Board Committees

Forest ReLeaf of Missouri offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, including serving on one of our standing or ad hoc board committees. These include:

Development and Marketing

The Development and Marketing Committee helps to identify resources for Forest ReLeaf, enhances the organization’s visibility, and increases the participation in Forest ReLeaf’s programs and projects. Volunteers on this committee help to develop relationships with media, public officials and others that help spread the word about the organization’s mission and impact.

Finance

This committee is responsible for the overall direction and control of the finances of Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. Some of its responsibilities include approving a draft of an annual budget, reviewing quarterly financial statements and overseeing the annual audit.

Operations

This committee is responsible for the overall technical direction and management of CommuniTree Gardens nursery and tree distribution programs. Committee members also help to regularly assess the effectiveness of the tree planting efforts.

If you are interested in serving on a committee or are curious about how to join the board of trustees, email info@moreleaf.org

Executive Committee

This committee is made up of the current President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Board. The Executive Committee leads the board meetings and serves as the primary contact for the Executive Director.

Finance Committee

The committee is responsible for the overall direction and control of the finances of Forest ReLeaf of Missouri.

Marketing and Development Committee

This committee supports fundraising and outreach initiatives including planning for two annual events at the nursery.

Operations Committee

This committee is responsible for the overall technical direction and management of Forest ReLeaf’s nursery and tree planting programs.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

This committee ensures Forest ReLeaf is imbued at all levels with the common understanding and commitment to the core principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)

Education Committee

This committee reviews and directs the organization’s educational programs and materials to verify accuracy, relevance and greatest impact.

Young Friends

The Young Friends committee consists of several young professionals working together to fundraise and build awareness of Forest ReLeaf’s mission. Members will play a role in all planning and behind-the-scenes tasks for various social events throughout the year including the annual Crawl the Grove. Visit Young Friends page to learn more about getting involved with Young Friends.

Jess Underwood
Finance & Operations Director

After 17 years in the non-profit and public sector, Jess remains committed to mission-driven work that tackles the challenges facing our communities. Their career began with a year of service as an Americorps St. Louis Emergency Response team member, responding to natural disasters and performing conservation projects. That foundation of service led to roles supporting the arts, affordable housing, mental health, and grassroots housing advocacy in St. Louis. During this journey Jess has worked to center the value “nothing about us, without us.” They do their best to ensure that the voices of people who have been marginalized guide the strategy and execution of work that honors their lived experiences. When they aren’t working, Jess is out paddling, hiking, working in their garden, or building something.