Jonathan Kusel, Executive Director JKusel@sierrainstitute.us
Jonathan is the founder and executive director of Sierra Institute for Community and Environment. He received a Ph.D. in natural resource sociology and policy from the University of California, Berkeley where he was a visiting scholar and instructor before launching the Sierra Institute. Jonathan's research focuses on social indicator use and evaluation, community wellbeing and assessment, and community-based group processes.

Emily Creely , Watershed Coordinator
ECreely@sierrainstitute.us

Emily grew up in Southern California and has spent nearly 15-years as an environmental scientist, community organizer, or journalist. Water has been her passion and motivating force since working on an AmeriCorps urban creek project in Santa Barbara, California.  She has worked in water regulation for state and federal agencies as a USGS scientist and as water quality director for a watershed group in Anchorage, Alaska.  Although Emily has lived in Alaska for 13-years, she is a fifth generation Californian and is thrilled to return to and be involved in the future of the state and the protection of its resources.

Tom Neill, Program Associate

TNeill@sierrainstitute.us 
Tom comes to the Sierra Institute with a diverse background in public health, environmental justice, and international development. He has partnered with diverse communities in the United States and Guatemala to improve health access and outcomes, food security, community wellbeing, and ecosystem health. Tom received dual masters degrees in Public Health and Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University, with a focus on Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance. His current interests include community health, human rights, health disparities, and environmental health and justice.

Lauri Rawlins-Betta, Administration

LRawlins@sierrainstitute.us

Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Lauri is thrilled to be living in Greenville/Indian Valley and to be working with the Sierra Institute as the Administrative Assistant and Office Manager in Taylorsville.  She brings to us over 20-years experience in non-profit administration.   "The Sierra Institute is a perfect place to foster my passion for stewardship of this great planet."