Welcome! We are a very passionate, grassroots group looking forward to accomplishing our purpose, one landscape at a time. Conserving. Protecting. And restoring biodiversity in an effort to revitalize our ecosystems that will sustain our existence and drawdown the legacy carbon overheating the planet.
Board of Directors
NOREEN WISE
Virginia
Founder & Chair of the Board
Noreen is a dynamic conservationist dedicated to driving the restoration of biodiversity and achieving the ambitious global 30X30 target. With a rich background in climate journalism, she has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable practices for over 25 years, collaborating with local and global leaders to inspire impactful climate action.
Her transformative experience living sustainably in Ottawa during the pandemic allowed her to immerse herself in the city’s Climate Action Agenda, learning from sustainability pioneers who have shaped eco-friendly initiatives since 1985. This unique insight fuels her mission to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral culture.
For the past nine years, Noreen has been a passionate advocate for public education on sustainability and biodiversity. Since 2021, she has championed carbon drawdown through innovative regenerative agriculture practices and enhanced biodiversity in suburban landscapes. Noreen’s unwavering commitment and expertise position her as a powerful ally for sponsors and partners looking to make a meaningful impact in the realms of conservation, carbon drawdown, and sustainability.
RENISE LERESCHE
Washington, D.C.
Director of Development
From an early age, Renise was inspired by her parents’ commitment to community and authenticity. Her mother’s dedication to volunteerism and her father’s passion for birdwatching, exemplified through his involvement with The Audubon Society, laid a strong foundation for her own values.
As a Business Development Manager, Renise has successfully forged strategic partnerships and identified emerging markets for various brands, each distinguished by their exceptional quality, service, and ethical practices. Her passion for sustainability and support for purpose-driven companies is central to her professional ethos.
Renise is deeply committed to community service, channeling her energy into grassroots organizing and volunteer initiatives that enhance the quality of life in her community. Although she has called Virginia home for 35 years, including two formative years during her youth, her journey has taken her across the country. She returned to Virginia to marry her best friend’s brother, and together they are raising three sons alongside their beloved dogs.
In her free time, Renise finds joy in outdoor activities, whether it’s gardening, hiking, or immersing herself in a good book. Her life is driven by a dedication to fostering connections—both within her family and her community.
KATHLEEN BROWN
Washington, D.C.
Director of Media & Communications
Kathleen is a communications professional who now in her retirement devotes time and energy to environmental action and advocacy. Recently earning certification as a Fairfax Master Naturalist, Kathleen can be found laboring on invasive management activities and tree rescues in nearby Fairfax County parks.
Kathleen’s professional journey began in broadcast television working at the “Sixty
Minutes” Washington office as a production assistant. Later Kathleen then moved up to Capitol Hill to work as a field producer and satellite coordinator for Capital Broadcast News covering national stories for local television stations across the country Five years afterward, she transitioned to C-SPAN, the cable satellite public affairs network serving on the assignment desk and as program producer of viewer call-in shows
featuring newsmakers, Members of Congress, Administration officials and national and foreign journalists. Kathleen’s programming featured breaking news, public policy debates, legislative issues and public affairs concerns.
Eventually Kathleen migrated to work in the non-profit sector with an organization promoting volunteerism and soon after for World Vision, an international relief and
development organization serving in more than 100 countries. As a media relations and
communications expert, Kathleen earned coverage in print, radio, and television media to promote the organization’s work in community health and development, as well as agricultural and environmental education among global partners.
Kathleen is engaged in Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic community’s Integrity of Creation ministry, serving as president of her neighborhood’s citizen association for the past six years, and is a volunteer at Justice High School’s Wolf Shack, a student resource pantry at FCPS’s only title-one school.
PAT CASSIDY
Washington, D.C.
Director of Environmental Education
Pat Cassidy is the founder of The Change Loudoun Project, a transformative initiative dedicated to advancing solar energy and environmental sustainability in Loudoun County and beyond. As a passionate advocate for clean energy, Pat is committed to fostering a sustainable future through education and community engagement.
Through The Change Loudoun Project, Pat raises awareness about the myriad benefits of solar energy, emphasizing its positive impacts on the environment, economy, and public health. His expertise enables him to articulate how individuals and communities can transition to renewable energy sources effectively.
Pat’s advocacy journey has equipped him with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the clean energy landscape. He shares his experiences and practical strategies to empower others to get involved in promoting sustainable practices in their own neighborhoods. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, Pat Cassidy is leading the charge toward a greener, more resilient future for all.
SHAB DUDLEY
Charlottesville, VA
Director of Finance
Shab has spent her 23 year career in finance, managing hundreds of complex group accounts while operating under very tight deadlines and stress conditions. Crisis management is an integral part of Shab’s career. Her diplomacy skills and professionalism catapulted her into leadership positions at various junctures throughout her tenure.
Climate Action NOW (CAN) 