NVCT Interview: Jeri Mintzer

Welcome NVCT’s newest board member; Jeri Mintzer! Jeri has worked in nonprofit work for over 13 years and is ready to journey even further into the world of conservation by joining our board! We interviewed Jeri to learn more about her path to NVCT and what she anticipates most about being on the NVCT board.  

1. What is your history with Northern Virginia? 

Jeri is no stranger to the DMV."I grew up in Maryland right outside DC and moved to Arlington 2 ½ years ago. I definitely plan to stay long term.” As a child she would often visit Great Falls National Park, on the Maryland side, and her family sent her to summer camp in the Poconos Mountains. Now, as a NoVa resident, she has explored the natural wonders of Virginia, such as the Luray Caverns. “The great outdoors has always been and will always be a part of my life.”  

2. What is your connection to NoVa and NoVa nature? 

   
   

Like many Northern Virginia residents, Jeri appreciates the versatility of the area and the ability to enjoy different types of landscapes, from urban cities with cute pocket parks to more rural areas where wilderness runs wild. “I love this area especially because of the urban fabric, great neighborhoods, small towns that all have access to parks, national parks, state parks, and recreation centers.” 

3. Tell me about your career journey so far. 

   
   

Jeri works for Smart Growth America, a nonprofit that empowers people all over America to create healthy, resilient neighborhoods. Their focus areas are climate change and resilience, racial equity, and sustainable development. “When I first joined, I worked on federal policy and lobbying and then on a program that supported planners nationwide under the Obama administration.” Jeri has been at Smart Growth America for over 13 years. Her work involves translating valuable data and information that aligns with Smart Growth principles for local leaders and advocates.   

4. What is your background or connection to conservation? 

   
   

“My connection to conservation began in college where I specialized in urban studies and also took an environmental science class.”  Smart Growth America advocates for those who want to live in healthy, prosperous and resilient communities. “To me that comes with open outdoor spaces, preserving our natural resources, agriculture, and outdoor recreation.” 

5. How did you learn about NVCT? 

   
   

Jeri first learned about NVCT and our work through another current board member. In looking to expand our Board of Directors, NVCT is always seeking out worthy candidates , and we challenge ourselves to think outside the box when looking for new leadership. In this way, we can diversify our board and receive feedback and counsel from various individuals who call our region home. We want to bring new perspectives and ideas to our work, helping ensure we have the most impact on the different communities we serve. After hearing about our mission and vision for the area, Jeri felt it aligned perfectly with the nonprofit work she accomplished at Smart Growth. “We work to create healthy, resilient communities, and healthy environments are part of that vision!”  

6. What drew you to our organization and joining our board? 

   
   

“NVCT has an active board with a range of experiences and expertise that all come together under your mission. I was approached by a colleague who had great things to say about the organization and as I learned more there was a lot of connectivity with my personal life and personal interests.” 

Jeri has never sat on the board of an organization before and felt that this was a unique opportunity to become more active in her field of work and her personal passion for the outdoors.  “This is an opportunity to get into the nuts and bolts of something that is super relevant to what I do.” Part of Jeri’s work with Smart Growth America is advocating for the protection of open spaces, farmland, and critical environmental resources. Smart Growth America also works in the housing and development sector to promote diversity in housing and zoning reform. We know that her insight into community living and development will prove to be valuable for our work.  

7. We have several committees within our board at NVCT; which are you most interested in joining and why? 

   
   

“Land stewardship would help me understand the work that NVCT accomplishes and as a new board member I think it would be a great committee for immersing myself in NVCT’s world.” Jeri also expressed interest in joining our Marketing and Development Committee, as her nonprofit work involved the translation of scientific data for the public. 

8. What do you look forward to learning about our organization? 

   
   

“Coming from my work experience, how conservation looks like in different environments, what does it look like in an urban setting and how to communicate what we do to different audiences”  

9. What insights are you excited to provide to NVCT? This can be professional or personal!  

   
   

“Grant knowledge. That is a big part of what I have learned on the job, for nonprofits that is something you use often!” Jeri has a lot of experience with organizational planning and growth, something NVCT is undergoing as we begin to work towards goals set out in our 5 year strategic plan.  

10. What is your favorite outdoor activity to do in the area? 

    
    

“I love kayaking on the Potomac and along the Four Mile Run trails. You can hop on anywhere and get connected to a creek or other natural area!”   

11. What does saving nearby nature mean to you? 

“Ensuring that land is preserved for the health of our communities. Having worked in land use and transportation you can see how strategic land use and conservation can be to protect and enhance what we love about our communities”