LMNGBR Announces New Leadership, Names John Nettles as Board President

Grassroots Nature-Education NPO Introduces Fresh Faces in Fourth Year of Operation

​BATON ROUGE, LA--June 13, 2019. Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge (LMNGBR), a Baton Rouge 501(c)3 organization that primarily operates a nature education program for adults, today announces a transition of leadership in its president and officers. 

The new leader of the organization will be John Nettles, a Baton Rouge-area native and local marketing professional. Nettles has been with the organization nearly since its inception, and has lead several successful technology and marketing initiatives prior to being elected.

"There are numerous Master Naturalist organizations in most every state in the nation," says Nettles. "A goal I have will be to make the young Baton Rouge chapter a national leader in innovation among the chapters." 

Nettles says that he believes that there is an understated interest in nature in the Baton Rouge area, which is rich in biodiversity. He says he wants to digitally connect with isolated nature enthusiasts throughout the region and introduce them to the program.  

Nettles will be replacing past president Katherine Gividen, who received the prestigious Governor's Award for Conservationist of the Year in 2019, partly because of her volunteer work with LMNGBR.

Other new officers include: 

• Vice President, Jack Reilley
• Secretary, Amanda Marshall
• Treasurer, Cindy Thompson

Also elected was a new At-Large Executive Committee, including: 

• Tracey Allen
• Colette Dean
• Katherine Gividen
• Mary Norris
• Amber King

Since its inception in 2015, LMNGBR has produced over a hundred master naturalists, generated hundreds of volunteer service hours, and forged partnerships with most local conservation organizations. The organization is privately funded by admission fees and member dues.

About LMNGBR

The Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge (LMNGBR) is a chapter of the Louisiana Master Naturalist Association focusing on the natural and cultural history of Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes. Founded in the Summer 2015 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, LMNGBR provides an educational program for participants to obtain status as a Certified Master Naturalist dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities.

To learn more about applying for the Master Naturalist course, visit www.lmngbr.org/apply-now.

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