About Backporch
The Back Porch Energy Initiative is a non-profit organization working with communities to cultivate local responses to the national and global issue of energy consumption. The Back Porch team is committed to collaborating with communities on existing resources, leveraging new ideas, and developing practical, economical and environmental solutions.
Spotlight
on your community
Lee Ann Kendrick
Lee Ann Kendrick is the Program Director of the Gulf Coast Conservation Corps (GCCC), an environmental youth development program based in Mississippi. Since the inception of the GCCC, Lee Ann has overseen all GCCC activities including program design, Corpsmember development, and day-to-day operations of the Corps. Lee Ann is known as "Mom," to all the Corpsmembers, going above the call of duty to build a comfortable and welcoming home for all these conservation workers.
With 16 years of experience in youth development, Lee Ann has primarily focused her attention on nonprofit organizations such as Head Start, 4-H and AmeriCorps. Prior to moving home to Mississippi, Lee Ann established an urban 4-H program in Las Vegas, Nevada and also worked with the University of Florida's 4-H program in the panhandle of Florida. Following Hurricane Katrina, Lee Ann worked toward reestablishing Early Head Start services in East Biloxi until she made the move over to the GCCC.
Lee Ann's expertise and driven spirit have offered countless youth so much. That is what Lee Ann is all about. Thank you, Lee Ann.
Tip of the Week!
"Buy food (and drink - ideally tap - water) from local companies whenever possible. Each pound of local food you purchase prevents a quarter pound of global warming (C02) emissions," suggests the Global Stewards website. "If possible, grow your own fruits and vegetables using organic gardening practices.
You can find local farmers markets, community supported agriculture, restaurants that cook with regional cuisine, and food cooperatives through Local Harvest."
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meet the team
| Elizabeth (Liz) Burroughs
Director of Development
B.A. in Economics and Environmental Studies, The College of William and Mary
After working, volunteering, and being a member of many non-profit organizations, Liz is thrilled to be working with the Back Porch Initiatives. In addition to her passion for non-profit management, she also enjoys sailing, large earrings, art history, and popsicles. |
| AndrewBurton
I.T. Guy
B.S. in Biology, The College of William and Mary
From Madagascar to the Galapagos, Andrew has explored and researched some of the most biologically diverse regions of the globe and hopes to someday work in the field of tropical conservation. In his free time he plays the bass and bassoon and draws nonsensical cartoons. |
 | Jon Davidow
Director of Operations
B.A. in Religious Studies, The College of William and Mary
After scouring the globe to find his true calling and witnessing first-hand various social and environmental injustices he is proud to be working towards progressive environmental solutions with Back Porch. Jon's interests include getting his hands dirty, experiencing the sweet life, and smelling like a campfire. |
| Brenna Muller
Project Manager
B.A. in Music and Government (with a focus on Environmental Policy), Connecticut College
Brenna’s commitment to the environment began early and has continued to grow in recent years. In addition to studying sustainable development in Costa Rica at the School for Field Studies, she also played an active role in numerous environmental groups at Connecticut College. Her other interests include listening to and playing music, running for fun, and bicycling. |
| Charmaine Nerone
Development Manager
B.A. in English, French minor, The College of William and Mary
After dabbling in various corporate endeavors, Charmaine experienced an environmental awakening that has led her to join the Back Porch team. In addition to her passion for travel she also enjoys cooking delicious meals for her friends, poetry and wearing high heels. |
| Gina Sobel
Project Manager
B.A. in Music and Environmental Studies, The College of William and Mary
Gina has always been active in the environmental scene, playing an important role in numerous clubs and organizations ranging from the Student Sierra Coalition to the Student Environmental Action Coalition. When she’s not saving the earth or growing tomatoes she can be found with her other great love, her band the Rock River Gypsies. |
| Virginia Walters
Executive Director
B.A. in Religious Studies and Women’s Studies, The College of William and Mary
Through her involvement with the activist community in college, Virginia was inspired to research the intricate link between social and environmental issues. It was as a result of her findings that she became a founding member and true visionary for Back Porch. Virginia’s many loves include written correspondence, sing-alongs, and down home cookin’.
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