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.
Meghan Greene
Director of Operations
Meghan Greene is a strategic thinker, problem solver, and lifelong learner with over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and financial services sectors. She thrives at the intersection of creativity and systems thinking, using a holistic approach to design effective, sustainable solutions. A graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, she has served in both staff and volunteer leadership roles with local nonprofits.
A Chattanooga native, Meghan was inspired by her community’s transformation into North America’s first National Park City. She earned a degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and remains engaged as a guest lecturer and advisory committee member.
Throughout her career, Meghan has overseen all aspects of nonprofit operations, including fundraising, program management, financial planning, and compliance. She is passionate about building strong systems that allow teams to focus on meaningful, mission-driven work and is excited to support green|spaces.
In her free time, she enjoys creative pursuits and learning new skills, including origami, bookbinding, and Croatian.
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!
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.
JaMichael Lewis
Build It Green | Program Director
Lewis is a Chattanooga native, proud father of a son and daughter, and a dedicated advocate for sustainable building practices. He began his journey with Build It Green as a team member in 2023 and is now honored to serve as Program Director, helping advance the organization’s mission of creating healthier, more sustainable communities through environmentally responsible housing and construction practices.
JaMichael developed an early passion for engineering and construction through dual-enrollment studies in Mechatronics Engineering during his junior and senior years of high school, along with coursework in Civil Engineering. He attended Tennessee Tech in Cookeville for three years before continuing his professional development through hands-on industry training. He is a proud graduate of Build It Green and the Construction Career Center and has earned a Workforce Development Credential through Ready for Industry. He is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Construction Systems Management.
With more than three years of experience in sustainability and green home practices, JaMichael combines technical knowledge, industry training, and a commitment to service to support Build It Green’s vision. His passion for workforce development, environmental stewardship, family, and community impact continues to guide his leadership as he works to help create opportunities and build a more sustainable future for the next generation.
Sherrod Gary
Build It Green | Assistant Director
Sherrod Gary is a Chattanooga, Tennessee native who has been a dedicated member of the Build It Green team for the past four years. Throughout his time with the organization, Sherrod has successfully completed all Build It Green program terms and has continued to grow both personally and professionally through hard work, leadership, and a commitment to serving his community.
As Assistant Director, Sherrod takes pride in leading by example and helping ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and with high-quality workmanship. He is OSHA certified and a licensed contractor, bringing valuable knowledge, experience, and professionalism to every project he works on.
Growing up in Chattanooga alongside his two sisters, Sherrod developed a strong appreciation for community, teamwork, and perseverance. He enjoys using his skills to help improve neighborhoods while mentoring others and contributing to positive change throughout the city.
Sherrod is grateful for the opportunities Build It Green has provided and looks forward to continuing his growth as a leader while making a lasting impact on his community.
Markell Davenport
Understory | Workforce Crew
Connor Schoenl
Understory | Workforce Crew
Board of Directors
Brenda Brickhouse, Chair
EPRI
Joe Martin, Vice Chair
HB + JM
Ruby Mathai, Secretary
Tennessee Valley Authority
Morgan Holl, Treasurer
Overlooked Materials
Sheril Varghese, Past Chair
Tennessee Valley Authority
Charity Benefield
EPB
Alicia Toth
EdMyst
Luke Soules
iFixIt
Tiffany Grandstaff
Full Circle Refillery
Doug Carlson
CARTA
Board Retreat - April 2026