Our Board & Staff

Representatives from a broad spectrum of community, business and government organizations

Board of Directors

The Clean Air Force Board of Directors represents a broad spectrum of community, business, and government organizations. The Board reviews and makes recommendations on air quality policy, public outreach, and technical issues. Quarterly meetings are open to the public and provide an essential forum for exchanging information, ideas, and perspectives.

The Board provides an opportunity for varied interests to work together on a common goal and stay abreast of policy and technical developments on air quality. Board members are not compensated for their time. Board meetings are scheduled in April and October. For information on upcoming meetings, please contact us.

Officers

The Officers work closely with the Executive Director to help meet the mission of the Clean Air Force of Central Texas. Officers include the Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. The officers, along with Member at Large Ryan Alter (Council Member, City of Austin), make up the Executive Committee of the Board.

Melissa Reynolds

Chair

Global Director of EHS, Systems and Solutions
Emerson Automation Solutions

Nick Kornblith

Vice Chair

Alen Corporation

Dr. Elena Craft

Immediate Past Chair

President
Health Effects Institute

Adele Noel

Secretary

Environmental Project Manager
Travis County

Amanda Mortl

Treasurer

Environmental Program Coordinator
Austin Climate Action & Resilience

Ryan Alter

Member at Large

Council Member
City of Austin

Executive Director

Jim Stephens
Jim is a pragmatic and results-driven professional with over 35 years’ experience in a leadership role. Throughout his career, Jim has a proven track record of leading teams through challenging situations. Responsible for overseeing operations, Jim is always looking for new ways to advance and promote the priorities of the organization. He believes that through education and awareness, policy development and partnership, great things can be achieved!

Jim graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS degree from the University of North Texas and holds multiple professional certifications. Jim brings dedication, empathy, and a results-driven mindset to the Clean Air Force, striving to make a lasting difference in the lives we touch. When not working with our partners, he spends time with his wife and their furry children.

Contact Jim:
jstephens@cleanairforce.org

Partnership Development Managers

Gabriela Hamdieh

Gabriela is a public policy professional with experience in the government and nonprofit sectors. As a Legislative Aide, she managed the Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee portfolio for a State Representative. Gabriela also acted as a Policy Associate for Environment Texas, where she ran a campaign to improve Houston’s solid waste management system. Gabriela is currently an Organizer for the Amanda for Travis campaign. She also worked for the Houston Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. Gabriela has been featured in Houston Public Media and the Houston Chronicle and has been quoted in networks such as Politico E&E News. She hopes to bridge advocacy and outreach to achieve results for communities that last.

Jonathan Bennett

Jonathan is an innovative and passionate young professional with fundraising, media, and stakeholder-engagement experience in the non-profit and government sectors. Jonathan has served roles in congressional staff, regulatory reform, public health, and as a Peace Corps Volunteer. He is committed to building relationships and implementing strategies that will broaden the scope of partnership with the Clean Air Force to new regions of the Great State of Texas. Jonathan graduated with an MA degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a BS degree from the University of Maine. He is dedicated to helping CAF protect and improve the air quality in Texas.

Avery Stephens

Avery joins Clean Air Force with a proven track record of building community partnerships rooted in access, wellness, and sustainable transportation through her leadership at Earn-A-Bike San Antonio. A Hendrix Collegiate athlete and graduate with a background in psychology and business; she brings both relational depth and strategic thinking to her role as PDM. Avery is passionate about growing San Antonio’s network of businesses committed to cleaner air and a healthier community for all.

Hannah Czajkowski

Hannah is a proud Texan with a passion for building relationships, bringing people together, and making a difference in the communities around her. Her professional background includes corporate partnerships with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, as well as tourism, events, and community engagement with the City of Sugar Land. Hannah enjoys spending time outdoors whenever she gets the chance — preferably with a fishing pole in hand. She brings her love for people, community, and the outdoors to her work with CAF, where she focuses on building meaningful partnerships, expanding the organization’s reach, and helping carry its mission for cleaner air and healthier communities across Texas.

Eleanor Cote

Eleanor is a professional with experience in STEM education, environmental outreach, and program management. With a background in science education and climate research, Eleanor brings a strong understanding of environmental issues alongside a passion for building partnerships that create meaningful community impact. She previously served as an Outreach Coordinator for GeoFORCE Texas at UT-Austin, where she led large-scale STEM programming and community outreach. She enjoys building relationships with people and organizations and is committed to supporting CAF’s mission to improve air quality and create a healthier community for Texans.

Andrew Stiver

Andrew is a nonprofit fundraising professional with experience leading strategic development initiatives, cultivating corporate and foundation partnerships, and driving peer-to-peer fundraising growth. He is passionate about connecting people, organizations, and communities to create lasting impact. Andrew also brings a thoughtful, relationship‑driven approach to every project, ensuring partners feel valued, informed, and engaged throughout the process. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to advancing missions that strengthen community well‑being.

Turner Kimbrough

Turner is a business development and strategic partnerships professional with more than 15 years of experience working across the public and private sectors. His background includes business development, government relations, consulting, grant management, and building strategic relationships Throughout his career, Turner has worked closely with elected officials, government agencies, businesses, and community stakeholders to develop partnerships, identify opportunities, and advance initiatives that create meaningful community impact. Turner brings a relationship-driven approach to his work and is excited to bring this experience to CAF and its mission.

Clean Air Co-Pilots

Elyse Kratchman

UT Senior Majoring in Sustainability Studies

Riley Pracht

Graduated UT in 2025, now enrolled in UT Law

Ava Aidala

UT Senior majoring in Sustainability Studies

Ava Vano

UT Senior Majoring in English and Rhetoric Writing

Kate Charles

Graduated UT in 2025

Jorey Ritchie

Finance Director at Celebration Community Church

Phoenix Tovar

UT Sophomore Majoring in Environmental Science

Clean Air Partner Representatives

Amanda Mortl/Ryan Alter
City of Austin

Lisa Gonzales
Audubon Texas

Anton Cox
Capital Area Council of Governments

Hon. Sarah Eckhardt
Texas State Senator, District 14

Nena Anderson
University of Texas, Austin

John Sorkness
AECOM

Darien Clary
Austin Independent School District

Paul Walker
St. Edwards University

Luke Metzger
Environment Texas

Nick Kornblith
Alen Corporation

Elizabeth Engle
Lone Star Clean Fuels Alliance

Jori Liu
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA)

Rick Perkins
Chem Logic

Andy Kim
Austin Community College

Bill Steinhauser/Bob Rose
Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA)

Kate Harrington
Movability

Adrian Shelly
Public Citizen

Amanda Masino
Huston-Tillotson University

Douglas Wolf
Air & Waste Management Association