Laura (Alex) Ganus is the Watersheds Program Director for Cumberland River Compact (the Compact). She encourages the growth of 14 autonomous watershed organizations within the 18,000 square mile Cumberland River Basin. When the organization forms, she assists newly formed organizations by providing one-on-one assistance, and oversees the development of workshops, meetings and informational resources to strengthen the group’s ability to fulfill their mission. Laura graduated from Bradley University with a B.S. in Environmental Science – Biology and received an M.S. in Communication at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Previously, Laura worked at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association. As the Watershed Institute Program Coordinator, she oversaw the development of workshops and informational resources on organizational and programmatic development, and administered a small grants program targeted for watershed groups throughout New Jersey. She worked for the USFWS, Region IV as an AmeriCorps member working on recovery plans and research studies involving South Florida’s federally endangered and threatened species. Laura has also worked for NJ Commerce & Economic Growth Commission’s Office of Sustainable Business as a research assistant on various environmentally preferable building practices. She has been with the Compact since August 2007.
Dr. Gwen Griffith
Dr. Gwen Griffith is a veterinarian turned conservationist, who applies her science and health training to promoting ecosystem health at the landscape level. Gwen serves as the Director of the Building Outside the Box (BOB) Program, with the goal of bringing sustainable building practices that protect water quality and restore stream health. Her background includes 20 years of veterinary practice followed by several positions related to conservation and environmental policy, including with the U.S. Senate Environment Committee, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Tennessee Environmental Council.
The BOB program demonstrates water friendly, energy efficient home construction, farming practices, and stream restoration techniques. The project earned the 2006 TN Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award for Excellence in Building Green; and the Middle TN chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council honored them with the 2006 Green Star Educator of the Year Award. The BOB project site at Morgan Park Place in north Nashville earned the 2007 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Excellence in Building Green.
Mekayle Houghton
Mekayle Houghton began with the Compact as Stream Restoration Manager for the Building Outside the Box’s Antioch site. Prior to joining the Compact, she worked as a consultant to YMCA of the USA, program manager for projects in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa in the International Division of the YMCA of the USA. With Hull House Association in Chicago, she launched refugee economic development programs. Not least, she and husband John have four sons who share their love of Nashville’s streams. Mekayle earned an interdisciplinary M.A. in Social Science and a B.A. in Anthropology both from the University of Chicago. She is thrilled to be heading up the Cumberland River Compact’s newest program, Project Blue Streams.
Janet Regen
Janet brings over two decades experience in Administration and Human Relations at the corporate level with a wide variety of organizations. Her position with the Compact is in Finance and Administration. Prior to coming to the Compact in 2004, Janet worked with the Putnam County Rural Health Clinic in HR, Epic Technologies as Corporate Administration and Service Corporation International, HR Training.
Paul Sloan
Paul’s connections with the Compact go back many years. He was among the early board members who laid the foundation for the Cumberland River Compact almost 15 years ago. He was also an author of the original vision for the Compact’s sustainable building program that continues to bring important educational programs to the region. For the seven years ending in May 2011, Sloan directed TDEC’s Bureau of Environment with primary responsibility for the administration of Tennessee’s environmental laws and regulations. Paul will help the organization in its strategic planning for its future.
Know what the major Cumberland River pollutant is? Well, it is the DIRT and
the other "stuff" from our yards, our roofs and our driveways that runs off
every time we have a good rain.
If we all kept our dirt in our own yards, the river would be a lot healthier
and safer for everyone.
Visit the Sediment page to learn more about Muddy Waters and what YOU can do
to keep your dirt at home.
