Following the recent departure of the Brandywine Conservancy's director, Ellen Ferretti, Associate Directors Stephanie Armpriester and Grant DeCosta were promoted to Acting Co-Directors of the organization based in Delaware County.

In addition to their dual leadership role overseeing the Conservancy's operations, Stephanie leads the Brandywine's work in easement stewardship and land conservation, while Grant supervises work in municipal assistance and land restoration with a focus on climate resiliency.

Some new faces have also recently joined the Brandywine Conservancy's team, including Liudmila “Mila” Carter, Elizabeth Davis-Cerami, Olivia "Liv" Falcone, Evan Hunt, Clint Forest Mautz, Julia Steiner, Emily Tinalli and Lisa Timbers.

Liudmila “Mila” Carter is a new Senior Planner in the Brandywine's Municipal Assistance Program. Mila has a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography/urban & regional planning and a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from West Chester University.

Her 10 years of planning experience includes positions with ARRO Consulting, Westtown Township, Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association, Delaware Department of Transportation, and Lycoming County. Most notably she spent four years at Westtown Township which ended in May 2021.

 In that capacity she assisted with the development and implementation of planning programs (including the Township’s Comprehensive Plan, Master Park Plans, and their Open Space, Recreation and Environmental Resources Plan); was a liaison for the Historical Commission; assisted the zoning officer; and ensured MS4 program compliance.

Elizabeth Davis-Cerami is the Brandywine’s new budget manager. After nearly 20 years with the consulting arm of Deloitte, Elizabeth left her position as Global Controller to open and operate a high-end furniture design firm in Philadelphia; then an eatery and catering company in Kennett Square, PA. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Marymount College.

Olivia “Liv” Falcone is a new Assistant Planner in the Brandywine's Municipal Assistance Program. Liv has a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography and art history, and a master’s degree in community development and planning—both from Clark University in Massachusetts.

While Liv is new as a professional planner, she has previously completed a planning internship, and she has an extensive educational background including experiential coursework. Liv also previously interned in the education department at the Brandywine River Museum of Art.

Evan Hunt is the Brandywine's new Easement Steward. Originally from southeastern Pennsylvania, Evan has been heavily involved in environmental conservation throughout the region. His work experience includes ecological restoration, native plant propagation, and land stewardship.

Most recently he was the conservation associate at Willistown Conservation Trust where he worked on conservation easement monitoring and a number of forest restoration projects. Evan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental studies from Ursinus College.

Clint Forest Mautz is a new Preserve Steward at the Brandywine's Laurels Preserve. Mautz grew up in a lake community in Highland Lakes, NJ. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental sustainability and a minor in biology from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ.

Eager to pursue a career in natural resource management and conservation, Mautz learned various arboricultural skills such as tree identification, pruning, planting and advanced removal techniques, and previously worked with the Bartlett Tree Experts in West Chester, PA.

Julia Steiner is the Brandywine’s new Environmental Educator, a position made possible by a grant from The Allegheny Foundation. Julia is working to enhance the Brandywine's in-person and virtual education programs.

Julia’s prior experience includes working at Brandywine Red Clay as an Environmental Coordinator and, previously, as an Educational Programs Assistant, as well as serving as an elementary educator at local schools. Julia was also involved in the creation of the Brandywine Creek Water Trail with Conservancy staff. Julia has her Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural sciences and postgraduate certifications in special and elementary education.

Emily Tinalli is the Brandywine’s new horticulturist. Prior to joining the Brandywine, Emily worked at Mt Cuba Center for the past seven and half years. Among her different roles there, she most recently held the title of Horticulturist of the Middle Naturalistic Garden since 2017.

Emily has a degree in business management from SUNY New Paltz and another in horticulture technology management from Farmingdale State College. She is an experienced, professional horticulturist with keen interest in every aspect of the Brandywine's native plant program.

Lisa Timbers is the Brandywine's new Assistant Planner for Community Services. Lisa has a master’s degree in environmental science from Villanova University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in studio art from Allegheny College.

Lisa was most recently employed as a hydrologic technician at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and previously held roles with the State of Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation and the Division of Public Health.

Prior experiences include positions in financial services, teaching and event planning. During her time with USGS, Lisa’s territory included monitoring the gauge at the Brandywine River Museum of Art and other sites throughout southeastern PA.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Brandywine Conservancy website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy (middle of the webpage.)  Visit the Conservancy’s Blog, Like the Conservancy on Facebook and Follow them on Instagram.

The Conservancy currently holds over 485 conservation and agricultural easements and has facilitated the permanent preservation of more than 66,000 acres of land.

(Photo: Grant DeCosta and Stephanie Armpriester)

[Posted: February 16, 2022]

2/21/2022