About Us

Our story

BSC was formed in the Summer of 2024 by a small group of Brevard area residents who had previously met at a local meeting of Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL). CCL is a nonpartisan group that works on climate issues, with a focus on imposing a fee for carbon emissions.

Original CCL Brevard members were Joellen Risacher (current co-chair of BSC), James Carli, Connie Chase, Eric Stein, and Bob Agnew. This group worked closely with Bill Marshall in the Asheville office of CCL. Bill’s commitment to addressing climate change was a major inspiration to the Brevard group.

We were encouraged by CCL to focus locally and persuade the city of Brevard to adopt a sustainability committee. This committee could assist in the preparation of a climate resolution document and, more importantly, a Climate Action Policy (CAP). CCL provided tools and resources. At that time, we believed a formal sustainability committee would be able to access the federal grant funding which was flowing at the time. Surrounding cities including Asheville, Hendersonville, and Waynesville had models to follow in developing sustainability structures.

BSC developed communications with the city and worked to add new members, a social media presence, and to develop strategies for education and networking with other environmental organizations. We looked closely at cities of similar sizes with CAPs. We found several interesting initiatives and educational materials.

BSC was persistent in attempts to “court” the city. One of our members developed a charter as well as a lengthy document describing the advantages that a city sustainability committee could provide. The city council was so impressed with the latter that they agreed to add BSC’s request for committee adoption to its Spring planning retreat in 2025.

Though our initiative was rejected, both the Mayor and City Manager attended the BSC June meeting to explain the budgetary and staffing restrictions which led them to conclude the city cannot support another formal committee. However, these City officials then countered with a proposal to endorse BSC through a formal resolution in August 2025.

This relationship allows BSC to use some city meeting spaces for programs and events without cost. The Mayor will attend BSC monthly meetings. As allies, the city and BSC can work to improve the city’s environmental footprint and educate the populace on the value of adopting and contributing to sustainable practices in the home, in businesses, and in the community.

Joining the original members (James Carli stepped back as an active member to pursue other priorities. He remains a colleague of BSC), new members include Dr. Destini Petitt (co-chair), Reid Wood, Jenny Agnew, Jenna Watson, and Kristy Lampe. Both Jenny Agnew and Jenna Watson are currently students pursuing university degrees in Environmental Studies. Dr. Petitt, Kristy Lampe and Eric Stein hold degrees in the field. Other members bring their education and experience from other fields.

Our Mission Statement

Brevard Sustainability Council’s mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance the livability, beauty, and unique character of the Brevard region by developing sustainability projects, sharing information, and providing educational programs that engage all age groups in the community.

Our Members

Joellen Risacher

I became an avid environmentalist over the decades through an understanding of the interrelatedness of nature and humanity. My working career was spent in public libraries in which I found great satisfaction in strengthening the vibrancy of the community. At retirement, I moved to Brevard for old time music and hiking. Working with BSC is an opportunity to help build a more resilient and peaceful future for my community.

Bob Agnew

Bob Agnew is passionate about the needs to reduce and better adapt to climate change, and he joined the Brevard Sustainability Council in an effort to help the City achieve these goals. Now retired, he formerly taught sociology and criminology at Emory University, where he did research on the causes of crime and the social consequences of climate change, including the impact of climate change on crime.

Connie Chase

I am a former dental hygienist but transitioned into real estate for the last part of my working life. I am focusing more attention on what is important to me now, which includes my family, and my mini farm (horses, dogs, chickens, gardening). What has also become increasingly important and worrisome is the climate crisis. I am absolutely in awe of our earth and nature and appalled that we aren't working harder to prevent the loss and suffering of the creatures we share the earth with. Not to mention the grandkids we will hand it off to. We know and can see what science tells us about the future. The time for turning a blind eye is long over.

Reid Wood

Reid Wood is a LEED-accredited architect. She joined the Brevard Sustainability Council to support both civic leaders and residents in shaping a resilient future. She is particularly passionate about developing and building a robust database of best practices in sustainability, climate resilience, and infrastructure—resources that empower informed decision-making and long-term planning for our community and region.

Eric Stein

Eric is passionate about biodiversity, climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem preservation. He enjoys public speaking and converting scientific information into an understandable form for the general public. His hobbies include hiking, nature writing, running, working out, checking out breweries and exploring our gorgeous nature areas. He has a masters degree in The Environment and Natural Resources. Eric joined BSC in 2024 and is the Social Media Manager and oversees and manages the dissemination of our posts on Facebook and Instagram.

Jenna Watson

Jenna Watson is a UNC student currently pursuing a degree in environmental studies and public policy. Born and raised in Appalachia, Jenna is passionate about the preservation of the Blue Ridge Mountains and encouraging community conservation efforts. Through her internship with BSC, Jenna hopes to help foster a burgeoning group devoted to sustainable policy, practices, and public implementation.