People

Dedicated educator and mother committed to inspiring curiosity and a deep sense of belonging by connecting children to the natural world.

Jeff Geist is the Director of Community Engagement, Programs and Partnerships at Duke Farms, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation. He leads public programming, partnerships, membership, and volunteer engagement, creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect with and participate in conservation. His work focuses on expanding access, strengthening community relationships, and extending Duke Farms' impact beyond its campus.

Jeff was an NAAEE CEE-Change Fellow in 2023 and holds an M.A. in Environmental Conservation Education from NYU and a B.S. in Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources from Rutgers University. 

Leander Lacy is a world-renowned conservationist, public speaker, The Green Mind Podcast host, Human Dimensions of Natural Resouces Scientist, Wildlife Biologist, Conservation Coach, and has been in the conservation field for over 18 years. As an independent contractor he has worked with organizations and agencies around the world to ensure conservation efforts are sustainable and that the benefits are realized equitably to all communities with a specialist emphasis on communities historically excluded from conservation planning and implementation. His work includes impact assessments, community assessments, equity research, capacity building, facilitation, and key note speaker.