely. Our Government Relations Team is promoting the interests of Corps on Capitol Hill. We are also working closely with many of the federal agencies that partner with Corps—including the Corporation for National and Community Service and several public land and water agencies—to ensure Corps’ challenges are heard. In addition, The Corps Network created an ever-growing library of resources related to COVID-19 response and relief, as well as a new online platform for Corps staff to share information. We are also sending regular emails and hosting weekly virtual town halls to provide pertinent information to our member organizations.
In good times and in bad, we will continue to do everything we can to support the wellbeing of the Corps community. The coming weeks and months might seem scary and uncertain, but, if we work together and support one another, I feel confident there is a bright future ahead.
We wish you health and safety,
Mary Ellen Sprenkel
https://corpsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo-1030x421-1.png00actualizehttps://corpsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo-1030x421-1.pngactualize2020-03-31 21:24:582022-10-03 11:03:49A Message From Our President & CEO on COVID-19
UPDATE – March 16, 2020: This blog post has been adapted into a page on The Corps Network’s website where we will continue to post updates related to the coronavirus outbreak. Please refer to this page for the latest information.
The Corps Network is committed to the safety and well-being of our staff, member organizations, and partners. Public health agencies are closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Develop and implement ways to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, you prevent the spread of COVID-19 at your Corps;
Develop and implement plans to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 at events for which you are responsible or at meetings and events you plan to attend. Whenever possible, it is advisable to move meetings and events online;
Develop and implement clear travel policies to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure for your staff, Corpsmembers, and your community. Many organizations have cancelled all staff travel for the coming weeks as we learn more about the impact of this virus; and
Develop a plan with the steps your Corps will do in the event COVID-19 arrives in your community or at your organization.
We also encourage you to take a look at this comprehensive Business Checklist to help you conduct a self-assessment of your readiness to deal effectively with this crisis.
The Corps Network recognizes that each of your situations will be different depending on your organization’s location, size, the community in which you operate, and the types of projects you complete. We STRONGLY encourage you to consult with and coordinate with your local public health agencies and your partners about your approach to this public health crisis. The Corps Network will provide additional updates and guidance as we learn more. We wish you health and safety.
Please Note:
From March 13 until March 20, The Corps Network staff will work remotely. We are monitoring the situation and may continue to work remotely for a longer period of time if necessary. We are well-equipped with the technology to ensure our team is as accessible and responsive off-site as we are in the office. You can find email addresses for all our employees here.
33:00 – Worker’s Compensation Claims with Covid-19
40:25 – Are You Ready for COVID-19 Checklist
43:45 – Q&A
What to do in the instance of someone with Covid-19 having been in the workplace
Resource Folders:
To The Corps Network’s Member Organizations:
In response to your requests, The Corps Network created a space to compile resources related to how Corps and our partners are responding to the global coronavirus outbreak. Sharing these resources is not an endorsement. For current and pertinent information regarding COVID-19 concerns and response efforts, organizations should turn to their local public health departments and consult general recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you would like to share your COVID-19 response plan, follow the link above and click the “Individual Corps Resources” link. Next, create a folder and upload documents or contact information.
Please be aware that specific response plans are influenced by local conditions including restrictions set by state government, local government, or grantors. Organizations should prioritize guidance from their local public health departments or the CDC prior to finalizing a response plan.
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Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC) launched its first Veterans Fire Corps (VFC) program in 2018. What started as a short-term pilot is now a comprehensive 10-month-long program designed to prepare young veterans for full-time jobs in wildland firefighting. The program just finished its first full season.
“Instead of them getting the basic skills and then seeking some seasonal employment in wildland fire, they will actually be lined up to find permanent jobs,” said James Gasaway, Field Program Coordinator at SECC.
All of the participants in the VFC are post-9/11 veterans under age 35. The 2019 cohort had five members, joined by two SECC Staff Crew Leaders.
The VFC operated from January to October, beginning with Corpsmembers undergoing basic fire training. During this initial phase, Corpsmembers obtain enough knowledge to receive their Red Card (S130 and S190). A Red Card is a certification that allows a person to participate in wildland firefighting activities on federal lands.
Following this training, the veterans served out of the Villanow Work Center, located within the Conasauga Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia.
Corpsmembers gained hands-on experience by participating in different forms of firework throughout the forest. These duties ranged from working on prescribed burns, monitoring land to track its recovering after a controlled burn, or digging fire lines and cutting down trees for fire prevention.
The Corpsmembers are thoroughly trained on how to handle and care for the land in the event of a fire. The program is constructed so that Corpsmembers can temporarily pause their AmeriCorps service and work directly under the Forest Service if they are needed for fire duty.
In addition to earning credentials and learning “hard skills,” Corpsmembers in the VFC also receive training in decision-making, risk management and personnel management.
The appeal of the program is that it helps veterans fast-track their careers. In many other Corps, most members have to go through a number of positions before making the jump into a position with a public land agency such as the Forest Service. That isn’t the case in this program, however. Tyler Welch, a VFC Corpsmember, says the tempo of the program is what makes it most enjoyable.
“We’re not having to sit in an office. Literally 90 percent of the time, we’re out in the woods doing some type of project or burning, or fighting wildfire,” said Tyler.
A majority of the participants joined the VFC in part because of a personal love of the outdoors. Studies suggest spending time outdoors can be particularly beneficial for veterans, but another intangible benefit of the program is simply spending time learning and serving alongside fellow veterans.
“As they’re going through it, it really helps them transition from more of that very direct communication inside the military to more of that general civilian communication,” said James.
The VFC participants come from all branches of the military, some with previous leadership experience and others with none. Most of the participants have a similar interest in conservation but many haven’t done this type of work before. As they join the program, they soon discover a direction for their career. Wildland firefighting gives veterans a chance to transfer skills and discipline learned in the military into a civilian career that, while intense, offers the opportunity to continue to serve our country.
The collaboration from the Southern Region (Region 8) of the U.S. Forest Service, was vital to the success of this program. Forest Service staff assisted in ensuring the veterans received training, supervision, and mentoring. They also provided a space to house all of their tools.
Over their term, the Veterans Fire Corps 2019 class completed prescribed burns on 64,980 acres and each participant received ten certifications. Since the completion of the program, many of the members have continued working around the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. SECC is currently accepting applications for the 2020 VFC season.
https://corpsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/New-Veteran-Corps-Banner.jpg4741920actualizehttps://corpsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo-1030x421-1.pngactualize2019-11-21 19:37:162022-10-03 11:03:50Veterans Fire Corps Program Profile: Southeast Conservation Corps
Entering just his third month with the Delaware State Parks Veterans Conservation Corps, Bradley Melson has already earned the title of Assistant Team Leader, received his fleet driver certification and is currently working on becoming a certified wildland firefighter. Since enrolling in the program, Melson has acquired a new quality of life by rediscovering his purpose, all while battling through his recent diagnosis of PTSD.
Bradley grew up in Simi Valley, CA and joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school. In his five-year contract with the Marines, he served two combat deployments in Afghanistan as an Infantry T.O.W. Gunner. Just two months shy of his contract ending, Bradley sustained a football injury that would change his life forever. To ease Bradley’s physical pain, the doctor prescribed opioid pain killers. Upon recovering from his injury, and after the prescription expired, Bradley continued to seek out drug use as a way to cope with stress.
“I realized that it [opioids] not only blocked my physical pain, but my mental pain as well,” said Bradley.
After failing a routine drug test, Bradley was dismissed from the Marine Corps.
“When I first got out, I was pretty much lost in the beginning and didn’t really know what to do,” he said.
Faced with the reality of not receiving an honorable discharge or veterans’ benefits, Bradley knew he had to find work as a civilian. For the next few years, Bradley worked in the service industry in Hollywood, CA. During his tenure as a bartender, Bradley found himself at a low point. He was unfulfilled and surrounded by alcohol and drug use in a triggering environment.
After four years in Hollywood, Bradley drove from California to Delaware to reunite with his father, in search of a fresh start. Unsure of what to do next, he spoke with a friend who informed him of the benefits of volunteering. In his search for local volunteer options, he discovered the Delaware State Parks Veterans Conservation Corps.
The Veterans Conservation Corps is an AmeriCorps program focused on engaging military veterans and military family in environmental stewardship activities and trail work throughout Delaware State Parks. As an outdoor enthusiast, Bradley saw this as an ideal opportunity. He saw this program as a way to give back to Mother Nature.
Since starting the program in September 2019, Bradley has fully immersed himself in the conservation of state parks. His hard work paid off, earning him a promotion to Assistant Team Leader and his fleet driver certification. Upon completing the program and earning his wildland firefighter credentials, Bradley plans to go back out West and fight wildfires. In the future, he wants to go back to school and study archaeology.
There are many Veterans like Bradley who often miss the lack of comradery they felt in the military. Bradley recommends that all Veterans who feel unfulfilled to “volunteer, volunteer, volunteer!” Many Veterans are selfless people by nature, and programs like the Delaware State Parks Veterans Conservation Corps help them feel that purpose again.
“Having a purpose really helps me with my PTSD,” said Bradley. “The program has helped me a lot, even with the short time that I’ve been in it.”
https://corpsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Bradley-Melson.jpg4741920actualizehttps://corpsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo-1030x421-1.pngactualize2019-11-21 18:14:562022-10-03 11:03:50Rediscovering Your Purpose: A Marine’s Journey to the Veterans Conservation Corps
As the year comes to a close, we are busy preparing The Corps Network FY19 annual report. Every year, the cover of the report features a photo from one of our member organizations. Throughout the coming year, the annual report will be widely distributed and used as a tool to raise awareness about the importance of America’s Service and Conservation Corps (view past annual reports).
We encourage our member Corps to submit photo options for the cover. Even if your photo doesn’t make it to the front of the report, there’s a good chance we might use it elsewhere in the document or in various future publications. The deadline to submit photos is Friday, January 3, 2020. The report will be published in February.
Criteria/Suggestions
Each Corps may submit up to 6 photos.
The deadline to participate in the contest is Friday, January 3, 2020.
Photos must be high resolution (300 dpi preferred).
Please provide a few details about the photo (where was it taken, who is in the picture, etc.).
Let us know if there is a specific person who should receive photo credit. Otherwise, we will credit your organization.
Preferred file formats are .jpg, .jpeg, .png.
Please no posed group pictures or images that don’t include people. We want to see great photos of Corpsmembers at work.
Landscape-oriented pictures preferred, but portrait photos also accepted.
Please no photos that have an obvious filter applied.
Photos taken within the past year would be great!
Remember – even if your picture is not chosen for the cover, we may use it on the inside of the document.
How to submit your photos
Please email your entries to Hannah Traverse, [email protected]. Don’t forget to include a few details about each photo and if a specific person should receive credit. If your photos are too large to send in one message, feel free to send in multiple emails or use a file sharing service like Dropbox, Google Drive or WeTransfer.
We can’t wait to see your best pics!
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A Moment of Voice with Marie Walker, COO of The Corps Network
Each of us views the world through the lens of our life experiences. Different people can watch the same event unfold, but have different responses. I recently witnessed an event that probably seemed mundane to the average person; I, however, was overwhelmed.
In my capacity as COO of The Corps Network, I’ve had the opportunity to periodically travel to the Gulf Coast. Our organization is proud to help lead GulfCorps, an initiative to train hundreds of local young adults, from Texas to Florida, for jobs in coastal restoration. On a visit this past spring, I stayed at the same hotel where I usually stay, close to The Corps Network’s office in Gulfport, MS. Between meetings and travel, I had time to explore. I’m glad my colleague Stephanie suggested I go to the beach.
Biloxi Beach was once segregated. Black people were confined to visiting a small portion of the 26-mile coastline. To protest this injustice, a local physician named Dr. Gilbert Mason organized what is considered the first act of civil disobedience in Mississippi in the Civil Rights Era.
On Sunday, April 24, 1960, Dr. Mason led more than 100 black men, women and children in a “wade-in.” Demonstrators arrived at the beach wearing their swimsuits, ready to assert their rights and peacefully enjoy the beachfront they’d been denied. They were met by a white mob. The police stood by while white people threw stones, threw punches, and even fired shots at black demonstrators. Despite the violence, further wade-ins took place and the NAACP got involved. Finally, in the late ‘60s, the beach was open to all.
I had never heard of the Biloxi “Bloody Sunday.” I read the informational signs on the beach with a mix of feelings: interest, sadness, anger, respect for those who had stood up for what is right. Near one sign, I overheard a man chatting with a couple: he had been at the beach on that day in 1960 and witnessed the demonstration devolve into violence. Feeling grateful to that man for willingly sharing his firsthand experience, I made my way to a bench to think. My quiet moment of reflection did not last long.
Right in front of me, I saw a young black family make their way to the beach; a man and a woman led by three small children, who happily – and freely – charged towards the water. I felt a rush of emotion as I watched the little boy, giggling and smiling, run back and forth between the waves and his family. He didn’t have a care in the world.
I was struck with the memory of an incident that happened to me when I was his age. My grandfather took me to a park in West Virginia. We were sitting in the picnic area when I caught sight of the “Ridge Runner,” a small train ride for kids…but not for all kids. I asked my grandfather if I could please ride the train, but he told me no, “that’s not for colored children.” I was probably disappointed, but I don’t remember putting up a fight. That was the way things were. I grew up with segregated water fountains and bathrooms; I remember riding on the “colored section” of the passenger train with my grandmother. Being told “no” was nothing new.
When I saw those children playing on the beach, I thought to myself, they will never know why it is they can get up on a Saturday morning, bring their pails and shovels, and play in the sand. They will never experience the kinds of restrictions children of my generation faced. Most people around me probably paid no mind to the family playing in the waves, but I was struck.
Yes – our country has a long way to go on the road to racial equity, but, in that moment, I was overwhelmed by how far we’ve come. I thought, “this is why we do what we do.” Change happens when average people stand up for their beliefs. I am proud of my colleagues and our member organizations that are actively promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the Corps movement.
I am glad I went to the beach that day. Seeing that exhibit on the wade-ins and seeing those children play was a reminder of how things were and how things have evolved. It’s important to have these kinds of reminders: we need to learn from the past and show our respect to the brave change-makers who came before us. Part of me, however, wants us to all be like that little boy: to be able to enjoy a day at the beach without a second thought and without the burden of history.
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The Corps Network is excited to announce a new partnership with Earth Day Network to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in 2020. Among other goals, a primary purpose of this partnership is to support Corps in hosting or participating in successful Earth Day events as part of the Great Global Cleanup.
“We are excited to be working and volunteering alongside The Corps Networks’ dedicated members,” said Earth Day Network President Kathleen Rogers. “Together, the Great Global Cleanup can lead to lasting change in how we as a planet deal with waste.”
Earth Day Network, the global coordinator of Earth Day, works with thousands of partners across more than 190 countries to support Earth Day activities and build a broader, more inclusive environmental movement. More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities annually, making it the largest civic observance in the world.
For Earth Day 2019, Earth Day Network organized the Great Global Cleanup, a campaign that mobilized 500,000 volunteers throughout the U.S. and Canada to address plastic pollution. Several Corps across the country participated in Great Global Cleanup activities. For 2020, The Corps Network looks forward to working with Earth Day Network to make it easy, valuable, and fun for more Corps to get involved.
“The ethics of service and conservation are at the heart of the Corps movement,” said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network. “We look forward to working with Earth Day Network to engage more young people and communities throughout the United States in helping clean up our environment on Earth Day and beyond.”
The first Earth Day, held in 1970, mobilized 20 million Americans to demand action on the environmental concerns of the day. The passage of the landmark Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and other important environmental laws soon followed. Earth Day has been held every year on April 22, empowering people around the globe to become stewards and advocates for our planet.
As we get closer to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in 2020, keep an eye out for updates about how your organization can contribute to the Great Global Cleanup. In the meantime, please direct questions to Hannah Traverse, Communications Manager at The Corps Network.
Click here to view a press release from Earth Day Network about this partnership.
https://corpsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/EDN-Blog-Banner_Interior-01.png20358060actualizehttps://corpsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Logo-1030x421-1.pngactualize2019-10-03 23:03:192022-10-03 11:03:50The Corps Network and Earth Day Network Partnering for Earth Day 2020
This Saturday, September 28, marks National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the largest single-day volunteer effort for America’s public lands. Hundreds of events will take place at federal, state and local lands across the country, engaging thousands of people in activities ranging from pulling invasive species to building new trails.
Every year, Service and Conservation Corps facilitate or participate in NPLD activities. Here’s a snapshot of how some member organizations of The Corps Network will observe NPLD 2019.
As a proud nonprofit partner of NPLD, we encourage you to get outside this weekend and give back to our public lands. Maybe you can even serve alongside Corpsmembers!
California Conservation Corps
Yosemite Facelift
The CCC’s Fresno Energy Crew will participate in Yosemite Facelift, a largescale service project coordinated by the National Park Service, Yosemite Climbing Association and The North Face. The event will involve a range of activities, including litter abatement, trail maintenance and habitat restoration
Pine Flat Lake and Dam
CCC members from the Fresno area will join the Army Corps of Engineers, Kings River Conservancy, and many other volunteers to help in the redevelopment and reopening of a public access area along the Kings River.
San Bernardino National Forest Mountaintop Restoration
CCC members from the Inland Empire District will join the U.S. Forest Service to help restore monarch butterfly habitat through planting native milkweed and removing invasive species.
Los Angeles Conservation Corps
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (CA)
The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City – also known as the “Culver City Stairs” – is a current project site for Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC) in collaboration with California State Parks and the Audubon Society. Here, Corpsmembers are creating uniform step heights and conducting trail maintenance. For NPLD, the Corps invites the community to join them in habitat restoration at the park.
Montana Conservation Corps
Northern Rockies Service Project in Kalispell
This project will involve doing trail work and weed pulling at Lone Pine State Park. All volunteers should wear weather appropriate clothing, long pants, closed toe shoes, and gloves. Tools and lunch will be provided, but please bring water! After lunch, there will be a free guided hike at Herron Park. This project is hosted in partnership with Lone Pine State Park, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (Region 1), and Foy’s to Blacktail Trails. Lunch provided by Daybreak Rotary Club.
Date and Time: Saturday, September 28 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Meeting Point: Lone Pine State Park, 300 Lone Pine Rd. Kalispell, MT 59901
RSVP: Secure your spot at (406) 755-2706
MCC will continue the NPLD celebration into October with additional service events!
Sunday, October 6 – Western Wildlands Service Project in Missoula, MT
Project will involve making some flow adjustments to the Lower Fenceline reroute trail in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. Work will entail primarily digging, along with some transplanting. All volunteers should wear weather appropriate clothing, long pants, closed toe shoes, gloves, and bring water & snack! Tools will be provided. This project is in partnership with MTB Missoula.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Meeting Point: At 9am at the Main Rattlesnake Trailhead, to carpool or bike/hike up to Sawmill Gulch.
Saturday, October 12 – Central Divide Service Project in Helena, MT
Project will take place at the area informally called ‘The KMart Ponds’and will involve creating access to several ponds for wildlife viewing, by removing brush, removing invasive species and potentially building small trails. All volunteers should wear weather appropriate clothing, long pants, closed toe shoes, and bring water! Gloves, tools, and snacks will be provided. This project is in partnership with the City of Helena, 6th Ward Neighborhood Association, and the Last Chance Audubon Society.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Meeting Point: 1700 Cedar St., Helena, MT, 59601 (old Kmart parking lot)
Questions: Call the MCC Helena office at (406) 495-9214
Northwest Youth Corps
NPLD at Mount Rainier
Northwest Youth Corps is partnering with Washington Trails Association, the National Park Service and National Park Conservation Association for an event to engage the public in routine maintenance of the popular Wonderland Trail and other nearby trails. Learn more here.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy
Rocky Mountain National Park Clean-Up
Rocky Mountain Conservancy is partnering with the National Park Service to engage volunteers in cleaning up the area approaching the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.
Rocky Mountain Youth Corps – NM
Student Conservation Association
Southwest Conservation Corps
Build Your Refuge Day –Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is partnering with several member organizations of The Corps Network to help set up and lead volunteer activities at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge in Albuquerque. The event will include planting native species and educational activities.
Wyoming Conservation Corps
Pole Mountain Trail Naturalization
Wyoming Conservation Corps is one of several organizations partnering with the U.S. Forest Service’s Laramie Ranger District to facilitate a NPLD project in which volunteers will help reroute a popular multi-use trail. Learn more here.
Conservation Legacy
Conservation Legacy is a national nonprofit partner of NPLD. Corpsmembers and interns from several organizations within Conservation Legacy will participate in or facilitate events throughout the country.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is a national nonprofit partner of NPLD. For the first time ever, they are organizing an “Alumni Engagement Week” around National Public Lands. Current and former SCA members will participate in or facilitate events throughout the country.
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Edward joined The Corps Network in 2022 and supports the communications team by managing various digital campaigns highlighting Corps. Edward previously served as a Corpsmember with the Bureau of Land Management as an environmental educator and wildlife researcher on the Oregon Coast. Following his Corps service, Edward worked for Environment for the Americas in Boulder, Colorado to continue to follow his passion for wildlife conservation and environmental education. In this role, Edward partnered with the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service to promote federal internship programs.
Edward lives in Washington, DC and is a student at Georgetown University’s M.S. in Environment and Sustainability Management program. In his free time, Edward enjoys playing roller and ice hockey, reading nonfiction, and cooking.
Tatiana Cleveland
Grants Coordinator
Tatiana Cleveland joins The Corps Network as a Grants Coordinator. She assists the grant team in processing reimbursement requests from our many Corps and helps to ensure responsible and fiscally sound grant stewardship. As a self-proclaimed nomad, her career in national service has taken her to places such as Austin, TX, Atlanta, GA, and now she is so glad to be in Washington, DC. Tatiana attended UNC Pembroke, where she obtained her B.S. in Mass Communications with a focus in Public Relations. She holds a MA from the UNC Wilmington in Liberal Studies, and is currently working on a second Master’s in Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University Shreveport. Tatiana is a 3x AmeriCorps Alumna having served in NCCC, VISTA, and State and National. Previously Tatiana has managed several AmeriCorps VISTA projects over her career, which started with the United Way in Wilson County North Carolina after her last service term. In her most recent role, she served as a Portfolio Manager with the South Central Regional Office of AmeriCorps. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, learning about sociology, and volunteering with her sorors of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Tatiana is lucky to be a mom of to a lovely daughter, Camille, age 10, and a very happy baby boy, Emory, who is 8 months.
Vivian Meade
Program Manager
Vivian Meade joined The Corps Network in 2024 as a Program Manager. Vivian graduated from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, IL, with a bachelor’s in Spanish and Latino and Latin American Studies in 2020. During her time at NIU, Vivian conducted research and contributed over eight oral history recordings and transcriptions to the Latinx Oral History Project. Shortly after graduating, Vivian joined AmeriCorps VISTA where she served at the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center. In this role she was able to use her passion for history to educate and uplift the Black community of Denver, CO.
Vivian has experience working alongside the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service to provide youth internship opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Prior to joining The Corps Network, Vivian managed The Latino Heritage Internship Program, a service corps, and an individual placement program. She is passionate about fostering safe spaces for BIPOC communities in our public lands and providing opportunities for youth to grow professionally in cultural and natural resource management. Vivian’s interest in agriculture came from her multi-generational family’s farm in Illinois, and she is eager to uplift the next generation of climate stewards while managing the Working Lands Climate Corps.
In her free time Vivian loves to travel, explore museums, go hiking and bird watching. She is an activist, an educator, a musician, and currently resides in Colorado with her pup and two cats.
Katie O’Hara
Data Coordinator
Katie began her journey at The Corps Network as an intern in late 2023, working in partnership with Agents of Discovery. She transitioned into a full-time position as a Data Coordinator under the Member Service Team in 2024.
Adopted from China, Katie grew up in Portland, Oregon, and has since lived in various states across the country and currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from The Ohio State University. Before joining The Corps Network, Katie completed a service term with the Maryland Conservation Corps.
In her free time, Katie enjoys playing in a community orchestra, training for open water races, and spending lazy days with her dog Dvorák, and two cats, Asimov and Dostoevsky.
Jim Lyons began his career with the US Fish and Wildlife Service then served as Policy Director for the Society of American Foresters before joining the House Committee on Agriculture where he led development of the conservation and forestry titles of the 1990 Farm Bill. President Clinton chose Jim to serve as USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment where he oversaw the Forest Service and the new Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). He was an architect of President Clinton’s Northwest forest plan, helped protect national forest roadless areas, and also led efforts to promote greening of disadvantaged communities in major cities across the nation by advancing the Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program and launching “URP” – the Urban Resources Partnership. Jim was Interior Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for Lands and Minerals Management in the Obama administration where he helped lead efforts to conserve the Greater sage grouse, advance wind and solar energy on public lands, and advance strategies to combat rangeland fires across the West. Jim has been a Lecturer and Research Scholar at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (now School of the Environment) and recognized as a distinguished alum by Yale. He now serves as a consultant on natural resource policy, conservation, and climate issues.
Leslie Weldon
Leslie Weldon
Natural Resource Management Expert
Leslie Weldon is an experienced leader in natural resource management and organizational development. Over the past 41 years, Leslie served in a diversity of senior executive and field-based positions within the USDA Forest Service. From 2018-2022 Leslie was Chief Executive for Work Environment and Performance. In this role, she championed system change to ensure workforce diversity, equity in program delivery, and leadership development.
From 2012 through 2018 Leslie served as Deputy Chief for National Forest System where she guided national natural resource policy, oversight and strategic direction for managing watersheds in the 193 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands. From 2009 – 2011, Leslie served as Regional Forester for the Northern Region of the Forest Service providing oversight and supporting collaborative landscape forest restoration and large landscape conservation efforts on 28 million acres of National Forests and Grasslands as well as State and Private Forestry programs in Northern Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota. Most recently Leslie was appointed by Secretary Tom Vilsack to serve as the inaugural Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the United States Department of Agriculture, where she served as the champion for USDA’s ongoing efforts to support a workforce that represents the citizens we serve, who have a sense of value and belonging, and who can thrive in their public service mission. She retired from federal service in March 2023.
Leslie, who began her career with USFS as a teen when she worked two summers on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia in the Youth Conservation Corps, has been a consistent and vocal champion of youth conservation and service corps programs, resulting in the highest ever Forest Service youth enrollment and public private funding partnerships from 2013 through 2017. Leslie currently serves on the boards of Arbor Day Foundation, Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative, University of Washington Center for Environmental Forensic Science, and Trout Unlimited. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech. Leslie is married to Mike Weldon. They have twin adult sons, both of whom are pursuing careers in natural resources.
Laura Herrin
Laura Herrin
President and CEO, American Conservation Experience
Laura Herrin joined ACE in 2018 as President and CEO. In the time since joining, ACE has grown in size and stature and is recognized as one of the nation’s premiere conservation corps. Laura has introduced three pillars to ACE as the organization strives to be the Program, Partner, and Workplace of Choice. Celebrating its 20th year, ACE has developed signature programs and worked on a variety of projects in all 50 states and several US Territories. Laura has a long tenure in the conservation corps arena. Prior to her role at ACE, she spent fifteen years with the Student Conservation Association, ultimately as its Senior Vice President for Programs. During her time at SCA Laura wore many hats including program and partnership development and implementation, risk management and safety, innovation, and organizational growth. Additionally, Laura has a long connection with The Corps Network. As a prior member of the Board, Laura was part of the process to update TCN’s organizational mission and was a member of the CEO hiring team. Laura is currently serving on the Corps Council for a second time and is rejoining the Board of Directors as a representative to the Board from the Corps Council. Additionally, in 2017-18 Laura worked directly with The Corps Network supporting fund development and partnerships. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College (MA) and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership. She is a certified black belt in Innovation Engineering.
Hon. Louis Caldera
Former Secretary of the Army, United States Armed Forces
Louis Caldera has been a life-long champion of creating opportunities for young people to get a good education and too serve others. He joined the Clinton Administration as COO of the Corporation for National Service before being asked to serve as the 17th Secretary of the Army where he led the nation’s largest employer of young people. He later became president of the University of New Mexico. The son of Mexican immigrants, Louis started his career as an Army officer, lawyer and California legislator. Today, he teaches law at American University in Washington D.C., and he is a founder of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, an alliance of college and university presidents that advocate on behalf of Dreamers and international students. Louis is a graduate of West Point, Harvard Law School and Harvard Business Schools.
Michele Bolos – Treasurer
CEO and Founder,
Next Tier Concepts
Michele Bolos is the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Directors of Next Tier Concepts (NT Concepts), a national security solution provider for the US Government. In this role, Ms. Bolos oversees strategic direction, organic growth plans, and a culture of respect in the company. When founding NT Concepts in 1998, her guiding principle was to innovate and deliver high value mission critical solutions without compromising on exceptional customer service. This principle is the foundation of our success.
Prior to starting NT Concepts, Ms. Bolos worked for Alfa-Laval Thermal, Mobil Oil, Talus Corporation, and API/WANG Global where she led complex software engineering efforts for the commercial and federal marketplace. As CEO of NT Concepts, Ms. Bolos was named the 2016 Executive of the Year for companies $75 million to $300 million as part of the Greater Washington GovCon Awards.
Ms. Bolos is committed to fostering a service-inspired community by empowering employees to pursue their passion in service initiatives. She believes that a company grows stronger when employees work together to serve causes they care about. The company’s platform, #NTC_GivesBack, donates countless hours and resources, both domestically and internationally, to a variety of 501(c) organizations.
Ms. Bolos earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from Virginia Commonwealth University. She maintains an active role in the professional services industry by serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Professional Services Council (PSC) and on the Board of Directors of the NOVA Chamber of Commerce. She is actively engaged in community philanthropy by serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Leadership Mission International, the Board of Directors of Gabriel Homes and The Corps Network.
Bailey Chambers joined the Corps Network in early 2024 as an Administrative Assistant. Originally from Massachusetts, she received her degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Clark University with a focus on the intersections of environmental and agricultural policy. After graduating, she moved down south to Tennessee, where she spent two years farming organic vegetables and managing the production of gourmet mushrooms. She found her way to The Corps Network after moving to Washington, D.C., to pursue a career in mission-focused non-profits.
Outside of work, Bailey loves gardening, reading, and spending time with her husband Jack, and two dogs, Goose and Moe.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Derrick Crandall – CHAIR
President, Outdoor Solutions USA
DERRICK CRANDALL — is Counselor to the National Park Hospitality Association and CEO of Outdoor Solutions USA. He recently retired from the American Recreation Coalition/Outdoor Recreation Roundtable after 37 years as its President. He Co-Chairs the Coalition for Recreational Trails and was Vice Chair of Interior’s Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee. He received Presidential appointments to the President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors from 1985 to 1987 and the President’s Commission on Environmental Quality in 1991. He served on Brand USA and Western Governors Association advisory panels and was Chairman of the Take Pride in America Advisory Board, appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. He was a Founding Director of the National Forest Foundation, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Among the dozens of public-policy efforts in which he has played a central role are Great Outdoor Month, the National Scenic Byways Program, Recreation Fee Demonstration Program, Recreational Trails Program, Wallop-Breaux Program, unification of federal campground reservations and the National Recreation Lakes Study Commission. He has received numerous national awards, including Chevron’s Conservation Award, induction into the RV Hall of Fame, a Centennial Award from the Forest Service, and Interior’s Spirit of Take Pride Award. USA Today references him as “the outdoor guru.” Mr. Crandall attained Certified Association Executive and Fellow designations from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and served on its board for seven years, including two terms as Vice Chairman. He now enjoys connecting his five grandkids, ages 7 to 13, with the Great Outdoors.
Jennifer has approximately 20 years of experience serving within her local communities. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Mississippi in 2003 and her Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology from The University of West Alabama in 2012. During her career as an educator, Jennifer served as a licensed classroom teacher and tutor, elementary science teacher, Anatomy and Physiology instructor, Earth Science instructor, and Environmental Science instructor. As a Certified Mental Health Therapist, Jennifer practiced as a school-based child and adolescent therapist, day treatment therapist, outpatient child and family therapist, and in-home therapist. She has also worked in school attendance enforcement for the MS Department of Education, has experience working in social services and case management, and previously served as a Public Relations Director, Employee Assistance Program Coordinator, and Behavior Specialist. Jennifer joined The Corps Network as a Program Coordinator for GulfCorps and Delaware River Climate Corps in 2023. In her leisure time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Sherrell Lizana is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Being from the coast and an earth sign (BIG Capricorn energy), she has always loved nature and enjoyed outdoor activities to include gardening, fishing, and outdoor farmer’s markets. She embarked on her service journey after witnessing and experiencing the devastation that Hurricane Katrina left on her community in 2005.
This commitment to service led to various nonprofit management and human capital development roles alongside Boys & Girls Clubs, International Relief & Development and statewide planning and development districts, to bring about change utilizing our greatest resource, our workforce. She is passionate about economic and workforce development and teaches others that your income is a tool to build self-sustainability for yourself and future generations. Sherrell also enjoys karaoke, roller skating, listening to podcasts, and creating charcuterie boards.
As a Communications Coordinator, Emma assists The Corps Network Communications Team with content creation and strategy and collaborates with external partners to advance The Corps Network’s mission.
Emma is a graduate of James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in History and Writing, Rhetoric and Technical Communication. While in college, Emma served as a tutor at her university writing center and interned for her New York district senator where she discovered a passion for working within the public sphere. She has also had the opportunity to intern in London for the London Business Matters magazine.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys exploring new places, hiking with friends, and tasting the newest local cuisine.
Allen Dietz has over 35 years of experience working with non-profit organizations. He has managed or provided technical support to AmeriCorps, VISTA, and Senior Corps programs for the past three decades. Allen founded and managed a large statewide AmeriCorps program in Texas, served as the Chief Operations Officer for the Washington Service Corps, and was the director of a Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
Allen was deeply involved with the development of The Corps Center of Excellence Accreditation Standards for Service and Conservation Corps, and currently helps manage The Corps Network’s national accreditation process.
Allen lives on the edge of the North Cascades in Washington State and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and skiing in his free time.
Jackie joins the Corps Network as the Director of Workforce Development, where she will focus on expanding national workforce initiatives, partnerships, post-placement employment outcomes, Apprenticeships, and workforce project funding. With over two decades of expertise in organizational design, strategic planning, and program management, Jackie has a successful track record in leading government workforce programs and managing contracts and grants for organizations like the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She excels in building cross-functional teams, optimizing performance improvement measures, and leading organizational change initiatives. Her passion lies in connecting underserved marginalized populations with equitable access to career pathways, higher education, and addressing Social Determinants of Health.
In addition to her previous leadership roles, Jackie has extensive experience in strategic consultancy, contributing to federal projects with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the U.S. Department of Education (ED.) in which her responsibilities encompassed federal proposal development, apprenticeship implementation, guiding national program development initiatives, informing green jobs research, and federal project grant management.
Jacqueline holds a Master of Education in Adult Learning and Workforce Education, a Master of Science in Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing. She is a Certified Workforce Development Professional, Certified Process Improvement Manager, Certified Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Manager, and Certified Change Management Professional. She also holds various other certifications in project management, Lean Six Sigma, and professional and organizational development.
In her free time, Jackie cherishes family time with her husband, Thoris, and their three children, Avery, Eva, and Kailyn. Together, they engage in various activities, including family movie/game nights, travel adventures, candle-making, and lively karaoke sessions featuring beloved 80s and 90s songs. Additionally, Jackie finds relaxation, rejuvenation, and her ZEN! through the practice of study, meditation, and Hot Yoga.
David Vela
David Vela
Former Deputy/ Acting Director of the National Park Service
On September 30, 2019, David Vela, a 29-year career veteran of the National Park Service (NPS), was named Deputy Director, exercising the authority of the Director of the National Park Service. He had been serving as Deputy Director of Operations since April. Vela previously served as superintendent of Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway from March 2014 to April 2019. Prior to assuming his Grand Teton post, Vela served as associate director for Workforce, Relevancy and Inclusion in the NPS Washington headquarters where he administered a $32 million-dollar operational budget with 153 employees, and served as a key advisor to the NPS Director and Deputy Director on the full spectrum of strategic Human Capital Management issues, initiatives, and policies. His national program areas included: Human Resources, Learning and Development, Equal Opportunity, Youth, and the Office of Relevancy, Diversity & Inclusion. Vela began his NPS career in 1981 as a cooperative education student at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas, and later became a permanent park ranger. From 1987 to 1998, Vela worked in a variety of federal posts outside the NPS, and retired from the agency in September 2020. Vela is the recipient of numerous awards both within and outside of the National Park Service for leadership and performance excellence. He and his wife, Melissa, have two children, Christina and Anthony, and eight grandchildren.
Monique Miles
Vice President of Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions and Director of Opportunity Youth Forum
Monique Miles is the Vice President of Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions and Director of Opportunity Youth Forum, Prior to joining the Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions, Monique was the Director, Postsecondary Achievement at the National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC). In her role at NYEC, Monique oversaw the Postsecondary Success Initiative, a national pilot that supported Community Based Organizations (CBOs) across the country to design and implement postsecondary programming, in partnership with local institutions of higher learning, for students who were disconnected from education.
Monique began her career in education reform working as a Literacy Instructor at Youth Opportunity Boston. In this role Monique worked directly with students remanded to the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) to design and deliver education and career development curriculum. Monique went on to serve the same population of students through political advocacy initiatives at the Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp).
Monique earned a Bachelor of Science from Springfield College and a Master’s in Education, Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Monique serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Pomfret School. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Tulane University Cowen Institute of Public Education Initiatives. She is on the board of Independent Trust and The Corps Network.
Shellie Carter lives on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Mississippi and joined The Corps Network(TCN) as a Program Coordinator working with the GulfCorps program. She has recently joined the TCN accreditation team. Shellie has a communication and public relations education, but her passion and work experience has been human services. Shellie worked for local community development organizations including Corps programming for more than 15 years. She has worked in corps, program, and organizational development starting and managing human services programs that have invested more than $50 million dollars into the local community. She has specialized in workforce development for opportunity young adults and within marginalized communities. Some of these programs include Youth Build, WIOA, AmeriCorps, homeless services and re-entry programs. Her interests include Cruisin’ The Coast, Mardi Gras, event planning, decorating and in her spare time she loves to spend time with her grandchildren.
As a Communications Associate, Ed supports The Corps Network Communications Team by creating and managing media content promoting Corps. Ed received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Media Studies from DePauw University. During college, Ed volunteer coached for a special needs travel ice hockey team in Indianapolis (Go Twisters!) and served as a teaching assistant at DePauw University and Ewha Women’s University in Seoul, South Korea. Ed also spent a summer on Capitol Hill as a congressional intern and later completed a 6-month environmental education and outreach internship on the Oregon Coast with the Bureau of Land Management at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Before joining The Corps Network, Ed worked as a Communications Lead for Environment for The Americas in Boulder, CO.
Ed lives in Colorado and enjoys playing ice/roller hockey, petting dogs/cats, and exploring natural spaces.
Carole M. Plato joined The Corps Network as Grant Manager on October 1st, 2023, where she works with the Director of Grants Management in managing the grant and awards programs.
After living and traveling around Europe while enlisted in the United States Army, she settled down in the Washington, DC area after retiring from active-duty service. Carole is an alumnus of University of Maryland Global Campus where she majored in Communications and brings a wide variety of administrative expertise from several industries. From biotech to government relations, patent filings for intellectual property, global communications to enterprise solutions for cloud storage. She is excited to be working alongside her colleagues to support the mission of The Corps Network and its members.
She is also an active member and Secretary in a local chapter Toastmasters International; enjoys walking and biking in her community of Hyattsville and continues to travel as often as possible.
As the Chief Operating Officer, Marie manages the day-to-day operations of The Corps Network including the Gulf Coast Restoration Initiative. Marie supervises The Corps Network’s contracts as well as the organization’s private and federal partnerships with AmeriCorps, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. Marie also helped develop GulfCorps, a conservation and workforce development initiative focused on training local young adults for careers in the growing restoration economy along the Gulf of Mexico.
Prior to joining The Corps Network in 2014, Marie spent 15 years as the Director of Programs and Development for the Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia (CCCWV). Marie was involved in the development and implementation of several innovative programs, including the first Brownfields Job Training Program in West Virginia. Marie has served on the board of directors for several organizations, including NASCC (National Association of Service and Conservation Corps); WV Development HUB; Harpers Ferry Job Center Community Council; American Cancer Society; and Main Street Martinsburg. She currently serves as a board member of American Trails and serves as co-chair of the development committee.
Marie holds bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Sociology, as well as a MPA in Public Administration. She studied at Concord University, Old Dominion University, and West Virginia University. Go Mountain Lions, Monarchs, and Mountaineers!
In her spare time, Marie enjoys playing nine holes of golf, listening to great jazz music, and watching college football.
Michael Summers was born on November 19, 1972, and is originally from North Carolina. Michael has been a resident of Maryland since 2001. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from North Carolina A&T State University and Master of Liberal Arts from The Johns Hopkins University.
Mr. Summers has been a Business Development Manager that employs an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach to achieving results for business and community leaders, non-profit organizations, government agencies through creative and innovative solutions.
He is a former State Delegate to the Maryland General Assembly for Prince George’s County (Dist. 47). He is a former Member of: The Cheltenham Youth Facility (CYF) Advisory Board, Prince George’s Co. School Mental Health Initiative Advisory Board, Prince George’s County Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council, and Prince George’s Co. Schools Interagency on Attendance Council. He is also a co-founder of Cheverly Village, a community organization that assists senior residents age in place.
Michael has been a recipient of; the Civic Engagement Award from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Foundation of Prince George’s County, Outstanding Contributor Award for his involvement with the Prince George’s Co. Local Management Board, Prince George’s County Public Schools Community Partner Award, Maryland Municipal League Outstanding Friend of Municipal Government Award, and a Council of State Government (CSG) Henry Toll Fellow.
Leslie began with the Human Environment Center in 1984 and transitioned to The Corps Network when it was created in 1985. Since she began, Leslie has planned numerous conferences, designed and edited a quarterly newsletter, and directed member services. Leslie has taken on almost every responsibility possible at one time or another, and has become one of the most knowledgeable leaders in the Corps Movement, sought out for her wisdom, command of Corps history, and expertise in AmeriCorps programs and initiatives.
Leslie previously administered The Corps Network’s AmeriCorps Education Award Program (EAP). She created TCN’s AmeriCorps Program Manual as well as a document on how to get the most out of the AmeriCorps Education Award (scholarship), which includes non-traditional uses of the award. She also ensures compliance and provides technical assistance to TCN Subgrantees in our Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) AmeriCorps grants.
Throughout her tenure, Leslie has developed a cache of tools for national service and youth development programs and has emerged as one of the leaders of the EAP, serving on numerous working groups for CNCS. She also provides training to Subgrantees for the eGrants Portal on-line member management system, AmeriCorps Compliance and other aspects for running a successful, compliant program. In addition, she worked with Willis Towers Watson to develop The Corps Network’s Health Insurance Plan for Corpsmembers and AmeriCorps members.
Leslie has a degree in Textile Design and likes to spend her free time creating beautiful quilts and other fabric items. Attendees at the special AmeriCorps session at TCN’s Annual Conference always get a fun fabric craft or toy to take home.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Interested in membership in The Corps Network? Please contact Bobby Tillett, [email protected]
As the Government Relations Coordinator, Meghan assists The Corps Network’s Government Relations Team with Corps advocacy through administration and Congressional outreach as well as environmental and workforce development policy research.
Meghan is a graduate of the George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and communication. During her undergraduate career, Meghan interned in both the House of Representatives and the Senate where she discovered a passion for environmental advocacy and sustainability. Meghan was also a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a gender inclusive community service-based fraternity focused on volunteering at various service sites throughout the DC community.
Outside of work, Meghan enjoys running, finding new vegetarian dishes, and keeping up with reality TV.
(she, her, hers)
Stephanie Mathes
Director of Technical Assistance and Accreditation
Stephanie Mathes is a native Mississippian with over 20 years of nonprofit management and workforce development experience. She attended California State University, Long Beach studying Philosophy with an emphasis in Pre-Law. She, and her husband Bruce, have three college aged children. Her favorite pastimes are gardening, painting, and being involved with her local church.
Stephanie’s previous roles at The Corps Network included Director of Special Initiatives and Director of Gulf Operations. Prior to her tenure at The Corps Network, Stephanie was the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of a local community development organization (CDC) specializing in human development programs including workforce training for opportunity and at-risk youth. Over the course of her 20-year career, Stephanie has worked with nonprofit organizational management, project development and the implementation of over 135 million dollars of federal funding. Besides the workforce training institute, her project implementation experience has included prevention of child abuse, micro-enterprise, social enterprise, juvenile justice programs, housing and homeless programs, and disaster response/recovery. While at the CDC, Stephanie developed and managed the organization’s conservation corps program as part of their Environmental and Conservation employability track. Stephanie is very involved in her community serving on a variety of local Boards of Directors and committees. She completed Leadership Gulf Coast, Class of 2014 and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program.
Hannah joined The Corps Network in 2021 as the Member Data Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and promptly moved west to work for various public land agencies. Much of her previous job experience has been seasonal field work focusing on surveying wildlife and implementing habitat restoration efforts in the southwest region of the country. Her Corps experiences range from leading a crew with Arizona Conservation Corps that removed invasive trees in the Verde River watershed, to supporting crews of her own as a Program Coordinator with Northwest Youth Corps.
Outside of work, you will most likely find her exploring the Pacific Northwest with her dog Ravioli going backpacking, hiking, and attempting to fly fish.
As the Director of Communications, Hannah develops and produces written, graphic and video content. She also oversees The Corps Network’s website and social media accounts. Over the years, Hannah has created countless publications about Corps, written articles and opinion pieces for national outlets, and assisted in the planning efforts for The Corps Network’s events. She has developed resources for helping Corps improve their communications efforts, and leads a working group of communications and marketing professionals across the Corps community. Hannah was the lead author of the book Join the Crew: Inspirational Stories of Young Adults in America’s Service and Conservation Corps.
Hannah received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While in college, Hannah volunteered at the National Air and Space Museum, and volunteered in DC Public Schools through DC Reads (a tutoring program) and Prime Movers (a journalism education program). She also spent a semester interning with the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and spent over a year interning and writing for Street Sense; a DC-based newspaper focused on raising awareness about homelessness.
As the Director of Member Services, Bobby coordinates and manages activities designed to identify and meet the needs of TCN members, including administration of membership information, management of efforts to retain and recruit members, assistance with the Corps Center of Excellence Accreditation program, and the coordination of member benefits. Member benefits include technical assistance offerings, trainings, resources, partner relationships, events and new initiatives as they arise.
Prior to working at The Corps Network, Bobby completed two AmeriCorps terms-of-service with the Montana Conservation Corps as both a crewmember and a crew leader. He served on a backcountry wilderness trails crew as well as a roving habitat restoration crew. Bobby also worked as the Government Relations Intern at The Corps Network where he assisted the Director of Government Relations as well as provided logistical support for the Public Lands Service Coalition.
Bobby graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a BA in International Affairs. Outside of work, he enjoys running, documentaries on Netflix, and watching the Wizards and Nationals.
As Communications Manager, Asia assists in creating written, graphic, and video content. Originally from Long Beach, CA, she received her Bachelor’s degree in English Writing with a minor in Mass Communications from Loyola University New Orleans. Post-graduation, she moved to Portland, OR, where she was the Community Manager for a small business, running their social media and events. Now located in Washington, DC, her passion is storytelling through digital content. She has worked with and managed various brands such as publishing companies, luxury magazines, tourism boards, and nonprofits. In her most recent position, she worked with the Communications team at Latino Corporate Directors Association to increase gender, racial, and ethnic diversity on corporate boards. She aspires to continue a career in Communications specifically working with organizations based in nonprofit, policy/advocacy, and social justice work. She enjoys traveling, concerts, and spending time with her two dogs, Cronus and Wilson.
Bridget Street joined The Corps Network in 2022 as the Youth Program Assistant. Bridget works in close partnership with the National Park Service, Interior Region 1 to coordinate planning, monitoring, and reporting outcomes of youth and young adult programs in national parks throughout the northeastern United States. Prior to her work with The Corps Network, Bridget served as a Community Volunteer Ambassador at Weir Farm National Historical Park through Conservation Legacy’s Stewards Individual Placement program. She has a passion for connecting communities and conservation and holds degrees in Earth Science and Linguistics from Columbia University. Outside of work, Bridget enjoys dancing, concerts, and outdoor adventures.
Jerry Jacobs, Jr.
Jerry Jacobs, Jr.
CEO, Delaware North
Jeremy “Jerry” M. Jacobs, Jr. is Chief Executive Officer of Delaware North and an alternate governor to the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He shares the CEO and alternate governor titles with his brothers, Lou and Charlie Jacobs.
Delaware North is a family-owned global leader in hospitality, with operations in food and retail at airports and sports venues, hospitality services at parks and major tourist attractions, hotel ownership and management, gaming operations, fine dining and catering, and sports facility ownership and management. In 1995, Delaware North built a new multi-purpose arena in Boston, Mass., that is currently home of the Bruins and the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Over the past 25 years, the TD Garden has undergone many transformations and is now considered one of the most innovative and celebrated venues in North America.
Delaware North maintains a global headquarters in Buffalo, N.Y. where the Jacobses are celebrated as longtime supporters of the University at Buffalo, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system. The university named and dedicated the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in 2015, in recognition of the Jacobs family’s many decades of philanthropy. Most recently, the Jacobs family contributed $30 million for the construction of the new, state-of-the-art medical school building in downtown Buffalo. The Jacobses also founded the Jacobs Institute, a medical innovation center focused on accelerating device development in vascular medicine.
The Jacobs family and Delaware North are significant benefactors to multiple non-profit organizations in Western New York and throughout the United States and world. Jerry serves on the Scholarship Board for Say Yes Buffalo, an organization dedicated to increasing high school and postsecondary completion rates for students in the City of Buffalo. He is a past member of Georgetown University’s Board of Regents and volunteers as an alumnus interviewer.
Jerry has additionally dedicated more than two decades of volunteer service to the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, including past chairmanships of the organization’s board of directors and annual fundraising campaign, and is a past chair of the Nichols School’s Board of Trustees, where he founded the Jacobs Scholars program for high-achieving students with financial need.
Jerry is active in multiple business and civic organizations. He completed a term on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board in 2015, and in 2018 he was named to the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s “Made in America” Outdoor Recreation Advisory Committee. He is an active member of the U.S. Travel Association’s CEO Roundtable and the Partnership for New York City.
Jerry completed an M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from Georgetown University. He met his wife, Alice Jacobs, when they were both students at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a J.D. Alice is the chair emerita of the Western New York Women’s Foundation, president of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery Board of Directors, and a member of the board of directors for the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
Jerry and Alice reside in East Aurora, New York. They have two children, Melissa and Justin.
Karen Pittman
Karen Pittman
Co-Founder of The Forum for Youth Investment
Karen Pittman is the Co-Founder of The Forum for Youth Investment, and served as its President & CEO until February 2021, then transitioned to a senior fellow role to dedicate more of her time and energy to thought leadership. Karen has made a career of starting organizations and initiatives that promote youth development – including the Forum for Youth Investment, which she co-founded with Merita Irby in 1998. Karen started her career at the Urban Institute, conducting studies on social services for children and families. She later moved to the Children’s Defense Fund, launching its adolescent pregnancy prevention initiatives and helping to create its adolescent policy agenda. In 1990 she became a vice president at the Academy for Educational Development. In 1995 Karen joined the Clinton administration as director of the President’s Crime Prevention Council, where she worked with 13 cabinet secretaries to create a coordinated prevention agenda. From there she moved to the executive team of the International Youth Foundation (IYF), charged with helping the organization strengthen its program content and develop an evaluation strategy. In 1998 she and Rick Little, head of the foundation, took a leave of absence to work with ret. Gen. Colin Powell to create America’s Promise. Upon her return, she and Irby launched the Forum, which later became an entity separate from IYF. Under their leadership, the Forum has established deep roots as a national nonprofit, nonpartisan “action tank” – combining thought leadership on youth development, youth policy, cross-system/cross-sector partnerships and developmental youth practice with on-the-ground training, technical assistance and supports – fully committed to changing the odds that all children and youth are ready for college, work and life.
Jennifer Palmieri
Jennifer Palmieri
Political and Communications Strategist
Jennifer Palmieri is a co-host of Showtime’s Emmy-nominated “The Circus.” She is the author of the Number 1 New York Times bestselling book Dear Madam President, and She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World. Jennifer is one of the most accomplished political and communications strategist in the country. She served as White House Communications Director under President Barack Obama and was head of communications for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Prior to joining the Obama White House, Jennifer was President of the Center for American Progress Action Fund, the advocacy arm for a premier progressive think tank. She was also national press secretary for the Democratic Party, White House deputy press secretary for President Bill Clinton, and national press secretary for the 2004 John Edwards for President campaign. She started her career as a legislative assistant for then Congressman Leon E. Panetta of California. Jennifer is a graduate of American University and lives with her husband Jim Lyons in Maryland.
Kionne McGhee
Kionne McGhee
Miami-Dade County Commissioner
Kionne McGhee grew up in South Dade public housing and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a Juris Doctorate from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012 for Florida House District 117 and served as the Minority Leader from 2018 to 2020, when he was elected as Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 9. Commissioner McGhee is an accomplished attorney and the author of the bestselling-book “Conquering Hope: The Life You Were Destined to Live.”
His numerous affiliations include the Florida Trial Lawyers Association, Wilkie D. Ferguson Bar Association, and the Greater Miami Service Corps, where he serves as a board member. He is also President and founder of 2NOIT Media & Publishing, founder of Y.A.L.E. (Young Advocates Leading by Example), and president of Transitions, Inc. He has been named as one of Miami’s Rising Voices by AT&T and the Miami Herald and earned the Florida Self-Sufficiency Award in 2010. Commissioner McGhee is married to Stacy McGhee and is the father of Kionne II, Hayley and Hays.
Emily is from Mississippi and went to College at the University of Southern Mississippi to receive degrees in Psychology and Environmental Biology. She has worked in many roles, from Business Analyst to Alaska Crab Boat Biologist, but fell in love with the Conservation Corps world when she served as a Crew Leader for Wyoming Conservation Corps. Later, Emily joined the staff team at American Youthworks as a Field Coordinator for TxCC and then transitioned over to manage LACC. When she moved back to Mississippi this year, Emily was excited to see that the Gulf Operations team with TCN was hiring.
Thomas joined The Corps Network in 2020 as a Program Associate. His responsibilities focus on helping The Corps Network recruit and manage interns for the U.S. Forest Service Resource Assistants Program (RAP). He works in additional capacities by communicating effectively with the USDA Forest Service, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the National Park Service. As a Program Assistant, Thomas is responsible for maintaining communications between RAP interns about their specific experiences and projects.
Thomas originates from New Orleans, LA but attended college in Washington, DC, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from The Catholic University in 2019. He has held several internships around DC, but he has always been passionate about serving his community and looks forward to the exciting opportunities offered by The Corps Network to assist communities and people who are in need.
LaShauntya joined The Corps Network in 2016 as a Fellow to the Education and Workforce Development department and is now the Member Services Assistant. She brings 16 years of environmental service to her position. She started as an AmeriCorps member at Earth Conservation Corps, a DC-based environmental organization. She completed two terms and was asked to join the staff as a site manager. After six months, she was promoted to Youth Program Coordinator. She has been featured on 60 Minutes, NOW with Bill Moyers, and in People magazine. In her free time, LaShauntya enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling.
Tim was hired by TCN in July of 2022 as the Maintenance Action Team (MAT) Program Manager. The MAT assists the National Park Service (NPS) by developing project scopes of work and related cost estimates for small and medium sized parks. Funded through the NPS Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), these projects will be staffed and executed by Service and Conservation Corps members.
Tim grew up in Yosemite National Park where he started his career with the NPS. His 40-year tenure with the Service included maintenance positions at Grand Canyon National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. In his final position, Tim served as the Chief of Park Facility Management in the Washington Office, where he provided leadership and policy direction to ensure the effective stewardship of the Service’s constructed asset portfolio. Within this capacity, he also championed the transformation of NPS’s reactive style of maintenance to one that is proactive and rooted in industry best practices. Tim received an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Fresno City College.
Deborah Dorsett
Deborah Dorsett
Executive Director,
Greater Miami Service Corps
Ms. Dorsett is Executive Director of Greater Miami Service Corps where she directs fundraising and development efforts to sustain the organization; initiates public relations efforts to engender support from the public and private sectors of the community; and ensures the delivery of program services are effectuated with optimal results while meeting the changing dynamics of a global non-profit environment. Her primary areas of concentration include grant development and implementation; contract management and monitoring; personnel management; budget development; design and implementation of education, job training activities and coordination of social services.
During her over 30 years in public administration, Ms. Dorsett has served in numerous leadership positions including, former Chairperson of The Corps Network Board Directors (now Corps Council). She also served as Vice President and Treasurer of Unity of Miami Gardens Church; President and Vice President, Fountain Park Village Homes Association, and Health Committee Co-Chair, for Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Ms. Dorsett currently serves as Assistant Treasurer of the Women’s Involved in Service to Humanity (WISH) Foundation, Vice Chairman of NieCat Foundation of Excellence, Incorporated, Vice President of the Florida YouthBuild Coalition, and Chairman of the Risk Management Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter and member of The Corps Council and The Corps Network Board of the Directors. In 2019, she was awarded by Legacy Magazine as one of the 50 top influential black business leaders and public official of the year. Ms. Dorsett received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Florida Memorial University, and she earned a Master of Business Administration from St. Thomas University.
Austin Bowley grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina in 2018. In his first year after college, he served an AmeriCorps term in Tallahassee, FL providing free vision screenings for preschoolers and free tax preparation for working class families and individuals. After completing his first AmeriCorps term, he moved to Pensacola, FL to serve another AmeriCorps term with the Conservation Corps of the Forgotten and Emerald Coasts (CCFEC).
Finding a home within conservation, Austin moved into a staff role with CCFEC for 2 years where he worked closely with the GulfCorps program. He particularly enjoyed working with young adults, helping them reach their personal and career goals. After years of missing his hometown, he moved back to Jackson, MS. Luckily, his friends at The Corps Network were hiring for the Gulf Operations team, and he joined The Corps Network in the summer of 2022, where he is able to continue working with young people.
In his free time, Austin enjoys making music as a guitarist and vocalist, playing soccer, and playing board games and video games with friends and family. His cats ensure he rarely has a moment to himself.
Tiffany Madison is an Alabama State University graduate that hails from Century, FL. Tiffany has an undeniable love for nature that has allowed her to engage in urban agriculture, sustainability, historic preservation, animal husbandry, community gardening, environmental education, and workforce development.
With a desire to lead future generations, Tiffany has worked in conservation and public land management for the last decade. Alongside agencies like the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, she has cemented this path with her commitment and dedication for community growth and advancement.
Jordan Reeder joined The Corps Network as the Grants Coordinator in 2022, where she works with the Director of Programs to provide support across the diverse portfolio of Corps programs.
Jordan received her Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Management from Towson University and has worked with various non-profit organizations in the Washington Metropolitan area prior to joining TCN.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys cycling, a good movie, and volunteering within her community.
Maame Aba Ackon joined The Corps Network as the Executive Assistant in 2022, where she works with the executive office.
Maame received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Frostburg State University and worked with a non-profit organization in Baltimore prior to joining TCN.
Outside of work, Maame loves to watch Jeopardy, binge watch Bob’s Burgers, and get buried in a good book.
Rachael Zwerin is responsible for assisting the Member Services Team in identifying and supporting the needs of The Corps Network’s member organization. Rachael was born and raised in Westchester, NY. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sustainability from The State University of New York College at Oneonta. Rachael has prior experience volunteering with the non-profit organization Common Ground Relief in New Orleans, LA, working on coastal restoration projects to rebuild communities and wetlands along the coast of Louisiana. She also worked for two consecutive summer seasons as a Youth Program Assistant for Groundwork Hudson Valley as a crew leader for youth working on local conservation projects, such as trail restoration and invasive species removal. In her free time, Rachael enjoys traveling, kayaking, camping, and sunset picnics with friends.
Aileen Yelle is a native Mississippian with an MBA and over 20 years of small business, HR and project management experience. She has three grown boys, loves to cook, and loves to watch movies, football and sunsets on the water. She has traveled to almost every area of the country (and lived in a few different areas), but she chose to make her home on the southern shores.
Aileen has experience running a small construction business, working in human resources, and project management. She has worked in a variety of industries including computer software, wireless communications, manufacturing, beverage distribution, multimedia, finance and non-profit.
Prior to taking her current position at The Corps Network, Aileen worked with Climb CDC for five years, investing in Mississippi Gulf Coast communities through housing programs and workforce development for opportunity youth. During her last year with Climb, the organization had two Conservation Corps crews; Aileen was closely involved with hiring the crews and implementing the program.
“Working in the non-profit workforce development arena has been infinitely more satisfying than any job in a for-profit company because it allows me to merge my moral and spiritual principles with my daily work endeavors. I feel privileged to continue my career on a regional scale with The Corps Network, increasing the environmental, social and cultural impact I can have on my southern home.”
Capri serves as the Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at The Corps Network. Her focus has been on increasing exposure as well as opportunities in the environmental and conservation field for young adults of color. She has looked to deepen The Corps Network and the Corps understanding around institutional and structural racism and how it plays out in the work that we do. She is a graduate of New York University for both her BFA and MA. She has over 35 years of experience in education in NYC, Seattle, and now DC. She taught Media Studies at Seattle Central College as well as the Intercultural Communication course for international students where she was introduced to the concept of “Integrative Learning Communities,” which is a collaborative interdisciplinary approach to higher education. She was a Faculty member at the BA Completion Program at Antioch University Seattle where she taught the cultural studies courses, and then Director of Student Life and Disability Services at Antioch University Seattle.
Prior to joining The Corps Network, she was in NYC at Federation Employment Guidance Services (FEGS) in their Education and Youth Division where she developed the education program for their now signature Bronx program (serving over 400 young people a year) that works primarily with foster care youth.
She with her husband are the founders of “Rebuilding Haiti One Trip at a Time,” where they focus on changing the narrative of the country by engaging small groups in cultural and historical tours of the country.
Christian joined The Corps Network in 2021 as a Program Coordinator. Originally from Round Rock,TX, he received his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy with a minor in Math Informatics fromWesley College in 2020.Post-graduation, he moved to Biloxi, MS, where he started as a crew member atClimb CDC, eventually becoming a crew leader.Outside of work, Christian likes to spend time with his wife and two dogs.
Victor O. Robertson Jr. joined The Corps Network as the Director of Workforce Development in October 2021. In this role, he develops viable career pathways for Corpsmembers by working with Corps to strengthen their employer partnerships; expanding their training and credentialing offerings; and, building their supportive services to assist Corpsmembers who face barriers to employment and education.
Prior to joining The Corps Network, Victor spent eight (8) years at the Department of Employment Services (DOES) developing and implementing workforce programs for adults, youth, and special populations. During his time with DOES, he was responsible for was creating workforce programs and career pathways for individuals with barriers to employment including opportunity youth with a criminal record and lacking literacy and numeracy skills. In addition to developing and implementing workforce programs, Victor has a proven track record of establishing public-private partnerships; policy advisement; performance and compliance management, labor market analysis; and, providing technical assistance.
A proud Howard University graduate, Victor holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and African American Studies, as well as a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) with concentrations in Mental Health and Family and Child Welfare.
Danielle Owen has joined The Corps Network as the Director of Government Relations. In this role she works to develop and implement policy and legislative initiatives with a focus on conservation/natural resources, national service and youth/workforce development. She works closely with Congress and federal agencies on these issues.
Prior to joining The Corps Network, Danielle worked for 14 years in the office of former Congressman Melvin L. Watt, seven of those years serving as his Chief of Staff. Following her time in the House, she served as a Director of Governmental Affairs and then as a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs in the Office of Secretary Foxx at the United States Department of Transportation. When not working, Danielle can be found in a bookstore searching for her next favorite book or talking about her adorable nephew, Owen, and her adorable niece, Emerson.
Candace Hollingsworth joined The Corps Network in January 2019 as the Director of AmeriCorps Programs. She now serves as Director of Programs.
Candace has a passion for service and improving the effectiveness of public sector organizations to advance their missions. She has 15 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector having assumed roles ranging from grants manager to virtual CFO and has managed projects of all sizes. However, Candace is no stranger to corps or The Corps Network. She cut her teeth in workforce development through service and conservation corps as the grants finance manager for the Conservation Corps of Greater New Orleans, a project of The Corps Network from 2008-2009. Since that time, Candace has kept positive youth development as a centerpiece of her work as the mayor of the City of Hyattsville. In that role she regularly works to build strategic partnerships and programming to create meaningful connections with young people to promote civic engagement, expand education and economic opportunity, and support the long-term sustainability of the city.
Candace is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and received a Bachelor of Arts in African-American Studies from Emory University and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) specializing in education, family, and social policy from Georgetown University. When she’s not at work or banging the gavel, you can find Candace somewhere enjoying great coffee or bourbon and making friends laugh with animated stories and eerily accurate impersonations.
Dan has over 8 years of experience on staff with TCN member organizations (PowerCorpsPHL & The Work Group). As a Program Manager, Dan is currently focused on coordinating the multitude of communities and partnerships across four states, involved in the newly launched Delaware River Climate Corps (DRCC).
Dan graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a BA in Environmental Studies. Upon graduating, Dan completed 1+ term-of-service as an AmeriCorps VISTA serving Greater Philadelphia.
Outside of work, Dan volunteers his time to improve Philadelphia’s environment as a Master Watershed Steward through the Penn State Extension office and a Philly Forest Steward with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. He also enjoys visiting national parks, board games with friends, and science-fiction series.
Shytia “Tia” Blakney was born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. She has an Associate’s Degree in Business and is close to completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She enjoys shopping and spending time with her beautiful children ages 10, 6, and 4. Tia worked at CLIMB CDC for 3 years managing their Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act program. She was responsible for managing their employer partnership portfolio and placing young people in externship opportunities. Her passion is working with opportunity youth to help them become employable and self-reliant. During her time at CLIMB, she worked very closely with young people creating their Individual Development Plans and assisting them with meeting their education and employment goals. She worked with the conservation and environmental programs, as well as, the general workforce development operation. Prior to CLIMB, she worked at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center as a Correctional Officer.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Mary Ellen Sprenkel – EX OFFICIO
President & CEO,
The Corps Network
Mary Ellen Sprenkel has been a long-time champion for youth. Mary Ellen came to The Corps Network in March of 2008 as Director of Government Relations. She was promoted to Vice President of External Affairs in 2011 and then appointed Interim CEO in May of 2012, prior to being selected as the CEO in October of 2012. During her tenure, Service and Conservation Corps have become better known programs to lawmakers and policymakers throughout the federal government. Legislation that would expand and bolster youth programs including Service and Conservation Corps has been routinely introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Under Mary Ellen’s leadership, in 2010 more than $63 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects were granted to Service and Conservation Corps throughout the country by 15 federal agencies. These projects provided youth with jobs and service opportunities while connecting them to public lands including national parks and forests. More recently, Mary Ellen has served as a member of the Federal Advisory Committee tasked with providing recommendations to federal land management agencies on how to implement a 21st Century Conservation Service Corps.
In addition to her productive time at The Corps Network, she has ten years of Capitol Hill experience, including two years on the House Committee on Education and Labor handling postsecondary education, training, and life-long learning programs. She also worked for Representatives Matthew G. Martinez (D-CA) and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY). Before joining The Corps Network, Mary Ellen was Vice President of Government Relations at the Education Finance Council, the national trade association for nonprofit and state based student loan providers. Prior to that, she spent two years as the Assistant to the President of the University of Montana.
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Paul Schmitz
CEO, Leading Inside Out
Paul Schmitz builds the collective leadership of organizations and communities to achieve greater social impact through his roles as Senior Advisor at The Collective Impact Forum and CEO of Leading Inside Out. He is an author, speaker, trainer, and consultant whose work focuses on leadership development, collaborative culture, racial equity, community engagement, and result-based strategies.
Paul is the author of Everyone Leads: Building Leadership from the Community Up (Jossey Bass, 2011). The book is based on lessons learned from 21 years leading Public Allies, an innovative leadership development program that helped more than 5,000 passionate and diverse young leaders across the country begin careers working for community and social change.
Paul is a faculty member of The Asset-Based Community Development Institute, and a board member of The Corps Network, Playworks, and The United Way of Greater Milwaukee. Paul previously served on the board of Independent Sector, the association of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, and was the co-chair of Voices for National Service, which led advocacy for AmeriCorps and other national service programs. Paul co-chaired the 2008 Obama Presidential campaign’s Civic Engagement Policy Group, was a member of The Obama-Biden Transition Team and was appointed by President Obama to The White House Council for Community Solutions.
Paul is an honors graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In 2014, Paul was appointed the first Innovator in Residence at Georgetown University’s Beeck Center for Social Innovation. He has also been recognized by The Rockefeller Foundation as a Next Generation Leadership Fellow, by the Nonprofit Times three separate years as one of the 50 most influential nonprofit leaders in America, and by Fast Company Magazine with their Social Capitalist Award for innovation. He lives in Milwaukee with his wife and five children.
Shirley Sagawa
Senior Fellow,
Center For American Progress
Shirley Sagawa is the former CEO of Service Year Alliance and an architect of AmeriCorps. Over the last three decades, she has developed innovative social and education policy, authored groundbreaking reports, and advised national organizations and foundations on strategy. As a partner with Sagawa/Jospin, she played strategic roles in the creation of America Forward, Cities of Service, Service Year Exchange, and the Presidio Institute Fellows Program. She served as First Lady Hillary Clinton’s policy assistant and deputy chief of staff and helped lead the startup of the Corporation for National and Community Service for President Bill Clinton. For President George H. W. Bush, she served as first vice chair of the Commission on National and Community Service, authorized under the National and Community Service Act of 1990, which she drafted and negotiated for the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee. She also served as the founding executive director of Learning First Alliance and senior counsel to the National Women’s Law Center and has served on numerous nonprofit and foundation boards. A Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, Shirley is author of three books, including The American Way to Change and The Charismatic Organization. She holds degrees from Harvard Law School, London School of Economics, and Smith College.
Bruce Saito
Executive Director,
California Conservation Corps
Bruce Saito is leading the California Conservation Corps – the oldest and largest conservation corps in the nation – in its commitment to enhance the Corpsmember vocational experience and expand environmentally focused projects that make California an even better place to live.
While Governor Jerry Brown appointed Bruce as CCC Director in September of 2015, his career with the Corps goes back to 1977 during the CCC’s earliest days. Bruce started as a supervisor/instructor at the Bret Harte Training Academy in Calaveras County, and over the next ten years, promoted his way up to director of the Los Angeles Urban Center and the Conservationist Supervisor CCC Camarillo Center.
In 1986, Bruce helped establish the non-profit Los Angeles Conservation Corps (LACC). He later served as the LACC executive director- devoting 30 years to the program and growing it to be one of the country’s largest local-nonprofit corps. In 2014, LACC’s Charter High School was renamed the Saito Charter High School.
Bruce has also been active in the corps movement at the national level. He previously served as board president for the Corps Network and he currently serves on the Corps Network Board of Directors and Corps Council. In 2014, Bruce was honored with the Corps Legacy Achievement Award.
Bruce continues to serve on a number of Los Angeles Boards and Commissions, including the Friends of Manzanar, Little Tokyo Senior Nutrition Center, Community Nature Connection, the Coalition for Responsible Community Development, the LA Education Corps, the LA League of Conservation Voters (LACLV) and the Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbor Commission.
Bruce grew up in Los Angeles, graduated from San Francisco State University, and resides in Long Beach, CA.
Jane Oates
President,
Working Nation
Jane Oates is the President of WorkingNation, a non-profit media entity that tells the stories of solutions bridging the education and workforce worlds. Through film and live events WorkingNation raises awareness of the changing world of work and helps individuals, businesses and communities address those changes. Before joining Working Nation, Oates worked at the Apollo Education Group, managing Corporate Social Responsibility and working on linking the universities with employers through thought leadership events.
Oates served as the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training at the US Department of Labor (DOL) under Secretary Hilda Solis. Managing a $14 billion budget, and a talented career staff of 1100, Oates oversaw the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs, guest worker visas, unemployment insurance and Job Corps. She partnered with cities and states to strengthen local economies during the worst economic recession in recent decades. She worked with industry leaders to create policies that would give immediate assistance but also create long term opportunities. With her colleagues at the Department of Education she created the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College grant program with a one-time appropriation of $2 billion.
Oates became a national leader in education and workforce programs during her ten years with Senator Edward M. Kennedy on the US Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP). Oates served as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Council of Higher Education under Jon Corzine. Oates began her career as a teacher in the Boston Public Schools and later the Philadelphia Public Schools. She went on to become the Director of Field Services at the Temple University Center for Research and Human Development, working with k-12 districts nationwide.
Oates sits on a number of non-profit boards, including NOCTI and NCCEP.
Angela Noah
Student,
Corps Expert
Angela Noah (she/hers) is White Mountain Apache and Choctaw from Cibecue, Arizona attending the University of Oregon in Planning, Public Policy, and Non-Profit Management as a first-generation student. Prior to her academic journey, Angela was a 2016 Corpsmember of the Year awardee for The Corps Network, former Crew Leader and served as an Inclusion Coordinator at Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), a Corps on Kalapuya ancestral lands or what is called Eugene, OR. Angela first discovered her passion for the outdoors while serving on an all-Native American youth trail crew in partnership with the boarding school she attended in Oregon, Chemawa Indian School, in 2015.
In 2016, Angela was the first in her family to obtain a high school diploma and decided to continue serving in AmeriCorps, this time with the Hoopa Tribal Civilian Community Corps (TCCC) on the Hoopa Valley reservation in northern California. Here, Angela completed service projects within the community, including serving as a fifth grade Teacher Assistant at Hoopa Elementary School, supporting disaster relief in Baton Rouge, LA, and various trail and cultural projects within the Hoopa Valley tribal community.
Committed to the mission of Northwest Youth Corps and completing her service term in Hoopa, Angela returned to Northwest Youth Corps in 2017 as an Ancestral Lands Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) member under Conservation Legacy, where she became instrumental in launching Northwest Youth Corps’ first Native American youth and young adult conservation program, Tribal Stewards. As the Tribal Stewards Inclusion Coordinator, Angela built tribal partnerships in the Northwest and presented in numerous conferences across the country, working with Native American youth.
Outside of conservation, Angela is a 2019 NOLS alumni having completed a backpacking expedition in Nelson, New Zealand, the ancestral lands of the Maori people. Here, she learned outdoor leadership and risk management skills. She is committed to amplifying Native American womxn and youth voices: she was a 2019 Earth Ambassador and a recent 25 Under 25 recipient under the oldest Native youth organization established in the country, the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY), Inc.
Currently, Angela is designing curriculum surrounding cultural perspectives in the
justice court system, with regional trainings for Native youth. This program known as the Healing Indigenous Lives Initiative (HILI) is in partnership with the Office of Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Program (OJDPP) where Angela serves as a Northwest representative.
Angela is a member of the University of Oregon’s Native American Student Union (NASU), serving as the 2nd annual Miss Indian University of Oregon, a student cultural ambassador platform advocating for Indigenous scholars in western academia. Angela aspires to mentor young Native American womxn and plans to oversee her very own non-profit one day serving Indigenous communities.
Michael Muckle
Director, New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg
Michael Muckle is the Executive Director of the New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg. He helped establish the program in Warren County in 1998. Building the program from the ground up, his goal was to establish a Corps program that mirrored the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930’s and 40’s. Over the past 22 years, he has worked with over 1,000 high potential young men and women, providing an opportunity to earn a diploma while in serving the community in the Warren County NJ area. Putting the Phillipsburg Youth Corps on the map as ‘the environmental’ NJ Youth Corps program was a high priority early on – and it is a characteristic that makes the program stand out amongst its peers in the state.
Michael found his way to the Corps movement through his term of service as an AmeriCorps member at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in 1997. During that time, Michael caught the public service bug and never looked back. As a hands-on Director, most days you can find Michael working alongside his Corpsmembers on a variety on environmentally themed service projects, coaching and teaching every step of the way. From streamside restoration plantings to help provide better wildlife habitat to clearing and maintaining hiking trails while advocating for more opportunities for outdoor recreation – he never misses an opportunity to turn service into a teachable moment. “Our work lends itself to easily understood metaphors for our youth” he says, “Creating suitable habitat to thrive, constructing a clear path so others may benefit. It’s in the doing where we learn!”
His passion for the Corps Movement runs deep. He provides a unique perspective as a Corps Director having valuable insights into the dynamics of crafting programming for the very youth he serves, drawing from his own corps experience, providing advocacy for youth removing systemic barriers and creating equitable spaces for them to learn and grow.
Michael is a product of the Corps Movement. He has embraced a life of service and can testify to the fact that you often get more out of a Corps experience that you bring to it. “It defies the Laws of Conservation of Matter. Everything good in my life has come as a result from my service with AmeriCorps – through service I found my purpose: to serve others”. Indeed, Michael even met his wife, Thea (also an AmeriCorps Alum), through their work at NJ Youth Corps. They reside in Nazareth, PA with their daughter, Ainsley.
Rosa Moreno
President,
Social Impact Associates, LLC
Rosa Moreno is Principal of Social Impact Associates, a consulting firm based in Washington, DC that partners with government, philanthropy, and nonprofits to design innovative and effective solutions to address critical social issues. Rosa specializes in strengthening social sector organizations to improve outcomes and grow their reach and impact. With over 20 years’ experience, she has worked with organizations and communities across the country.
Rosa has extensive history working in the national service field at the state and national level in leadership roles that focused on making a year of service a common expectation and opportunity. In prior roles, she led efforts at the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to support the fulfillment of the bipartisan Serve America Act through the formulation of public and private partnerships to expand national service opportunities. Prior roles include serving as Deputy Director of AmeriCorps, a flagship national service program of CNCS.
Rosa holds a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Texas – Austin. Rosa is a proud AmeriCorps alum. Rosa lives in Washington, DC and can often be found performing with Batalá Washington, an all-women Afro-Brazilian percussion band. Rosa is also a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood that supports women achieve their education goals. She chairs The Corps Network’s Fund Development and Marketing committee.
Kalef Jones
Deputy Climate Manager,
PowerCorpsPHL
Kalef Jones was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, in the northern section of the city. As a youth, Kalef always sought additional knowledge which led to numerous citywide contests and events. It wasn’t until his later teen years that he started to find himself involved with the criminal justice system. By the age of 21 he returned to civilization a reformed individual. Since then, Kalef has worked closely with a plethora of workforce development programs that target men and women who identify as “disconnected youth.” He was a featured speaker of a My Brother’s Keeper forum in late 2015. Also during this time, he was an intern in the Mayor’s Office during Mayor Michael Nutter’s administration. In February 2017, The Corps Network awarded him a Corpsmember of the Year: this national honor recognized Kalef for the great work he does not only at his job but also in the community.
Currently, Kalef works in the non-profit sector for the AmeriCorps program PowerCorpsPHL, which is operated by EducationWorks. His sole responsibility is creating culture that benefits the population at large. He works as the Deputy Climate Manager in which he currently implements culture enforces discipline, and introduces healthy dynamics that bolster the overall member experience. As a result of this, he became interested in social justice and then proceeded to work alongside REFORM as well the city’s District Attorney in efforts to reform the criminal justice system by becoming a voice to in this fight. He has future plans of obtaining a degree in social work and views the political arena as a possibility later on down the line. He wishes to change the narrative for his generation and create systems that work for everyone.
Tonya Gayle
Executive Director,
Green City Force
Tonya Gayle is Executive Director of Green City Force (GCF) where she created and led GCF’s development team from July 2014 to September 2020. She is a board member of The Corps Network focused on national service, and Environmental Advocates of NY focused on environmental justice. Prior to joining GCF, Tonya served in public-private partnerships at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Career Program. She has spent most of her career in nonprofit organizations focused on economic justice for young people of color. Tonya is a member of The New York Women’s Foundation Circle of Sisters for Social Change, a graduate of Wesleyan University, and a native Brooklynite. She is an associate producer of the 2006 documentary The Perfect Life featuring young adults from Harlem. Tonya is passionate about providing young people with viable paths to create and lead a just and equitable world.
Stephanie Davison – VICE CHAIR
Program Officer, Human Services, The Kresge Foundation
Stephanie Davison is a program officer for the Human Services program at The Kresge Foundation. She joined the foundation in 2018.
Previously Stephanie served as a project manager at FHI 360, where she managed a portfolio of juvenile justice, youth development, and workforce development programs including overseeing program design and execution, subgrantee management, team and consultant management, and policy development. She also supported college and career readiness initiatives, increasing high school graduation rates and post-secondary enrollment rates.
In previous roles, she coordinated and supported workforce development and education programs and initiatives, including those funded by private foundations, the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Education.
Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the Mercyhurst University and a Master of Public Affairs from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, Bloomington.
“We’re not having to sit in an office. Literally 90 percent of the time, we’re out in the woods doing some type of project or burning, or fighting wildfire,” said Tyler.
Biloxi Beach was once segregated. Black people were confined to visiting a small portion of the 26-mile coastline. To protest this injustice, a local physician named Dr. Gilbert Mason organized what is considered the first act of civil disobedience in Mississippi in the Civil Rights Era.
