Staffing Changes Strengthen College’s Sustainability Program
Several staff members are taking on new responsibilities as the College strengthens its fast-growing sustainability program. As part of a staff reorganization, David Petree has been named director of environmental sustainability.
A Rural Hall, N.C., native and N.C. State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, Petree was landscaping and grounds manager and has been working at Guilford for 17 years. His new role includes oversight, organization and implementation of sustainability projects as well as oversight of grounds keeping.
“With his commitment to sustainability and many years of service to the College, David is well-suited to manage this area in which we have many projects underway or anticipated,” said Jon Varnell, vice president for administration. “As this area has grown, so have the importance and the work load. David has the knowledge and the work ethic to provide the leadership we need on a day to day basis.”
Eric Brown, landscape supervisor the past four and a half years, has a greater role in grounds keeping operations, and Jim Dees, on the sustainability staff since 2008, manages the Guilford farm and works alongside Petree on projects ranging from energy initiatives to solid waste work. Korey Erb also works on the farm.
In addition, the sustainability program is supported by staff members who are contracted or whose positions are funded by energy savings or a state grant.
Bryce Bjornson ’10 leads the Green Office certification program, Energy Allowance, green building walkthroughs and green tours. He coordinates the annual Solarpalooza and AASHE’s STARS program. Energy savings fund his position. Sarah Barnett ’12 works with Bjornson as sustainability outreach intern.
Four Energy Team members and an intern/coordinator conduct audits to identify possible energy savings on campus. They are: Brett Hacker, sustainability project manager, Dustin Scott and Damien Markiewicz, energy data specialists, David Munro, energy team support services assistant, and Alexis Goldman, intern/coordinator. A state Energy Office grant funds these positions.
In addition, Matt O’Connell works in marketing the sustainability program on a contracted basis.
