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Elizabeth Walsh:

Doctoral Candidate in Community and Regional Planning, University of Texas

Elizabeth's doctoral research focus on environmental justice issues related to indoor air quality, including expansion of affordable, healthy, "green" housing and schools integrated within sustainable communities. As a master's student in CRP at UT, Elizabeth helped develop the East Austin Environmental Justice Project and worked extensively with the Alley Flat Initiative, a sustainable affordable housing initiative. Previously, after graduating from Wellesley College in 2000, she worked in Boston, MA with the Urban Ecology Institute.

Christina Ceballos:

Program Assistant, Oceans, Environmental Defense Fund

Since graduating from the University of Minnesota in 2001 with a B.A. in French and Global Studies, Christina Ceballos has worked in a variety of positions in education, environment, and community development here and abroad. After finishing Peace Corps in Mali in 2007, she moved to Austin where she immediately got involved in the community through work and volunteerism – a time during which she helped to found UpLift Austin. In June 2010, she earned a certificate in nonprofit management from the Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations at ACC. Currently, she works as an administrative/finance assistant to the Oceans Program at Environmental Defense Fund, helping to advance catch share fishery management policies in the South Atlantic region.

Katie Sternberg:

Conservation Program Coordinator, City of Austin - Watershed Protection Department

Katie earned an Masters of Science degree in Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She has extensive experience in program and partnership development, youth leadership, environmental education, and public outreach with numerous non-profit and governmental organizations. She is a bike commuter, nature enthusiast, hiker/backpacker, and active community volunteer.

Peter Klante:

CEO, Hyperformix

Mr. Klante currently serves as Senior VP of the Virtualization and Automation group at CA Technologies which acquired Hyperformmix in October 2010 where he was President and CEO. With over 25 years of marketing, technology and executive leadership experience in enterprise software with organizations such as Lotus/IBM, Cognos and Vignette, Mr. Klante has played a key role in the creation and realization of significant shareholder value in multiple early-stage organizations.

Katy Avenson:

CPA, Atchley & Associates

Katy earned her BBA and Masters in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas in 2003. After briefly moving to Houston, she recognized her interest in small business and returned to Austin to work with a locally-owned accounting firm. She immediately developed a passion for helping non-profit organizations with tax planning and compliance, and has pursued this interest in both business and in the community. She is actively involved with local financial literacy initiatives and nonprofit training workshops, and has a strong interest in sustainable living and transformational education.

Craig Snook:

Retired Senior Director, The Dow Chemical Company

Craig Snook has 35 years experience in various aspects of technology development, technology transfer and project management. He also has extensive experience in strategy development and organizational design. He is trained in personal leadership development and environmental health and safety facilitating training in these areas of interest. Craig graduated from the University of Kansas in Chemical Engineering and earned an MBA from the University of Houston / Clear Lake City. Craig worked for the Dow Chemical Company in the U.S. and Germany until he retired in 2009 as Senior Director in Core R&D. He most recently worked as a consultant with Executive Service Corps of Houston an organization designed to promote best management practives in nonprofits in the Houston area. Craig is also a board member of the Caporal Assistance Network which assists young adults living with cancer.

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