KAYLA STUART

Kayla is the proud Creator of Tree CPR which is a workforce development program dedicated to teaching industry-specific skills to adults in overburdened and underserved communities to facilitate green job placement and opportunities. 
Originally from Oak Ridge, TN but proud to be a Knoxvillian for over a decade, has been an LPN for the past 10 years. She obtained a bachelor's of Science in Forestry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she is currently pursuing her Master's in Forestry. In addition to being a proud Tree Board member for the City of Knoxville, she is the Program Director of the Tennessee Champion Tree Program which measures and catalogues the largest tree specimens of each species across Tennessee.  

And most importantly she is the mother of 3 confident, charismatic daughters.

Mary woody

Mary Woody is a Knoxville-based nonprofit and business development professional with a passion for expanding access to opportunity in underrepresented fields. She holds a BBA in Information Technology with a second concentration in Environmental Studies from the College of William & Mary and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Aviation and Aerospace Sustainability at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. A licensed private pilot and advocate for women in STEM-related fields, Mary has worked with the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC) since 2018, strengthening community partnerships and services across the region. Mary joined the Tree CPR Board in 2021, bringing experience in nonprofit fiscal management and strategic collaboration. Mary believes that the path to a more just and equitable future lies in rebuilding the relationships between people, land, and community. She sees the growing disconnect between individuals and their ecosystems as a challenge, and an opportunity, to reweave those bonds through sustainability efforts that emphasize reciprocity, not just resource use. Her work is grounded in the belief that when we care for the land and each other, we create stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.

Khann Chov

Khann Chov is a South Knoxvillian and seasoned nonprofit leader with a passion for empowering communities, environmental education and hands-on learning. She holds an MS in Environmental Education from Lesley University and has spent over two decades advancing sustainability, food access, and community engagement through roles at CAC Beardsley Community Farm, UT’s Office of Sustainability, Keep Knoxville Beautiful, and United Way of Greater Knoxville. Her commitment to experiential learning began with grassroots education efforts in waste reduction, water quality and sustainable agriculture and she continues to shape her holistic approach to student and family success. Outside of work, Khann enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.

Jaq Payne

Jaq Payne holds a Master's Degree in Forestry from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and a Bachelor's Degree of Integrated Studies in Theatre & Business Leadership from Middle Tennessee State University. His unique background is the foundation of his creative, community-centered approach to environmental conservation. Through his work as the Director of the National Champion Tree Program, the record-keepers of the largest trees in the United States, he has further developed a passion for protecting the gentle giants of the world and ensuring that our grandchildren's grandchildren get to enjoy these magnificent natural treasures. When he's not hugging big trees, Jaq enjoys songwriting, event planning, and hiking with his tiny dog.

Jimi Miller

Jimi Miller is the Director of Engagement at Chattanooga Tree Project, where he combines his background in urban forestry, event planning, and community outreach to advance tree equity and expand access to green spaces across Chattanooga. Originally from Colorado, Jimi moved to Tennessee in 2012 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in urban forestry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he developed a strong interest in urban wood utilization and addressing urban heat island challenges. His experience founding SoKno Pride, a nonprofit supporting marginalized communities, reflects his commitment to fostering inclusive, community-driven initiatives that bring people together around shared environmental and social goals.