Board of Directors
Brenda Brickhouse, Chair
EPRI
Derek Young, Vice Chair CBL Properties
Ruby Mathai, Secretary
Tennessee Valley Authority
Morgan Holl, Treasurer
Overlooked Materials
Sheril Varghese, Past Chair
Tennessee Valley Authority
Charity Benefield
EPB
Michael Ryan
NewTerra Compost
Alicia Toth
EdMyst
Joe Martin
HB + JM
Luke Soules
iFixIt
Tiffany Grandstaff
Full Circle Refillery
Doug Carlson
CARTA
Staff
Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier, Ed.D, DBA, CFRE, ACNP, GPC
Chief Executive Officer
A seasoned nonprofit executive with 15 years of leadership experience in fundraising, community development, and sustainability, Dr. Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier brings a deep commitment to social impact and environmental progress to her new role as CEO of green|spaces. A Nashville native and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga alumna, she is excited to further Chattanooga's reputation as a leader in sustainability and innovation.
Since 2021, Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier has served as the CEO of Empowering Neighborhood Partnerships (ENP) in Nashville, where she spearheaded initiatives addressing equity, education, workforce development, and housing. Under her leadership, ENP doubled its revenue in one year, expanded services to over 7,500 families annually, and established a robust network of partnerships with schools, businesses, and government agencies.
Beyond her nonprofit leadership, Dr. Quintanilla Plattsmier holds multiple prestigious certifications, including Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP), and Grant Professional Certified (GPC). She has been widely recognized for her contributions to the nonprofit sector, receiving accolades such as the AFP Outstanding Young Fundraising Professional Award, the Tennessee Human Rights Commission's Outstanding Service Award, Nashville Business Journal's 40 Under 40, and Diversity MBA's Top 50 Under 50 Executive Leaders.
Dexter Talley, Certified DET Verifier
Build it Green | Program Director
Dexter Talley is an exceptionally dedicated and relentless problem solver who continues to contribute to society by sharing his knowledge and expertise instructing people who are interested in his field of “Going Green” and being Energy Efficient. In 2019 Dexter took his first step in furthering his own knowledge in the green community by enrolling in the BIG program. After graduating the program he decided he wanted to become a mentor within the program to help inner city impoverished youth to be able to be exposed to something he felt would be groundbreaking and useful to their livelihood. The BIG program is customized to assist young adults in making clear choices, having emotional intelligence, believing in their dreams, elevating their work skills, and overall knowledge in basic life skills.
One important training Dexter prides himself on obtaining during his time in the program is his DET Verifier certification, where he achieved an impressive perfect score of 100%.
With an exceptional quality in entrepreneurship for over a decade. Dexter has been effective in building ongoing business relationships and partners over the years. It’s safe to say he’s an expert at making something out of nothing and making something.
With the assistance from within the program and green|spaces, Dexter has now become a vital resource and earned his new role as Program Director. He intends to continue supporting program projects and plans that increase intercultural awareness and understanding. Among his colleagues, he can be described as a progressive, down-to-earth gentleman who can always be relied upon to offer creative solutions to intricate issues and deliver impressive results.
He enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, traveling, trying diverse food, fashion, and DIY projects.
LaDarrius Mitchell
Build it Green | Field Operations Manager
LaDarrius Mitchell is a Chattanooga native and a father to four beautiful children with his fiancée. Mitchell is growing a career with Build It Green and Green|Spaces in hopes of building lasting community connections and gaining valuable skills that will help create better outcomes for himself, his family, and his community.
While Mitchell is new to Build It Green, his experience with Green|Spaces has already given him a foundation for building meaningful relationships in the community and continuing to learn along the way. During his time at Build It Green, Mitchell looks forward to bringing fresh ideas, strong dependability, and a positive attitude to the team.
Mitchell is very thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see what his time here will bring!
Noland Rivers
Build it Green | Administrative Coordinator
Noland Frontcee Rivers began his academic journey with a strong focus on STEM, attending a STEM-focused school through 2020. He then enrolled in a dual-enrollment program at Chattanooga State Community College, where he completed a two-year associate’s degree. Building on that foundation, Noland continued his studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), graduating in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Following graduation, Noland took time to thoughtfully evaluate his career path before attending a job fair in February 2025, where he discovered Build It Green. Since joining the organization, he has developed practical expertise across several areas, including hardware, construction development, and energy-efficiency practices. His work has focused on identifying cost-saving tools, technologies, and methods that improve building performance and efficiency.
Through his role, Noland has gained broad, hands-on experience with construction systems and sustainable building strategies. He continues to expand his technical and analytical skill set while contributing to projects that promote more efficient and environmentally responsible building practices.
Michael Strok, PLA
Understory | Director of Planning & Management
Originally from the Atlanta area, Michael earned his BLA at the University of Georgia and has practiced landscape architecture for 15 years. He has had the privilege of learning under and working with ecologically minded professionals throughout his career.
Over the past decade living in Chattanooga, Michael explored the interaction between nature and the built environment and, more importantly, how both intersect with the human experience. Michael serves as Chair of the Chattanooga Tree Commission and believes our City’s relationship with trees is only as strong as the participation of the people in the communities we serve. Advocating for communities and trees has become Michael’s priority.
In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Kristen, and their dog, Diamond. He tries to visit a new National Park every year to explore natural wonders.
Jimi Miller
Understory | Director of Environmental Equity & Community Engagement
In 2012, Jimi moved from a small town in Colorado to Tennessee, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in urban forestry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Throughout his studies, Jimi interned with several organizations where he cultivated a strong interest in tree equity, urban wood utilization, and tackling the challenges of urban heat islands.
While living in Knoxville, Jimi founded SoKno Pride, a nonprofit dedicated to hosting annual LGBTQ+ events that raise funds for organizations supporting marginalized communities. This initiative ignited his commitment to community activism and event planning.
Now, as the Director of Environmental Equity & Community Engagement at Understory, Jimi aims to combine his expertise in urban forestry, event planning, and outreach to foster meaningful connections throughout Chattanooga. He will focus on ensuring that all residents have equitable access to trees, green spaces, and the environmental benefits they provide.
When not working, Jimi can be found exploring the outdoors, searching for quirky thrift store finds, building furniture, or channeling his creativity into art projects.
Emma Walker, Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
A recent graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Emma earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a minor in Marketing. Originally from a small town just outside of Memphis, she moved to Chattanooga for college and quickly fell in love with the city’s energy and community.
During her senior year, Emma interned with green|spaces and discovered a deep appreciation for the organization’s mission and impact. She’s now thrilled to officially be part of the team and is excited to contribute to meaningful work that supports sustainability and community growth in Chattanooga.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys exploring the city on foot — especially its downtown area, trails, and parks — and spending as much time as possible with dogs!
Ellery Jacobs
Understory | Director of Workforce Development
Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, Ellery Jacobs found her love for nature through spending time outside as a child and going camping with her family. She earned her BA in Environmental Science and Geography from the University of Richmond, where she co-wrote and published undergraduate research titled “Snow Season Variability and Community Dynamics in the Western Hemlock-True Fir Ecotone of Western Oregon, USA.” She also presented her work at a national conference hosted by the American Association of Geographers.
Before moving to Chattanooga in 2025, Ellery worked for two years with the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), conducting environmental data collection in incredible locations like Yellowstone National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After relocating to be closer to her partner, she joined Green|Spaces through the Understory program and now serves as Director of Workforce.
Though new to the tree care industry, Ellery is passionate about connecting people with the natural world and creating opportunities for others to work outdoors. She is currently working toward her ISA certification. Outside of work, she enjoys thrifting, pub trivia, knitting, board games, and spending time with her partner and their dog. A fun fact: she once spent a year pinning and identifying beetles—and still preserves the occasional specimen for her personal collection.
Markell Davenport
Understory | Workforce Crew
Connor Schoenl
Understory | Workforce Crew