Join us in celebrating the five remarkable individuals who have recently joined our board, each bringing a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to our mission of environmental stewardship.

As a volunteer in conservation and civic service, Reba Carruth focuses on civic responsibility and collective action for the common good of the Beloved Community.  Dr. Carruth received joint Doctoral/Masters Degrees from the University of Minnesota in the fields of Sociology/Public Affairs, and a Masters Degree in International Affairs from American University in Washington D.C.  She is active in local, state, and international policy advocacy for climate resilience, sustainable environment and commonwealth in the Chesapeake region and transatlantic area.  Her efforts include serving as a Policy Fellow for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), as well as a canvasser for U.S Public Interest Research (PIRG) Group/Climate Virginia for the final ratification of President Obama’s - EPA Clean Water Act for Protection of the Potomac River, and the removal of antibiotic drugs in animal livestock and the American food system.

Bill Dinges has had a long-standing commitment to the intersection of religion and ecology issues.  He has recently retired, after teaching for nearly 40 years in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America. Bill currently heads the parish eco-ministry team at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Silver Spring, and is an active member of the Archdiocese of Washington Care-4-Creation Committee and the Maryland Catholics for our Common Home group.

Cheryl Einstein has over 16 years of experience as an accountant, and is currently Accounting Supervisor for a mechanical contracting company in Salisbury, MD.  She was also born and raised in Salisbury, MD, where she was one of the founding members of the Lorax Club in her high school.  Cheryl is keen on strengthening the health of the Chesapeake Bay that will ultimately help improve the condition of connecting rivers and lakes in the area as well.  Cheryl is on the committee that will be installing a rain garden and pollinator gardens for St. Francis Church in Salisbury and wants to make communities on the Eastern Shore more aware of IPC’s work.

Scheherazade Forman is the daughter of a civil rights activist, pastor, and educator. She grew up believing the power of education can make a difference in anyone’s life. Her passion for educating leads all the work she does.  As a higher education administrator, she was responsible for the services that help to equip students with the skills they need to meet their academic goals. She dedicated 30 years of service to higher education.  Scheherazade retired in 2023 as the Dean of Student Success and Engagement at Prince George’s Community College, having served in that role and other roles at the college for 13 years.  She currently serves as the Pastor at Violetville UMC, where she also formed their green team.  

Drew Robinson serves as the Senior Communications Manager for the Choose Clean Water Coalition, a collection of more than 290 nonprofit organizations throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Prior to that, he was the Digital Advocacy and Outreach Manager for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. He has also worked for the USEPA as a consultant, and for Blessed Earth as a Special Project Fellow where he provided strategic planning research on the local food movement.  Hailing from the Garden State, Drew attained his love for the environment and clean water on frequent camping trips on the way to earning his Eagle Scout.  Drew’s favorite spot on the Bay is the mouth of the Magothy River, which he visits frequently on evening strolls with his family.

In addition to welcoming our recently oncoming board members, the new year also ushers in new roles for many of our returning board members.  

Tonya Sanders Thach will continue her role as Board Chair, with Mark Wright moving to the position of Vice-Chair.  Continuing their current positions on the Executive Committee, are Le-Marie Thompson as Treasurer (and Chair of the Finance Committee), as well as Samia Kirchner as Secretary (and Chair of the Governance Committee).

We are thrilled to officially add our newest committee, the DEIJ Committee, of which Laura Cattell-Noll will be Chair.  Steve Verkouw will Chair the reinstatement of our Program Committee, while Rebecca Rehr will continue her service as Chair of the Advocacy Committee.

Please join us in extending our warmest welcome to our oncoming board members, as well as our appreciation for the continued dedication of our returning board members!