Team

You want a sustainable future for your business and your community.
We want that too.

Our team is a passionate mix of volunteers, interns, and staff with a huge range of expertise. We are incredibly grateful to have such an enthusiastic and talented group working towards our collective mission.

One thing we all have in common: we are committed to working towards a future where environmental, economic, and human well-being are synonymous. Here’s a bit more about the people who make our work possible.

Staff

Sustainability Coordinator

Natalie Merchant

Natalie is a passionate advocate for sustainability and environmental stewardship. Growing up in Thunder Bay surrounded by vast forests and lakes, she is constantly reminded of nature’s astounding beauty, value, and the use we can make of it. She believes healthy environments are essential for healthy communities, and wants to help build and promote sustainable practices to ensure healthy environments for future generations.

Natalie is completing her Masters at Western University in Environment and Sustainability (MES) and has a degree in biology specializing in conservation and biodiversity. She recently completed a project with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, researching new methods for calculating carbon sequestration and urban forest management best practices.

Email:sustainability@londonenvironment.net

Business Development Specialist

Joe Gilvesy

Joe is a hardworking student, determined to create an impact on the environment in any way he can. Growing up on a sustainable cattle ranch in Tillsonburg, Ontario and spending several years maintaining an ALUS Canada restoration project, he learned from a very young age the importance of healthy native ecosystems and sustainable business practices. He enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, and reading. He is most passionate about creating social and environmental impact.

He is completing his final year of University, with an Honours Business Administration degree from Ivey Business School and an Honours Specialization in Political Science from Western University. He was heavily involved at the university in Habitat for Humanity’s Western University chapter and spent two years as a Residence Soph.

service@londonenvironment.net

Email:service@londonenvironment.net

Green Economy London Hub Manager

Marianne Griffith

Marianne Griffith is a committed environmentalist and an advocate for local, sustainable food systems and renewable energy. She’s worked with London based organizations to promote sustainability and community driven carbon and waste reduction, including Growing Chefs, The Root Cellar and Building Better.

She’s worked on social justice and sustainable development projects in Indigenous communities in many countries and she works closely with First Nations communities in Ontario to increase access to clean water, clean energy sources and sustainable, affordable housing.

She holds certificates in Sociology, General Enhanced Carpentry, Applied Sustainability and Advocacy and Implementation from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. She is currently the Green Economy London Hub Manager where she is committed to help London business set and achieve sustainability targets.

greeneconomy@londonenvironment.net

Executive Director, London Environmental Network

Skylar Franke

Skylar Franke is a community mobilizer and engagement specialist. Skylar is happiest when talking to new people and eating good food with friends and family. Skylar is passionate about building community, environmental advocacy, local food systems, great wine and ethical coffee.

She has over 6 years of experience in advancing action in the environmental sector by running a variety of environmental programs in London while working at ReForest London and the London Environmental Network. She graduated in 2013 from King’s University College at Western University with an honours B.A. in Social Justice and Peace Studies and French Studies. Skylar was awarded the Top 20 in their 20’s in 2018 by Business London and the Leading Women, Leading Girls Award from the Province of Ontario.

Skylar is responsible for overseeing the development of new programs and initiatives including Green Economy London, as well as all other aspects of running the London Environmental Network.

skylar@londonenvironment.net

Volunteers

Green Economy London Advisory Committee

  • Gillian Barker – Western University
  • Sarah Beyea – Libro Credit Union
  • Conor Brennan – County of Oxford
  • Justin Carter – Rise Asset Development
  • Michael Fabro – MTE Consultants
  • Jerry Lacina – Utility/Energy Specialist
  • Jolene Mclaughlin – EllisDon
  • Jamie Skimming – City of London
  • Jay Stanford – City of London
  • Stephan Vachon – Western University – Centre for Environment and Sustainability