People

Vince Meldrum is President and CEO of Earth Force. Vince is an experienced nonprofit leader who has worked in environmental and civic education for 20 years. Vince leads Earth Force, a national organization with a unique focus on combining active civic education with environmental education to prepare young people with the civic skills, scientific knowledge, and motivation to improve our local environment.

I am a new teacher starting in the fall. I graduated with my Masters in May and am excited to join the Hardy team. I have two children and live in a small town where community means a great deal. This makes the MWEE idea perfect as helping make our farm and rural lands healthy is something most will get behind. Additionally, my background is in environmental engineering, so I do have a familarity in some of the concepts. I am excited to learn more and be well prepared for my journey!

I currently work to support leadership and best practices at nature centers throughout North America. In my role with the Association of Nature Center Administrators, I create and share content about the issues that nature centers face, and how they can overcome their challenges.

I have been an Environmental Educator for over 38 years. I'm currently teaching part time at the University of Southern Maine in the Environmental Science and Policy Department. I have retired from my work at Maine Audubon but still fill in when they need assistance.

Hi there! I am the Program Manager for Kaleidoscope Child Care on beautiful Orcas Island. You can learn more about us at www.ourkaleidoscopekids.com. We look forward to working with you!

Lauren Gibson has served as the Executive Director of the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) since June 2026.

Lauren began her journey with environmental education through Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program. Working with Roots & Shoots, Lauren created a small youth environmental grant program in her Indiana hometown, solidifying her dedication to helping young people find their power through environmental action.

Lauren holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Earth systems from Stanford University as well as a Ph.D. in environmental education from North Carolina State University. She built her career at NOAA, where she held roles in the Office of Education and on the agency’s leadership team. During the Biden Administration, Lauren served as NOAA’s first Policy Advisor on Youth Engagement, working to bring youth voice into federal decision-making.

In 2025, Lauren joined Colorado State University Extension, leading volunteer development for Colorado 4-H.