Dr. R. Alfred “Alfie” Vick is the Georgia Power Professor in Environmental Ethics at the University of Georgia and Director of the Environmental Ethics Certificate Program. A licensed landscape architect and LEED Fellow, he is principal at Solidago Design Solutions, with projects including the LEED Platinum Southface Energy Institute headquarters. His work focuses on green infrastructure, sustainable site design, landscape performance, native plant communities, and Cherokee ethnobotany. Dr. Vick has held leadership roles with the U.S. Green Building Council and serves on the Board of the Athens Land Trust, reflecting his commitment to integrating ecological principles into design and fostering human connection to nature.

Allie Kelly is the Chief Marketing Officer at Intentsify, a company specializing in intent-based marketing software. With over 20 years of experience in both B2B and B2C environments, she has a proven track record in driving growth and innovation through data-driven strategies. Prior to her role at Intentsify, Allie served as the Executive Director of The Ray, an 18-mile stretch of Interstate 85 in Georgia that functions as a living laboratory for sustainable transportation technologies. Under her leadership, The Ray implemented groundbreaking initiatives such as the first solar-powered road in the U.S. and the world's first drive-through tire safety station. Allie holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Georgia and is a recognized leader in both the marketing and sustainability sectors.

Bill Browning is a pioneer in sustainable and biophilic design. He co-founded Terrapin Bright Green to integrate nature into the built environment and was a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council. He led over 300 projects, including the Greening of the White House and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Village. Browning has co-authored influential books such as Green Development and Biophilic Design: The Economics of Biophilia, shaping the intersection of design, health, and sustainability.

Camille Lowe is a seasoned biopharmaceutical sales professional with over 20 years of experience launching therapies and expanding markets worldwide. A native of Macon, Georgia, she earned her BBA in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia, where she was a four-year starter for the UGA Women’s Basketball team. She began her career in risk management at Marsh in San Francisco before transitioning into pharma sales. After years in California, Camille returned to Georgia, settling in Serenbe in 2015 to embrace community, nature, and sustainable living. She also serves as City Council Member for District 4 of Chattahoochee Hills, reflecting her passion for service and stewardship.

Carrie Battan is a staff writer at The New Yorker, where she has contributed since 2015 and became a staff writer in 2018. She also writes for GQ, Elle, and other publications. Her work was featured in the 2021 edition of The Best American Travel Writing. Previously, she worked at Google from 2014 to 2019 and occasionally does freelance copywriting and branding for startups.

Catie Ryan is Director of Projects at Terrapin Bright Green, specializing in biophilic design and urban green infrastructure. She focuses on integrating nature into the built environment to enhance human health and sustainability. Catie applies systems thinking to address challenges across diverse scales and has contributed to Terrapin Bright Green’s thought leadership on topics like sustainable construction and community-focused design.

Chad Epple is a civil engineer and founder of Southeastern Engineering, Inc., a firm specializing in land development, infrastructure, and environmental consulting. His firm played a key role in designing the roadways, utilities, and drainage systems for Serenbe, a sustainable community south of Atlanta. In 2025, SEI was acquired by Atwell, LLC, expanding its presence in the Southeast. Epple’s work demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and community-focused engineering, including pro bono surveys for Campbellton Park to help preserve the Chattahoochee River corridor.

Charles Bethea is a staff writer at The New Yorker, contributing since 2008 and joining the staff in 2018. He has written over seventy Talk of the Town pieces covering politics, investigative reporting, and profiles of figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel. Raised in Atlanta, he graduated from Brown University in English, focusing on poetry and travel writing. Bethea has also worked at Atlanta Magazine and Outside Magazine and co-produced the 2014 documentary Fair Chase, based on his reporting.

Colonel Mark “Puck” Mykleby (USMC, Ret.) is a retired Marine Corps officer and a leading advocate for sustainability as a core element of national strategy. A 1987 U.S. Naval Academy graduate and naval aviator, he served in multiple combat operations and later as a strategic advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, co-authoring the influential A National Strategic Narrative. After retiring in 2011, he co-founded the Strategic Innovation Lab at Case Western Reserve University, served as Executive Director of the Human Fusions Institute, and is a Senior Fellow at the New America Foundation. He is also co-author of The New Grand Strategy and speaks widely on sustainability, national security, and systemic innovation.

Danny Seo is a leading authority on modern, eco-friendly living. Born on Earth Day 1977, he founded Earth 2000, a youth sustainability movement, and published his first book, Generation React, at 19. An Emmy-winning host, he leads Naturally, Danny Seo, a magazine and TV show blending style with sustainability. Seo’s eco-friendly product line is sold in over 4,000 stores nationwide, and he regularly appears on shows like The Drew Barrymore Show and Today. His work inspires individuals to live stylishly and sustainably.

Daren Wang is a writer, public radio producer, and social entrepreneur based in Decatur, Georgia. He co-founded the AJC Decatur Book Festival and served as its Executive Director until 2017. Wang has produced and hosted public radio series including Porches: The South & Her Writers and launched Verb: An Audioquarterly. His debut novel, The Hidden Light of Northern Fires, was published in 2017. Currently, he is Executive Director of AIR Serenbe, an artist-in-residence program in Georgia, and continues to write about designing an intentional life.

Dennis Creech is a sustainability pioneer and Senior Fellow with the Kendeda Fund, where he guides investments in climate change solutions. He co-founded and served as longtime executive director of Southface Institute, a nonprofit advancing sustainable homes, workplaces, and communities across the Southeast. A national leader in green building and clean energy, Dennis played a key role in launching initiatives such as EarthCraft House and advancing energy efficiency policy. His work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Ashoka Fellowship. Today, he continues to champion practical, scalable approaches that promote healthier communities and a resilient future.

Diandra Marizet is a Mexican-American poet, writer, and cultural strategist dedicated to environmental justice. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Intersectional Environmentalist (IE), a nonprofit amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in the climate movement. Since 2020, IE has raised over $2 million and reached millions digitally. Diandra emphasizes the role of culture and storytelling in shaping our relationship to the land and ensuring diverse stories are accessible for future generations. She is also a contributing writer to The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet.

Dr. Katharine Wilkinson is a climate strategist, author, and educator focused on building a sustainable, equitable future. She co-founded and serves as executive director of The All We Can Save Project. A Rhodes Scholar, Wilkinson holds a doctorate in geography and environment from Oxford and a bachelor's in religion from Sewanee. She co-edited All We Can Save and contributed to Drawdown, a New York Times bestseller. She also co-hosts the podcast A Matter of Degrees and speaks widely on climate leadership, storytelling, and solutions.

Dr. Tim Beatley is the Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities at the University of Virginia, where he has taught for over 30 years. A leading expert in sustainable urban design, he coined the term “green urbanism” and founded the Biophilic Cities Project, promoting the integration of nature into cities. Author of over 15 books, including Biophilic Cities, Beatley advocates for ecologically sustainable, nature-connected urban environments worldwide. He holds a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from UNC Chapel Hill.

Drew John Graham is the founding Executive Director of the Serenbe Institute, where he helped weave arts and culture into the heart of Serenbe. Under his leadership, the Institute fostered creative engagement and supported the integration of visual and performing arts across the community. A passionate advocate for the power of art to shape place and connect people, Drew John has been instrumental in cultivating Serenbe’s cultural identity.

Florence Williams is an award-winning science journalist, author, and podcaster focused on the intersections of nature, health, and human well-being. She is a contributing editor at Outside magazine and has written for National Geographic, The New York Times, and Slate. Williams is the author of Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History, The Nature Fix, and Heartbreak, and has hosted Gracie Award-winning podcasts including Breasts Unbound and The Three-Day Effect. A fellow at the Center for Humans and Nature and visiting scholar at George Washington University, she explores how nature impacts creativity, health, and happiness. She lives in Washington, D.C., and leads retreats that connect people to nature.

Ford Fry is a Houston-born chef and restaurateur known for his innovative Southern cuisine and dynamic restaurant concepts. A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, he trained in fine dining across Florida, Colorado, and California, including executive chef roles at The Ritz-Carlton. In 2007, he opened JCT Kitchen & Bar in Atlanta and founded Rocket Farm Restaurants, overseeing acclaimed establishments such as The Optimist, King + Duke, Superica, and Marcel. A five-time James Beard Award nominee, Fry emphasizes community, hospitality, and quality.

Gisela Williams is a Berlin-based journalist specializing in culture, design, travel, and sustainability. She has contributed to T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Harper’s Bazaar US, Elle Décor, and Financial Times. Williams explores innovative projects worldwide, from eco-conscious communities in Bali to urban regeneration in Chicago. She is developing the TV series Survival by Design and co-authors the Substack newsletter w-report, sharing hidden cultural gems. 

Heather Ruth is a wellness educator, yoga instructor, and founder of Serenbe Yoga. She transitioned from a high-stress career to focus on holistic health, teaching meditative and lighthearted yoga classes that emphasize balance, mindfulness, and joy. Heather is known for leading innovative experiences such as Goat Yoga at The Animal Village at Serenbe, connecting people with nature and promoting wellness through movement. 

Janice Peek is a longtime resident of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, where her family has deep roots spanning generations. She has played an active role in community efforts to preserve the rural character of the region and support sustainable growth, helping shape initiatives that balance conservation with development. Through her leadership and collaboration with neighbors, Janice has contributed to a legacy of stewardship and community-building that continues to influence Chattahoochee Hills today.

Jason Geter is an Atlanta-based entrepreneur, music executive, and fashion innovator. He co-founded Grand Hustle Records with rapper T.I., launching T.I.’s career and discovering artists like Travis Scott. Geter also founded Heavy Sound Labs, a music incubator supporting emerging talent, and owns The Heavy Market, a boutique offering curated global fashion. Residing in Serenbe, he emphasizes community and creativity in his ventures. 

Jeff Tkach is the CEO of the Rodale Institute, a nonprofit advancing regenerative organic agriculture through research, education, and farmer training. He became CEO in 2023 after serving as Chief Impact Officer, where he expanded the Institute’s global reach and strengthened philanthropic and programmatic initiatives. A Pennsylvania native, Tkach holds a degree in business marketing from Kutztown University and an Authentic Leadership Certificate from Naropa University. He previously held leadership roles at Rodale’s Organic Life, Prevention, Life Time Fitness, and Active Interest Media. He also serves on the boards of Greensgrow Farms and The Biophilic Institute.

Jennifer Walsh is an entrepreneur, biophilic wellness advocate, and co-host of the Biophilic Solutions podcast. She revolutionized beauty retail by founding Beauty Bar in 1998, the first U.S. omni-channel beauty brand integrating stores, e-commerce, and TV. After selling the company in 2010, she consulted for major brands while expanding her focus to the connection between nature, brain health, and wellbeing. She created Wellness Walks with Walsh and the Walk with Walsh series, conducting walking interviews that highlight biophilia and healthier ways to live and lead. A triathlete and daily walker, Jennifer continues to champion the healing power of nature in both private and public spaces.

John A. Lanier is Executive Director of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation, where he continues the sustainability legacy of his grandfather, Interface founder Ray C. Anderson. An Atlanta native, John joined the Foundation in 2013 after practicing tax law at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan. He has helped launch initiatives such as Drawdown Georgia and serves on the boards of Project Drawdown and Southface. He is also the author of Mid-Course Correction Revisited, updating his grandfather’s landmark work on business and the environment. A graduate of the University of Virginia with degrees in History, Economics, and Law, John lives in Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood with his wife, Chantel, and their children.

Katie Kelly Bell is an award-winning freelance journalist based in Atlanta, specializing in wine, spirits, food, and travel. She has contributed to Forbes, Robb Report, Decanter, USA Today, Wine Enthusiast, Condé Nast Traveler, and Modern Luxury. WSET certified, she is also a voting member of the Paris-based Prix Villégiature Hotel Awards. Katie co-authored The Everything Guide to Ireland and has appeared as a travel expert on CNN’s Travel Channel. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, three children, and a rescue dog.

Laura Flusche is the Executive Director of the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), leading its transformation as a major hub for design in Midtown Atlanta. She joined MODA in 2010 and has overseen its relocation, expansion, and reimagining as a 21st-century design museum. Previously, Laura spent 15 years in Rome, co-founding The Institute of Design + Culture and contributing to archaeological research on the Palatine Hill. She holds a Ph.D. in Ancient Roman and Etruscan Art and Archaeology, an M.A. in Italian Renaissance Art, and a Master’s in Arts Administration from SCAD. A graduate of the Getty Leadership Institute, Laura is recognized for blending scholarly expertise with innovative museum leadership.

Laura Turner Seydel is an environmental advocate, philanthropist, and eco-living leader. She is Chair Emeritus of the Captain Planet Foundation and serves on boards including the Turner Foundation, UN Foundation, NTI, Project Drawdown, and Waterkeeper Alliance. She co-founded Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Mothers & Others for Clean Air, and Atlanta Recycles. Passionate about sustainable living, she supports regenerative agriculture, produces environmental documentaries, and lives in a pioneering LEED Gold home. Raised in Atlanta, she holds a degree in Communications from Oglethorpe University and lives with her husband, three children, and granddaughter.

Liz Calabrese is a researcher, educator, and advocate specializing in biophilic design—the integration of nature into built environments. She explores the philosophical and practical aspects of biophilia, emphasizing how human connections to nature can enhance well-being and create harmonious living spaces. Calabrese consults with architects and designers to incorporate biophilic principles into projects and shares her insights through lectures, workshops, and media appearances.

Mary Annaïse Heglar is a writer, educator, and climate justice advocate whose work explores the intersections of climate change, race, and emotion. She is the author of Troubled Waters and The World is Ours to Cherish and has written for The Nation, The Boston Globe, Vox, Rolling Stone, and Wired. Heglar co-created the Hot Take podcast and now runs Spill, fostering candid climate conversations. A former writer-in-residence at Columbia University’s Earth Institute, she teaches courses on climate grief and storytelling. Based in New Orleans, Heglar uses her voice to promote an inclusive, emotionally aware approach to climate activism.

Nancy Davis is a philanthropist, author, and designer dedicated to advancing multiple sclerosis (MS) research. Diagnosed with MS in 1991, she founded Race to Erase MS in 1993, raising over $56 million to fund groundbreaking research, including the development of Ocrevus. She co-founded Cure Addiction Now (CAN) to address substance use and mental health. Nancy balances her philanthropic work with family life in Los Angeles and was featured on Serenbe Stories, discussing wellness, community, and advocacy.

Ned Peek is a San Diego-based residential painter with over 40 years of experience. He co-founded Peek Brothers Painting in 1981, specializing in interior and exterior home repainting, decks, and cabinet refinishing. After 25 years, he sold his share and launched a solo, hands-on business focused on quality, surface preparation, and attention to detail. Known for his meticulous work, Ned has earned a reputation as a trusted painter in San Diego and continues to bring excellence to every residential project he undertakes.

Nicolas Bour is Vice President of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef at Serenbe, a mixed-use community with a certified organic farm and multiple dining establishments, a role he has held since June 2018. He brings extensive experience from prestigious hospitality positions, including Ocean House Management in Rhode Island and Highgate, and has contributed to Chick-fil-A’s online magazine. Bour has appeared on the Food Network and is recognized for his commitment to sustainable practices, local sourcing, and excellence in culinary arts, blending innovation with community-focused dining experiences.

Pete Dominick is an American comedian, podcaster, and media personality known for blending humor with insight on politics, culture, and personal growth. Born in 1975 in Syracuse, New York, he began his comedy career in NYC and gained national recognition as the warm-up comic for The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. He hosted Stand Up! with Pete Dominick on SiriusXM for over a decade, interviewing experts on politics, the environment, and personal development. Today, he continues the conversation through his podcast, engaging audiences in meaningful dialogue. He lives in Rockland County, NY, with his wife and two daughters.

Dr. Phillip Tabb is a Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Texas A&M University and a licensed architect renowned for sustainable urban design and biophilic architecture. He served as master plan architect for Serenbe, Georgia, and is a founding board member of the Biophilic Institute. Dr. Tabb earned a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, an M.Arch from the University of Colorado, and a Ph.D. from the Architectural Association in London. He has authored several books, including Serene Urbanism, Biophilic Urbanism, and Wellness Architecture and Urban Design, focusing on integrating nature into urban environments to enhance health, well-being, and sustainability.

Patrick Muhammad is an educator, urban farmer, and community leader in Georgia. As principal of Chattahoochee Hills Charter School, he integrates hands-on agricultural education into the K–8 curriculum, teaching students about sustainability and stewardship. He is the founder of Your Faith Farms, a 31-acre homestead where he mentors Black families in sustainable farming, helping over 30 families purchase and develop farms. Through Acre Boyzz Farming, Patrick offers workshops and resources to inspire the next generation of farmers. His work has been featured in media outlets including K-LOVE and The Packer, highlighting his impact on urban agriculture and community development.

Richard Louv is an acclaimed author and journalist best known for coining the term “nature-deficit disorder” in his landmark book Last Child in the Woods, which launched an international movement to reconnect children with nature. He has written ten books, including The Nature Principle, Vitamin N, and Our Wild Calling. Louv is co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Children & Nature Network, and his work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Outside, and more. He has received numerous honors, including the Audubon Medal, and has spoken at the White House, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and on major media outlets such as NPR and Good Morning America. Through his writing, speaking, and advocacy, Louv continues to inspire action around the essential human need for connection with the natural world.

Robert Rausch is a photographer, designer, and educator based in Tuscumbia, Alabama. He holds an MFA in Photography from Art Center College of Design and has been featured in The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Southern Living, and Garden & Gun. Founder of theStudio Magazine and GAS Design Center, Rausch emphasizes "slow design," blending sustainability with craftsmanship. He has collaborated with clients like Anthropologie, Hilton Hotels, and Serenbe, creating public art installations—including street lamps, benches, and bike racks—that enhance Serenbe’s biophilic aesthetic and foster a connection between community and nature.

Steven W. Peck is the founder and president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the nonprofit industry association leading the development of green roofs and living walls across North America. A pioneer of “living architecture,” he has spent more than two decades advancing the integration of nature into urban environments to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and public health challenges. Under his leadership, the organization has trained thousands of professionals, supported groundbreaking research, and influenced policies that accelerate the adoption of green infrastructure. Steven also edits Living Architecture Monitor, the only quarterly magazine devoted to green roofs and walls, and is an internationally recognized speaker on sustainable design. His work promotes resilient, regenerative cities where buildings contribute to ecological health, climate adaptation, and human well-being.

Susie Ellis is the Chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) and the Global Wellness Summit, leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing wellness worldwide. She co-founded the Global Wellness Summit and has been instrumental in shaping the wellness industry through pioneering research and initiatives. Ellis is recognized for her expertise in wellness trends and has been honored with the International Spa Association’s Visionary Award.

Terry Lin is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Planned Systems International, Inc. (PSI), a leading Federal Health IT solutions provider. Since founding PSI in 1988, he has guided the company through over 30 years of growth, serving agencies like the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs. Lin holds dual B.S. degrees in Computer Science and Accounting from the University of Maryland and executive training from Clark Atlanta University and UT El Paso. He lives in Glenn Dale, MD, with his wife and daughter, supports the University of Maryland Men’s Basketball Team, and sponsors an annual charity golf tournament.

Tom Reed is an entrepreneur and Mayor of Chattahoochee Hills, the city that encompasses Serenbe. A multiple-time Inc. 5000 honoree, he founded the successful Capri Blue candle brand before moving to Serenbe. Bringing his startup experience to civic leadership, Tom helped guide Chattahoochee Hills through incorporation and has championed smart growth, fiscal health, and preservation of the community’s rural character. He continues to advance long-term planning that balances economic resilience with the values of the community.

Thomas Swanston is an American artist known for his dynamic paintings combining acrylics with gold and silver leaf. A graduate of Hobart & William Smith Colleges and Parsons School of Design, he has lived and worked in South Fulton County, Georgia for over 25 years. His work often explores themes of migration, inspired by the seasonal journeys of Sandhill cranes, symbolizing physical and spiritual travel. Swanston’s art has been featured in 14 solo and 46 group exhibitions across the U.S. and is held in collections in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Veronica Klucik is an environmental advocate and exhibition curator based in Atlanta. She served as Exhibitions Manager at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), co-curating exhibitions like Learning from Nature: The Future of Design and Full Circle: Design Without End, which explored biomimicry, regenerative design, and circular systems. In 2022, she became Activism Lead at Patagonia, continuing her work in environmental justice and community-centered sustainability initiatives. Veronica specializes in climate-focused exhibitions, events, and workshops that engage communities in environmental stewardship, fostering meaningful connections between people, design, and the natural world.

Yoli Ouiya is a leader in sustainability and wellness, recognized by Black Enterprise as the “Queen of Green.” She is Co-Founder of the Food + Wellness Equity Collective, working to bring equity and accessibility to the wellness industry. Yoli launched Yoli’s Green Living to share practical eco-friendly lifestyle solutions and earned her Plant-Based Nutrition certification from Cornell’s T. Colin Campbell Institute. She has partnered with organizations such as Toyota, Walgreens/Duane Reade, and the Coalition for Healthy School Food, and was selected for Yale’s inaugural Sustainability Leadership Summit. Through ventures like Next in Wellness and African Hippie, Yoli continues to champion inclusivity, environmental consciousness, and holistic well-being.