Leigh Youngblood joined Gather New Haven as Interim Executive Director in January 2023 under an agreement with Interim Management Solutions, a firm that facilitates placement of Interim Executive Directors for nonprofits throughout New England. Leigh was with the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust in Athol, MA, for over 24 years,
Staff
Christian Vick
Christian brings a strong commitment to working with New Haven youth and young adults.
Karen Nelson Director of Environmental Education and Engagement
Karen brings decades of experience and skill leading youth programs and summer camp programs. As the Director of Environmental Education & Engagement (D3E) Karen’s primary responsibility is to plan, implement, manage and coordinate all environmental education-focused programs occurring in Gather New Haven’s nature preserves. Karen oversees the property management of
Xochitl Garcia Assistant Program Manager
Xochitl grew up in the Fair Haven neighborhood and has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Urban Community Studies from the University of Connecticut. She has worked at several New Haven non-profits over the past ten years that include Common Ground and Urban Resources Initiative. She brings the principles of
Brent Peterkin
Brent Peterkin is the first full-time Executive Director of the merged organization. A native of New York City, Brent comes to Gather New Haven after almost six years as Statewide Director for Project Longevity, a nationally recognized program of the U.S. Attorney for Connecticut focused on reducing gun violence in