Board of Directors
- Gerod RodyBoard President
Joined (Founder) 2008
New York, New York
I’m Gerod Rody, the organization’s founder and Board President. I initially started this nonprofit to meet great people (and maybe get a date). Since then, OUT for Sustainability has evolved into the spark of a movement that crosses all sorts of lines to connect the queers and the greens in ways no one thought possible. We are helping redefine the oft-narrowly used term sustainability into something that mobilizes action in pursuit of our vision of a Fabulous Planet.
During the day I’m in an innovation strategist passionate about connecting future-driven vision with pragmatically optimistic action. With time at ?What If!, Valtech, and other leading agencies, I accelerate innovation strategies, develop new categories, and bring disruptive ideas to life in a range of industries.
I love thoughtfully sourced food, craft cocktails, dance parties in random places, interactive art, witty and deep conversational walks, smart movies that aren’t devastating, pondering interior design, and traveling places with excellent food and brilliant people.
- Danny LuongSecretary
Joined 2015
Seattle, Washington
I’m Danny Luong, and I am beyond excited to be serving on the OUT4S board. I discovered these mighty fine people through a series of podcasts recorded at their 2014 Fab Planet Summit. These recordings really opened my eyes to the power of community. Particularly, the inherent capacity within the LGBTQ community to imagine change and advocate for it. Because of this, I wanted to help further their mission to create a stronger environmental consciousness in the LGBTQ public.
I currently work for a cancer consulting firm in Downtown Seattle that help direct cancer patients to therapies that match their specific tumor profiles. With deep appreciation for the planet and all of its inhabitants, I’ve always strived to understand the relationship between the two which lead me to study Environmental Science with a concentration in biology at the University of Washington, Tacoma.
What always fascinated me most about our biology was how much it was influenced by the environment we live in. Some research I worked on during my time at UWT involved identifying genetic variation between ribbon worms from regions around Antartica.
In addition to OUT4S, I also serve on the board of Seattle Frontrunners, a gay and lesbian running and walking club in Seattle. As my fourth year on the board, I was elected President to also help steer the organization in a direction that was more inclusive to all people of varying identities and athletic ability. When I’m not writing emails or nose-deep in a textbook, some other interests include marathons, graphic design, vegetarianism, and reading.
- Lindi von MutiusBoard Member
Joined 2017
Oakland, California
I’m Lindi von Mutius, and I’m on the OUT4S Board because I believe it’s important to bring diversity of all kinds to the environmental movement. I fell in love with OUT4S’s mission to make the planet more fabulous, highlighting intersectionality.
Throughout my adult life, I’ve cared passionately about how we can use environmental solutions to reduce poverty, and to lift up communities that have been marginalized or ignored by lawmakers, polluters, and the environmental movement.
I was born in Essen, Germany and my family moved to the US 25 years ago. The first time I remember being scared of pollution was when the Chernobyl plant exploded, and by the time I was finishing high school – and an internship in Senator John Kerry’s office – I knew that environmental work would always be a passion of mine. I’ve worked on some amazing projects including waste management in Cairo, great ape conservation in central Africa, rescuing baby sea turtles in Barbados, and harbor clean-ups in Baltimore.
I’m a lawyer by training and practice, and now work at the Environmental Defense Fund in a non-legal capacity as the Director of Program Management, serving as a chief of staff to our Executive Director. I’m a Vermont Law, Harvard, Williams, and Phillips Exeter grad. That is also the descending order of toughness for the school mascots: fighting swans, a color, purple cows, and a griffin.
My interests include hiking, skiing, biking, painting, dancing, and making sure my orchids are happy.
- Nick RoyalBoard Member
Joined 2019
Lansing, Michigan
I’m Nick Royal and I’m thrilled to be serving on the Board of OUT4S! I discovered this organization while doing research for my daily job and was instantly drawn to it. The organization’s focus on this work and the simultaneity of identities aligns with my personal philosophies. I have a background in social justice education and inclusion work and it is through this intersectional lens that I approach my work to achieve a more fabulous planet.
My career is in higher education administration and I work in a queer resource center at Michigan State University where I have the privilege to support, educate, and advocate for the queer and trans community on campus. It’s inspiring to see the power the LGBTQ community has when we caucus together. My research is focused on LGBTQ students and how their sexual and gender identities interact with their leadership identities.
I love relaxing with my partner and our dog, reading a good book, baking (and eating baked goods), podcasts, caring for a plethora of plants, and playing board games with new and old friends.
- Jeremy HebertBoard Member
Joined 2019
New York, New York
I’m Jeremy Hebert, a proud Brooklynite with rural roots from northern Maryland. The LGBTQ community – no stranger to reimagining society and tackling emergencies – has an important role to play in protecting the environment. That’s why I’m excited to serve on the OUT4S Board, where I can help galvanize my community to become even more active stewards of our fabulous planet.
I started my career as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, teaching English and swim lessons (long story!) in a refugee school in Azerbaijan. I also partnered with community leaders to develop new teaching methods and combat corruption. Since that formative experience, I’ve traveled the world working in administration and development at international policy organizations and graduated from NYU with a Master’s in Public Administration.
The crisis of climate change and its disastrous effects on the world’s most vulnerable populations led me to the Natural Resources Defense Council, where I currently work to advance fundraising partnerships as a Major Gifts Officer.
When I’m not stressing about our warming planet, I enjoy swimming competitively on a U.S. Masters team (go Bearcats!), learning foreign languages, re-watching the same series on Netflix, and nerding out over fantasy novels.
- Kym FoleyBoard Member
Joined 2019
Seattle, Washington
I’m Kym Foley, a self-proclaimed nature nerd who has spent the last 10+ years working to improve the health of our natural environment while supporting strong, resilient communities. I got involved with OUT for Sustainability after helping lead two fantastic OUT4S-sponsored Earth Gay events in Seattle. Getting your hands dirty restoring the ecosystems that sustain us is especially rewarding when surrounded by fearlessly fabulous queer community.
With an emphasis on climate action and sustainability, I recently entered the University of Washington Master of Urban Planning program seeking further opportunities to work at the intersection of ecosystem health, environmental justice, and urban design. Prior to this shift I was a senior project manager with a Seattle-based organization where I collaborated with government, non-profit, tribal, and community groups to develop a variety of ecological restoration projects. Working with community volunteers and young adult trainees from around the world gave me a passion for inspiring the next generation of diverse environmental leaders. I’ve taught backcountry trail construction to crews working in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska, where I once chased a bear away from my lunch with a chainsaw. I’m a Senior Fellow with the Environmental Leadership Program and, more recently, have served on several community-based, grassroots grantmaking committees.
As time allows, I’m typically found wandering pacific northwest mountains and forests looking at plants and birds, exploring Seattle’s music scene, and trying to avoid errant social media while still engaging in social activism. I love chocolate, the color orange, and hanging out around campfires with chosen family. I couldn’t be more excited to bring value to, and learn from, the OUT for Sustainability community.
Emeritus Board Members
Alister FenixBoard Member Emeritus2013-2014
Alister Fenix joined OUT for Sustainability as an energetic contributor, bringing expertise in communications and additional focus to Portland, Oregon and the Trans’ community. He helped plan and hold the inaugural Fab Planet Summit, gave insight into important steps in our strategy and supported national expansion.
Ariyah AprilBoard Member Emeritus2009-2011
Ariyah April first met OUT4S at GreenFest Seattle in 2009! Over the next 2 years she served as Vice President and Treasurer. She wrote over a dozen articles, sewed napkins, led strategic planning, organized events and advocated for every greater definition of diversity (like not staying only in Seattle).
Bart ReynoldsBoard Member Emeritus2011-2013
Bart Reynolds was one of our early sponsors as the then owner of Poco Wine Room. He came to the organization with a passion for the environment and community systems. He brought quiet wisdom and an easy smile, helping the organization reach its 501(c)3 status and simpler practicalities like a proper PO Box and improved financial systems.
Brendan CookBoard Member Emeritus2013-2018
We adore Brenden, partly because his laugh is still sparkling in our ears, and partly because of his incredible wisdom and soul. He gave this organization a long run, from leading planning for Fab Planet in Seattle and San Francisco to reorganizing our entire file system (it’s beautifully intuitive). Brenden is in many ways a shepherd of relationships, bringing people together with light from a bright heart, and learning from a deep mind.
Chris KitchenBoard Member Emeritus2014-2015
Chris Kitchen joined the OUT for Sustainability board with deep environmental experience and passion. He brought this wisdom and his calm enthusiasm to support strategic decisions, particularly around the newly adopted national strategy.
Cory-James ClouseBoard Member Emeritus2009-2011
Cory James Clouse was one of our first volunteers, tabling at GreenFest in 2009. Since then he served as Treasurer, Secretary and founded the Finance Committee. He wrote our initial bylaws, incorporated us as a registered Charity and worked extensively to ensure our organizational sustainability.
Cynthia BuhrBoard Member Emeritus2011-2013
Cynthia Buhr was more than just the first lawyer on the OUT4S board. She brought an ability to see the implications of any decision, getting into the gritty details of strategy and logistics. Her expertise in organizational development resulted in board insurance, revised and realistic bylaws, and a stronger application for our nonprofit status.
Elan KeehnBoard Member Emeritus2009-2013
Elan Keehn was one of the early OUT4S board members, discovering the organization quickly after moving back to Seattle and quickly making an impact. She nurtured the team of board members and volunteers, actively involved with Earth Gay, Coming Out Local, and many other projects. She advocated for youth involvement leading to more all-ages events and targeted outreach.
Jennifer FreyBoard Member Emeritus2013-2016
Jennifer Frey was one of those special volunteers you knew would fundamentally change and unabashedly support the organization with all her insight, energy and enthusiasm. She was just that as a board member, instrumental in launching Earth Gay in new markets while leading the charge for Earth Gay in Seattle. She amped the volume on education and advocacy, while holding our mission and vision center to our strategy to reposition national expansion. We couldn’t have gotten this far without her.
John CarrollBoard Member Emeritus2012-2013
John started out as the project manager of Coming Out Local, the first big event we’d ever done. His wry humor and can-do attitude took our ambition into reality. The improvements made from that event brought OUT4S to another level of excellence and his background and skill enhanced the board with the ability to scale and refine our mission and execution.
Joseph (Joey) KimBoard Member Emeritus2017-2018
Joey came on with gratitude in his blood and a meaningful smile to tackle big opportunities at OUT4S. In addition to being a voice for corporate responsibility, he was our technology guru, getting us started on the path to our own CRM.
Judi BrownBoard Member Emeritus2014-2017
Judi and Gerod’s first video chat confirmed that joy is in the journey. What we mean by that is she is no stranger to overcoming challenges, and that the radiance of her spirit is very grounded and real because of it. She went on quite a journey with this organization, whether stepping up as Vice President, or spearheading the creation of new committees, each with a Charter to serve as a moral compass.
Julian O’ReillyCo-founder, Board Member Emeritus2008-2013
Julian O’Reilley is a key reason OUT for Sustainability ever came into being. Her roles ranged from co-founder with Gerod, planning events and making connections, to engaged board member advocating for ever higher standards of practice and alignment with our mission. Julian served on the board (the one she helped create) for our first five years and helped launch every major program in those first few years.
Matt LandersBoard Member Emeritus2012-2014
Matt Landers began volunteering with OUT4S on our ambitious Greener Pride global best practices resource project. His insight into policy, his determination to do things well, his cheerful attitude and sharp wit all proved wonderfully valuable on the board during our greatest period of growth yet, both in organizational development and programming.
Melanie CoerverBoard Member Emeritus2010-2014
Melanie Coerver is a tireless champion of new ideas and big adventures. She led the growth of Earth Gay from 100 folks to 175, to 300 to multiple cities and left off with the vision of Earth Gay as another way to show pride around the globe as an ongoing program. Her big smile and boundless enthusiasm made the organization stronger, expanded our volunteer base and invigorated the board with delicious meals at her beautiful home.
Ryan HawkesBoard Member Emeritus2011-2013
Ryan Hawkes came to OUT4S through the Coming Out Local dinner as a key volunteer in 2010. He brought us new level of due diligence asking “why” for every new idea, serving as board secretary, and bridging our big vision with practical steps to get there. Ryan’s advocacy for diversity, process, and team development made OUT4S stronger, as did his successful management of Greener Pride in 2013.
- Ryan HicksBoard Member Emeritus
2014-2016
As board treasurer, Ryan retooled our financial processes to make them more intuitive and useful, while keeping us on track with forms, mail and the other details necessary in a well-run organization. Never afraid to ask “why,” Ryan thoughtfully challenged new ideas in order to make them stronger, keeping our capacity central without loosing sight of our potential.
Scott LansingBoard Member Emeritus2010-2011
Scott Lansing moved to Seattle, googled “green gays,” found OUT4S and started volunteering. After helping with every single thing we did for months, it was only natural that he apply to the board. He has served as Secretary, helped organize events like Earth Gay 2010 and advocated for the highest integrity in every action we undertake.
Shehreen JohnsonBoard Member Emeritus2016-2019
Shehreen is powerful and direct, thoughtful and easy to laugh. She served in many roles at OUT4S, notably treasurer where she helped guide us to greater financial stability through meaningfully aligned fundraising. With her passionate heart and intuitive mind, we went farther than ever toward a Fabulous Planet. It should be noted as well that her partner Sonia was a joy, serving as locally sourcing chef and wise sage on board retreats.
Tamara ZakimBoard Member Emeritus2017
Tamara came to us as a speaker at the Fab Planet Summit in 2016. There and on the board she proved how substantive actions speak volumes. With her legal expertise as a defender of justice, she helped us refine bylaws and ensure good process in all we do.
