About Reimagine Appalachia

Amanda Woodrum is our Co-Director for ReImagine Appalachia focusing on issues found at the intersection of health, energy, equity and the economy. After living in New York City and experiencing 9/11, she returned to Ohio determined to make the state the kind of place she wanted to live. She joined Policy Matters Ohio in 2007 after receiving a master’s degree in economics and a law degree from the University of Akron. She conducts research on the role transportation, energy, health and anti-poverty policy can play to promote a more sustainable and equitable economy in Ohio.

Email: [email protected]

Stephen Herzenberg is the Executive Director at the Keystone Research Center and Co-Director of ReImagine Appalachia. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from MIT and has been ExecutiveDirector of Keystone Research Center (KRC) since1996. Before KRC, Steve worked at the USCongressional Office of Technology Assessment(OTA) and served as Assistant to the Chief USNegotiator of the labor side agreement to the NorthAmerican Free Trade Agreement. He has recently published on the policies needed to make workers whole during fossil fuel phaseout and throughout his career, he has focused on the policies needed to improve service sector jobs that now account for well over half of all employment (a key part of the third “bucket” of the ReImagine Appalachia plan).Steve’s non-KRC writings include, New Rules for aNew Economy, published by Cornell/ILR Press; theOTA study, U.S.- Mexico Trade: Pulling Together or Pulling Apart?; and a recent analysis of transitional support for fossil fuel workers published in the book, Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization.

Email: [email protected]

Dana Kuhnline is the Program Director for ReImagine Appalachia. She has worked with non-profits across the Central Appalachian region, including Appalachian Voices, The Appalachian Citizens Law Center, The Alliance for Appalachia, & dozens of others as part of her nearly two decades of work to facilitate creative solutions to long standing regional problems, including reclaiming mine lands, supporting miners with black lung and finding solutions to our climate crisis that both bolster labor and workers in the region while supporting economic diversification. Her work interests include facilitation, communications, campaign planning &project management. She lives in Cincinnati, OH.

Email: [email protected]

Natalia serves as the Director of Special Projects at ReImagine Appalachia where she has the privilege of advocating and organizing alongside local elected officials, faith leaders and other partners. Current projects include planning for community benefit agreements and repurposing shuttered coal plants. She also leads the ReImagine Your Community Visioning Project, helping grassroots leaders plan for a sustainable economic future. Natalia's career spans the fields of sustainability, education and public health, with a focus on equity and inclusion. She grew up in a working-class, immigrant household, and was the youngest woman elected to Pittsburgh City Council, where she won and served 2 terms. She is also the founder of CivicPartners, a consultancy spurring local action on global themes. Natalia earned her MSc in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University as well as her BA in International Affairs from George Washington University, and is based in Pittsburgh, PA.

Email: [email protected]

Liam is a multimedia specialist who focuses on graphic design, motion graphics, and social media strategy. Having earned degrees in both business and animation, he is passionate about making important issues accessible and engaging with compelling visual and written content.

Email: [email protected]

Molly Updegrove is the Deputy Program Director and Outreach Director for ReImagine Appalachia and also a public policy consultant. Molly has a Master's in Social Work with a concentration in Community Organization and Social Action and years of experience organizing and implementing public policy plans. Much of her passion surrounding environmental activism stems from her love for the outdoors - Molly enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, stargazing, and especially birding. 🐦

Email: [email protected]

Wendy Patton has served as a deputy director in business development for the Ohio Department of Development, Executive Assistant for Economic Development for the office of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, economic policy analyst for AFSCME international, program coordinator for the Ohio Employee Ownership Center, real estate coordinator for The Ohio State University, Senior Project Manager for Policy Matters Ohio, and Director of the Columbus Program in State Issues and instructor in public administration for Kent State University. Her bachelor's degree is from Kent State University and her Master's degree in City and Regional Planning is from the University of California at Berkeley.

Email: [email protected]

Rike Rothenstein is a Senior Research A ssociate with ReImagine Appalachia. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati, and in her previous research, analyzed the public’s perception of national environmental organizations and how public opinion affects the groups’ electoral political power. For several years, Rike taught at various levels, from political science courses at her alma mater to teaching German at a public elementary school. Now, she is happy to return to her roots as a researcher, supporting ReImagine Appalachia with the development of a federal funding dataset and writing about the good work that’s being done in Appalachia. Rike lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her family.

Email: [email protected]

Bikash's connection to Appalachia stems from two wonderful years spent studying in Pittsburgh, which instilled in them a love for the city and a longing to return.

Professionally, their interests lie in policy and data analysis within the economic development domain. Outside of work, they hold a passion for cooking and can currently prepare at least one dish from seven different countries. He wants to expand his culinary skill and learn more vegetarian and vegan dishes from around the world. He also enjoys sharing meals with friends, an activity he refers to as food/potluck diplomacy.

In his free time, he enjoys traveling, reading, and stand-up comedy. Additionally, he has a book project on remittance and migration in mind that he plans to develop over the next several years.

Email: [email protected]

Sionainn (they/he) recently earned their B.A. in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College. They are particularly interested in holistic regenerative design with an aim to celebrate local communities. When they're not imagining (and taking action towards) a greener future, Sionainn enjoys making pottery and going on walks with their 15-year old dog, Lucy. Sionainn developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and strength of the Appalachian region while section-hiking the Appalachian trail in 2021. They're excited to work with ReImagine Appalachia as the region explores its expansive sustainable future!

Email: [email protected]

Kate Rudek graduated from Kenyon College in the spring of 2023 with a BA in English and Spanish. She has many different interests and loves discovering new hobbies, but she is eternally passionate about storytelling and exploring new perspectives on the world through reading and writing. Kate is excited to help spread awareness about the opportunities available across the region as a research assistant at Reimagine Appalachia!

Email: [email protected]

Lou navigates the intersection of economic progress and environmental responsibility, fueling Appalachia's transition to a sustainable powerhouse. As the Director of the Pennsylvania and Appalachian Sustainable Business Networks, he connects businesses, communities, and government to build a thriving, circular economy.

His diverse background in sales, environmental science, decarbonization and organizational management equipped him for this challenge. At Sustainable Start-Ups, he guided companies towards greener footprints. He has recently earned recognition as a DOE Make It prize winner for the Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Networks’ Manufacturing Action Plan. Now, he weaves a network of support across Appalachia, empowering industries to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace innovative sustainable practices.

Lou's vision extends beyond environmental solutions. He sees Appalachia as a model for equitable development, where economic prosperity flourishes alongside social justice and vibrant communities. This passion stems from his own working-class roots and belief in building a legacy for future generations.

Join Lou in powering Appalachia's sustainable future. Connect with him at Lou navigates the intersection of economic progress and environmental responsibility, fueling Appalachia's transition to a sustainable powerhouse. As the Director of the Pennsylvania and Appalachian Sustainable Business Networks, he connects businesses, communities, and government to build a thriving, circular economy.

His diverse background in sales, environmental science, decarbonization and organizational management equipped him for this challenge. At Sustainable Start-Ups, he guided companies towards greener footprints. He has recently earned recognition as a DOE Make It prize winner for the Pennsylvania Sustainable Business Networks’ Manufacturing Action Plan. Now, he weaves a network of support across Appalachia, empowering industries to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace innovative sustainable practices.

Lou's vision extends beyond environmental solutions. He sees Appalachia as a model for equitable development, where economic prosperity flourishes alongside social justice and vibrant communities. This passion stems from his own working-class roots and belief in building a legacy for future generations.

Email: [email protected]

Blaise Reader III is an Arts & Culture Associate with ReImagine Appalachia. They are currently a third year student at the Ohio State University pursuing a BA in English with a specialization in Folklore, who also holds minors in Studio Art and Folklore. Blaise is specifically interested in the field of Appalachian Studies and aims to attend a graduate school program in Anthropology, English, or Folklore to research such. To prepare and begin to investigate, they are working on a senior thesis research project that is examining the relationships between local history museum curators and their objects to analyze place-making through assemblage and collection.

Blaise’s paramount interest is in the service and study of the Appalachian region though, having grown up in Southern Ohio and not understood the region’s influence on their identity until going to university. After having recently worked on a field school research project in Athens County, Ohio with tOSU’s Center for Folklore Studies, they became further inspired to seek out opportunities for work in the region and found ReImagineAppalachia’s positions. In their freetime, Blaise loves to read, cook and hike with their partner, and play guitar/banjo. During the semester, Blaise lives in Columbus, Ohio but resides at home in Piketon, Ohio while back for the summer.

Email: [email protected]

I am honored to be part of ReImagine Appalachia, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for our region. As a proud Jemez Pueblo & Winnebago (Hochunk) Bear Clan, living in Ohio, my heritage and community are at the heart of my commitment to environmental justice and economic revitalization.

With extensive experience in design, I bring a creative and strategic approach to digital communication, ensuring that our message reaches and resonates with our diverse audience. My professional journey has been marked by a passion for crafting compelling narratives that inspire action and engagement.

At ReImagine Appalachia, I work alongside a team of dedicated individuals to promote policies and projects that create good jobs, restore our environment, and ensure that everyone in our community has a voice in shaping our future. Together, we are working towards a vision of Appalachia that honors its rich cultural heritage while embracing sustainable development.

Thank you for visiting our website and for your interest in ReImagine Appalachia. Let's build a better future together.

Jeffrey S. Allen is a United Methodist pastor currently appointed to the West Virginia Council of Churches as the Executive Director. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from West Virginia University and a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University. He previously served as Project Director for the West Virginia Healthy Kids and Families Coalition, as the Community and Families Development Director at Community Development Outreach Ministries (CDOM) for thirteen years, and has also served as pastor at the Keystone and Northfork United Methodist Churches in McDowell County, West Virginia, and the College Hill United Methodist Church in Waco, Kentucky. He is married to Laura Harbert. They have a redbone hound/lab mix named Rosa and three cats: Little Cat, Samantha, and Thomas.

Jessica Arriens is the Senior Program Manager for Climate & Energy Policy at the National Wildlife Federation, where she works to develop and advance policies that curb emissions, protect people and wildlife, and promote equitable climate solutions for frontline and fossil-fuel dependent communities in the U.S. She previously worked for the World Resources Institute on a landmark international climate adaptation commission. Jessica has a background in science outreach, research, and communication, including stints as a New Hampshire newspaper reporter and secondary school teacher in West Africa. She has a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University, and a Master's in Biology from UCLA. She is based in Washington, DC.

As a Senior Research at the Ohio River Valley Institute (ORVI), Ted uses sound research and analysis to advance shared prosperity through people, projects, and policy. His current areas of work include oil and gas issues, fiscal policy, energy economics, and economic development. Prior to joining ORVI, he was the founding executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy. Over the last 20 years, Ted has authored numerous publications and commentaries, testified to various government bodies, and is frequently cited in the media on policy issues. Ted is an Honorary Labor Hall of Fame member of the Southwestern District Labor Council, AFL-CIO. He serves on the board of True Transition and Legal Aid West Virginia.
He has taught political science and public policy at West Virginia University, where he received his undergraduate degree, and received his master’s degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. Ted is currently in graduate school (again) at Clarkson University in the business of energy program. Ted lives in Charleston, WV with his wife and two kids, and enjoys birding, running and whitewater paddling with friends, cooking, and coaching soccer.

Bishop Marcia Dinkins is the Executive Director for Ohio IPL and the founder of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC). Bishop Dinkins brings with her organizing experience on the national, state and local levels. She has a background in organizing on issues related to domestic violence, health and safety, education, jobs and crime. She holds three degrees: Associate of Arts (Oakland Community College); Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary and Women and Gender Studies(University of Toledo) and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice & Policy (Youngstown State University). She has taught social justice workshops at Case Western University, Bowling Green State University and at the American Baptist Churches Leadership Academy. She has a certificate in Forgiveness Therapy, Cultural Competency and Executive Management Leadership, and is a certified Restorative Justice Trainer. Rev. Dinkins was ordained in 2003.

While living in Michigan, Marcia owned and operated a medical clinic and substance abuse facility where she was licensed to provide prevention, intervention, screening, assessment, referrals and follow-up. Marcia has been recognized by Sojourners as one of the 10 Women of Faith Leading the Change Ahead. She has served on the Foster Care Review Board, the Toledo Public School Disciplinary Board and two terms on the Strong Families/Safe Children Board. She is currently the Board President for Ohio Can Change Addiction Now and serves on the Standing Courageous (for survivors of domestic violence) Board.

Bishop Dinkins is committed to utilizing her God-given gifts to be an instrument of change in the lives of others. She is dedicated to the call upon her life to be a catalyst for transformation and healing justice.

Marcia is the mother of six children and currently resides in Toledo.

Quenton is the Federal Legislative Specialist at Appalachian Voices. Now residing in Charleston, West Virginia, Quenton is originally from the state’s eastern panhandle. He earned his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and his Master of Public Health from Columbia University in 2019, where he did a summer fellowship at Appalachian Voices. Quenton returned to West Virginia to work in criminal justice reform at the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and helped lead a bipartisan statewide coalition of criminal justice practitioners and advocates. Most recently before returning to Appalachian Voices, Quenton worked at Dream.Org

Green for All, supporting their Transformative Communities team to help local governments and nonprofits access federal climate funds. In Summer 2022, Quenton was appointed by the Charleston Mayor to the Green Team, an environmental advisory body to the Charleston City Council.

James Kunz III is a 5th generation building trades union member and a 3rd generation Operating Engineer. He is a graduate of the IUOE Local 66 Joint Apprenticeship program. Before working for the PA Foundation for Fair Contracting, he spent 8 years in the field as an Operating Engineers, working on various projects from roads and bridges to dry fuel storage at the Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station. James was one of the first two employees hired by the PA FFC in 2016. He was appointed Administrator by the board in 2017. He has authored numerous underpayment complaints that have led to the recovery of back wages for thousands of workers across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He has been a presenter at numerous conferences on topics relating to contract compliance, most recently focusing on criminal enforcement of wage theft in public and private construction.

Joanne Martin is the Executive Director of Reimagine Beaver County, a grassroots initiative that is working to catalyze the growth of a healthy, innovative and green economic development path in SW PA and the surrounding region. Joanne’s early career as a commercial banker and cofounder/President of an international metals company was inconsistent with sustainable and regenerative systems. The lessons learned from these experiences motivated her to focus on mobilizing a paradigm shift that lifts up environmental, economic and social justice issues. Home life in rural Beaver County, PA revolves around dogs, donkeys, and the wildlife.

Annie currently serves as the Campaign Director at PennFuture, where she has worked since 2015 as the state lead for the Climate Action Campaign, a coalition of national climate, conservation, and progressive groups working to protect clean air and promote action to limit climate change.

Prior to joining PennFuture, Annie was a policy intern for American Forests and the environmental legislative intern for the office of Senator Robert Casey, Jr. She earned an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree fromAmerican University, majoring in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government. Annie, a Pittsburgh native, enjoys hiking, reading, sewing and embroidery in her spare time.

Jeremy focuses on ensuring a just, equitable, and fair transition for coal workers and communities in the shift to a clean energy economy. He hails from a third-generation coal mining family in West Virginia.

Prior to joining RMI, Jeremy was a senior energy analyst in the Climate and Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) for just under ten years. His work included writing and speaking passionately about the need fora fair transition for coal workers and communities, including reports on federal policy recommendations to support coal workers in the shift to clean energy and the economic and environmental benefits of coal ash cleanup. Heal so supported a wide range of federal energy policy work and studied the economics of coal and nuclear power. Before UCS, Jeremy was the AAAS Roger Revelle Fellow in Global Stewardship.

Tracy Sabetta is a founding partner of Initiative Consulting, a government affairs and public relations firm located in Columbus, Ohio. Sabetta has nearly 30 years of experience working in government, politics, and communications in Ohio, with a current focus on health care, environmental and energy policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Prior to starting Initiative Consulting in 2008, she served as the Vice President of Government Relations for the American Cancer Society, where she was the campaign co-chair and media spokesperson for the successful Smoke Free Ohio statewide ballot initiative campaign that made all workplaces in Ohio smoke-free. Tracy has also served as a legislative and policy staff member in both the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives and has worked as a campaign manager and staff on US Senate, Ohio gubernatorial, legislative, and issue campaigns across the state. Tracy is a native of Ashtabula, Ohio and a graduate of Miami University in Oxford.

Masoud is a lifelong resident of the Pittsburgh Area and the Senior Project Manager of Land Stewardship Innovation at Grounded Strategies. A graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Geobiology, Masoud passionately pursues his interest in permaculture design and the land management techniques of peoples indigenous to his home region in the ancestral lands of the Osage Nation, otherwise known as Allegheny County. While living in this area, Masoud has witnessed significant disparities in access to nutritious food, clean air, and uncontaminated water, engendering within him an interest in both social and environmental justice. Masoud focuses on efforts that proliferate green spaces throughout Allegheny County, improving habitats to better support native species while adding to local food security. Masoud is deeply fascinated by the natural world and is especially intrigued by trees and the ecosystem services they provide.

Mark R. Shanahan provides strategic guidance on clean energy technology policy and deployment through New Morning Energy LLC. As Governor Ted Strickland’s Energy Advisor, he played a key role in designing, negotiating and implementing SB221 that created Ohio’s first advanced energy and efficiency portfolio standards. During his tenure serving six Governors as Executive Director, the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority issued $5.8 billion in bonds, supporting investments in air pollution control and prevention, energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. He is currently on the boards of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund and Clean Fuels Ohio. After getting his undergraduate degree from Boston College, Shanahan received his MA from the University of Pennsylvania and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University. He lives in Columbus, Ohio.