Grassroots Ecology Moves to a Co-Leadership Model
Grassroots Ecology’s Executive Director of seven years, Alex Von Feldt, has recently been joined in the executive ranks by Junko Bryant, formerly the Assistant Director—making them Co-Executive Directors!
Both women have been involved with Grassroots Ecology from its inception, and both have been central to developing its strategic vision, partnerships, and programs—which engage thousands of people annually in environmental restoration, education, and job training across 10 cities and two counties.
Alex planting with staff at Byrne Preserve
Junko leading a staff willow staking workshop
When Grassroots Ecology incorporated as an independent nonprofit in 2016, Alex stepped up as Executive Director and Junko as Assistant Director. But as the needs of the community and the organization have shifted over the last few years, it became apparent that a shared leadership model would be a better fit for Grassroots Ecology.
“The role of Executive Director is a big one,” says Alex. “It demands not only a lot of time, but a lot of different skill sets. Junko and I share the same commitment to our mission, but we think differently and have our own unique strengths and leadership styles. We view that difference as a value add. We can fulfill the demands of this role better together.”
Says Junko about the change: “Cooperation and shared leadership have always been central to our organizational culture. We try to give all our staff opportunities to lead and to build on their strengths. Now we get to more closely embody those values.”
Board Member Lucille Glassman shares her enthusiasm for this change. "As an organization, we've been agile and adaptable, good at seizing opportunities and turning them into successes, “ Lucille says, “Making the best possible use of our staff is a perfect example of that adaptability. We have two strong leaders and that's the very definition of an opportunity."
Get to Know our Co-Executive Directors!
Q: Why did you make the choice to become Co-Executive Directors?
Junko: I think it builds resiliency for the organization by signaling that we value collaboration, not just at the leadership level but across the board.
Alex: We feel like this leadership structure more accurately represents how Junko and I have been operating in recent years, and it seems like a good time to officially make this change.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
Junko: I love seeing our restoration sites evolve over time from a sea of weeds into a diverse native plant habitat.
Alex: There are so many aspects of my job that I enjoy. Here are a few: helping with a volunteer workday and meeting community members, observing rare treasures at our Native Plant Nursery, and keeping track of our financial situation. I’m honest about that last one!
Q: What is your favorite plant to grow?
Junko: Willows – they grow very easily from cuttings and are often used in stream restoration because they provide great habitat and have extensive root systems that help to prevent erosion. I actually have a willow twig happily sprouting in a jar of water in my kitchen window right now!
Alex: Anything from seed. It’s not easy, and oftentimes they don’t come up. But it is so exciting when you see a little sprout emerge - especially when you forgot that you sowed them.