Our Staff

Emma Davidson

Director of Transactions & General Counsel

Emma Davidson provides her legal expertise and passion for conservation to strengthen The Land Trust for Tennessee’s mission. Emma oversees land transactions and project management for our conservation team, facilitates the legal needs of the organization, and serves as our General Counsel.

Emma grew up in New York City and graduated from Duke University, where she majored in psychology and minored in biology. Emma spent six years exploring the beautiful mountains and landscapes of Colorado where she earned her law degree. Eventually, Emma and her husband were drawn to Nashville in 2014 by the exceptional food, waters, and southern hospitality Tennessee has to offer. Emma joined our team as a volunteer in 2015 but quickly realized she had found a perfect fit at The Land Trust and formally joined the team within a few months.

Outside of work, Emma can be found exploring Nashville’s trails and parks with her family or enjoying a delicious meal at one of Nashville’s many renowned restaurants.

I love the variety of challenges my job offers—everything from negotiating a contract term to brainstorming conservation strategies for a unique property —but it is the people I get to work with each day that make my work particularly special.

Mary Grace Donaldson

Donor Engagement Coordinator

Mary Grace Donaldson fosters relationships built on a shared interest in protecting Tennessee’s unique character. As Donor Engagement Coordinator, Mary Grace manages donor data and serves as the staff liaison to The Land Trust’s Board of Directors.

Mary Grace grew up surrounded by Nashville’s rolling hills. While earning her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Covenant College and enjoying the scenic vistas of Lookout Mountain, Mary Grace developed an interest in stewarding our natural environment.

Previously, she provided policy and communications support to local elected officials through the UT Institute for Public Service. She has also worked with the United States Census Bureau and the Williamson County Election Commission. Mary Grace’s background in public service informs her sense of community across Tennessee and motivates her to care for the state through its natural resources.

Outside of work, Mary Grace can be found hammocking with a book, frequenting local bakeries, and reminding her family how to compost.

“The work of The Land Trust for Tennessee is both inspiring and grounding. I’m thankful to be a part of caring for Tennessee in the long-term through this organization.”

Gaston Farmer

Conservation Project Manager

Gaston Farmer serves The Land Trust as a Conservation Project Manager. Based in Chattanooga, Gaston works one-on-one with landowners and like-minded organizations to conserve Tennessee’s natural character. On a personal level, he believes in the unique power of connecting people to the open spaces and he brings a true passion to his role.

Born in Chattanooga, Gaston has a deep appreciation for the unique qualities that make up southeast Tennessee. After venturing to Georgia, Gaston returned to Chattanooga in 2010 to work for Rock Creek Outfitters managing several of their store locations. Over the past decade, Gaston has built strong ties to the community, especially within the outdoor industry. Prior to joining The Land Trust, he worked for Outdoor Sports Marketing as their Field Service Representative and subsequently with the Lula Lake Land Trust.

Gaston currently serves on Advisory Boards for the City of Red Bank’s Parks and Recreation Department and TwoBikes Chattanooga. He is also the Vice President of Chattanooga’s Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association and formerly served on the Board of Directors for the Chattanooga Chapter of Bike Walk Tennessee.

Outside of work, Gaston is likely on a bike or amongst the flora and fauna with his partner Jen. During recent years, his adventures have taken him on two trans-continental bicycle tours and a handful of overnight paddling trips instilling an everlasting appreciation for the spaces he’s been fortunate to travel through.

It is a privilege to work with those who share the common goal to protect and preserve the natural resources and open spaces that compose our great state of Tennessee. I can think of no better team to be a part of and to carry out these efforts than The Land Trust for Tennessee.

Amy Frankel

Marketing and Communications Manager

As the Marketing and Communications Manager at the Land Trust for Tennessee, Amy Frankel finds creative ways to convey to Tennesseans the mission of conserving culturally and historically significant land for generations to come.

Born and raised in the Chicago area, Amy earned her M.S. in Environmental Science and Sustainability from Loyola University Chicago. She also earned her B.S. in Agricultural Communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Amy first moved to Nashville and fell in love with Tennessee while working as an Environmental Studies Specialist at the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Outside of work, Amy enjoys live music, watercolor painting, walking at Shelby Bottoms and exploring Nashville’s restaurant and bar scenes.

Even though Tennessee is rapidly developing, the state as a whole still has so much wild open space that makes it so important to conserve. Being a part of the Land Trust’s mission to protect this land and being a part of a team that is so committed to a noble goal is incredibly humbling.

Anna Gibbs

Events and Engagement Manager

Anna Walker serves as the Events & Engagement Manager for The Land Trust for Tennessee where she develops and executes meaningful, revenue-generating events that support and further the mission of The Land Trust. She also manages our community engagement events and partnerships as well as rentals of The Land Trust for Tennessee’s Glen Leven Farm.

Anna was born and raised in Atlanta, lived in Orlando for a few years, and now resides in Nashville. She graduated from Berry College with a degree in communication with a focus in public relations and a minor in psychology. It was at Berry College (the world’s largest campus) that Anna developed her love for the land through the endless trails and beautiful views found there. Professionally, she has worked as an event coordinator for a media association, planned and directed weddings, and served as a program coordinator for a non-profit that provides leadership training to students.

In addition to trying new restaurants or exploring new cities and national parks, she loves being outside in nature during her free time either hiking, paddle boarding, or playing pickleball. Anna loves exploring the city’s history, greenways, and unique neighborhoods.

“I have always felt that there is nothing quite like the joy of seeing an event come together, but even more than that, planning events that serve the mission of The Land Trust means my work every day contributes to a lasting impact. It is an honor to play a small part in our mission to conserve Tennessee for future generations.”

Luke Iverson

Director of Conservation Impact

As Director of Conservation Impact for The Land Trust for Tennessee, Luke is our chief advocate for data-driven conservation. He guides and furthers our statewide mission with his data and systems architecture, geospatial analysis, and cartography expertise. A certified GISP, Luke is fascinated by the power of good data, finding his place in the intersection of art and science. He is responsible for creating and refining the foundation of The Land Trust’s strategic conservation plan, ensuring that our resources and efforts are effectively utilized.

Born and raised in a small town outside of Chicago, Luke’s early work experience on his family cattle ranch in central Montana gave him a deep appreciation for nature, agriculture, and open space. His love of music brought him to Nashville, where he graduated from Belmont University with a degree in philosophy. Luke joined The Land Trust in 2013 and has held many roles within the organization, ranging from fundraising to GIS specialist. He is now based in our Chattanooga office, where he and his family enjoy exploring our beautiful state. You will often find them hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, or just plain exploring.

There has never been a more important time to accelerate the pace and quality of conservation in Tennessee. I’m proud to be able to serve alongside a driven team to do work that everyone can benefit from, both today and hundreds of years from now.

Sam Khomtchenko

Stewardship Field Coordinator

As part of the Stewardship team, Sam visits properties annually and works directly with landowners to ensure that conservation easements are upheld.

Growing up in Brentwood, TN allowed Sam to develop a love and appreciation for Tennessee’s natural beauty. He spent his younger years exploring different hiking trails and swimming holes. His passion for wildlife and conservation led him to Rhodes College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. He also was a member of the men’s soccer team for 4 years. Sam worked as a Land Steward with the Wolf River Conservancy in Memphis, TN, where he began his career in land conservation. He served as an Americorps member in New Jersey, where he educated beachgoers about endangered shorebirds and helped monitor their populations.

Sam enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with friends, playing with his pup, and watching sports.

“I love working for the Land Trust for TN because I know my efforts directly help protect hundreds of thousands of acres of scenic, natural, and historically significant land.”

David Lee

Director of Development & Communications

David Lee brings over a decade of experience in development and strategic communications within non-profit organizations, fostering impactful partnerships and innovative outreach strategies. As the Director of Development & Communications, David is dedicated to advancing The Land Trust for Tennessee’s mission through cohesive and effective communication efforts that resonate with diverse stakeholders.

Originally from Yazoo City, MS, David’s passion for conservation and community development was nurtured amidst exploring the Mississippi Delta as a kid and spending time in the hills and ridges that overlooked it. David graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Liberal Studies with a focus in Social Entrepreneurship and Mathematics.

In his free time, David enjoys fishing, playing with his dog, Winnie, and exploring Tennessee’s diverse landscapes.

The woods and the water have always felt like home to me. Working with The Land Trust for Tennessee is an exciting opportunity to contribute to preserving our state’s natural beauty for future generations.

Lynn Lentz

Administrative Coordinator

Lynn Lentz serves The Land Trust for Tennessee team as the Administrative Coordinator. She is happy to be in a role that allows her to support the team in a variety of ways.

She was born in Western North Carolina, and while her family lived in other places, returning to visit family and “Grandaddy’s Mountain” has been a constant in her life.  Lynn is a graduate of the University School of Nashville and the University of Tennessee. Before coming to the Land Trust, she worked at Vanderbilt for many years coordinating educational programs. She and her husband, who is that rare Nashville native, live in Nashville. When not working, you are most likely to find her gardening, reading, and visiting children and grandchildren as often as possible.

“It is exciting and humbling to support the mission of the Land Trust for TN.  It feels like we’re saving the world one acre at a time for generations to come.”

Jackson Lundy

Senior Conservation Project Manager

Jackson Lundy works closely with landowners and partners to conserve important landscapes in Tennessee. Through his work, Jackson cultivates, engages and maintains relationships with private landowners to permanently conserve land.

Originally from Kingston Springs, Tennessee, Jackson grew up in Middle Tennessee and has developed an appreciation for the natural beauty of the area. Jackson earned his bachelor’s in environmental science from Sewanee: The University of the South. Jackson then spent two years working for TDOT where he facilitated land acquisitions for infrastructure projects in the Middle Tennessee area.

In his free time, Jackson can often be found exploring the many waterways of Tennessee by kayak. He enjoys hiking, fishing, running, and trying new restaurants. Jackson is also an avid sports fan.

“It’s inspiring to work with a group of committed staff and dedicated private landowners to protect the landscapes of our state for future generations to enjoy.”

Paul Malone

Director of Finance

Paul Malone works in partnership with The Land Trust Leadership Team and the Finance & Audit Committee to oversee the financial operations and financial planning of the organization.

Paul grew up in a suburb of Kansas City, Kansas, where he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors through the beauty of tall grass prairies and open skies. He earned his Bachelor’s in Social Entrepreneurship and his Master’s in Accountancy from Belmont University. Paul is a licensed CPA and an active member of the AICPA. Before joining The Land Trust, he served in finance and development roles for Mending Hearts, The Brown Center for Autism, and the Tennessee office of the US Tennis Association. Most recently, Paul was a member of HCA Healthcare’s Internal Audit department where he performed financial and control audits of HCA hospitals across the US.

In his free time, Paul enjoys spending time cooking, tending his vegetable garden, hiking nearby trails, and reading sci-fi.

“I’m passionate about working with our team to ensure that we have the resources to fulfill our mission to protect uniquely special places throughout our state into perpetuity. I couldn’t think of a more powerful motivator than upholding the promise we’ve made to our partners, landowners, and fellow Tennesseans.”

Liz McLaurin

President & CEO

Liz McLaurin believes that land connects us to one another and reminds us that we are a part of the natural world. During her fourteen years of service to The Land Trust for Tennessee, Liz has been devoted to ensuring that the organization grows in its strength as one most effective, strategic, and respected land trusts in our nation.

Liz was drawn to Tennessee as a student by the sense of place offered by the Domain of Sewanee: The University of the South. She started her career in theatre, acting in both New York City and in regional theatre. Before joining The Land Trust for Tennessee, Liz held positions at universities, public television and public radio stations, and worked on political campaigns.

She currently serves on the Land Trust Alliance National Leadership Council, the Williamson County Stormwater Appeals Board, and the Board of Franklin’s Charge.

Liz received the EQB Award from the Associated Alumni of The University of the South, is a graduate of Leadership Franklin, was a winner of Nashville Business Journal’s 2014 Women of Influence Awards and has been featured on Nashville Post’s “In Charge” List. She has served on many nonprofit boards and advisory committees in communities she’s called home.

Liz lives with her husband, three sons, horses, and dogs on a farm in the Leiper’s Fork community of Williamson County.

We work with extraordinary landowners from all walks of life who have share a common perspective: they see the life of the land beyond their own lives. We all consider it a privilege to help them achieve their generous visions for their land. It is so fulfilling to work with such a dedicated team to protect these places that make Tennessee distinctive.

Kayla Noel

Director of Operations, HR, & Culture

Kayla serves as Director of Operations, HR, & Culture, overseeing a wide range of tasks to ensure the team is supported and The Land Trust operates as efficiently as possible. She also coordinates our staff-led Culture Committee, developing opportunities to celebrate and enhance the organization’s staff culture.

Kayla grew up in the outskirts of Nashville feeling drawn to the outdoors, exploring with friends and attending summer camp every Summer. Kayla has long felt the importance of sharing nature and knowledge with future generations, especially through her work at Horton Haven Christian Camp as a camp counselor and then working with at-risk youth at Rocketown in Nashville. She graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in Family Relations and Management. Kayla is a Society of Human Resources Certified Professional.

Kayla spends her spare time sharing a meal and playing games with her family and friends. She enjoys music, gardening, and seeking out historical and scenic landmarks with her husband, RC, and their dog, Beverly.

I love having a direct hand in the conservation of the land I have grown to cherish so much. I fully believe that what we are doing here is directly impacting the lives of the present and future generations for the better, and that makes what we do extremely important.

Sarah O’Rear

Director of Stewardship

Sarah O’Rear ensures we are actively upholding our 400+ conservation easements across the state. As Director of Stewardship, Sarah guides all of our stewardship activities, including annual monitoring of conserved land, reviewing and approving requests, and communicating with landowners about their conservation easements.

Sarah graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a B.S. in natural resources and a minor in environmental studies. She previously worked for the Kentucky Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, where she supported a wide range of projects, including drafting and monitoring conservation easements. Her education and experience have taken her from Belize to North Carolina.

Sarah is a hands-on mom who loves hiking, playing tourist with her husband and daughter in her hometown of Chattanooga, and finding the best Mexican cuisine anywhere she goes. She has a travel bug that keeps her searching for the next great adventure, but always loves coming back home to Tennessee.

 I feel fortunate that I get to see so many parts of my home state that I would normally never have the opportunity or excuse to see otherwise. But the best part is the amazing stories and experiences we hear from our landowners, it makes you realize how important your work is and how land shapes people’s lives.

Emily B. Parish

Vice President

Emily Parish oversees the conservation and stewardship efforts of the Land Trust for Tennessee, including the projects of nine staff in the Nashville and Chattanooga offices. Emily joined The Land Trust as a Land Protection Assistant in 2004. The longest tenured member of the team, she has been instrumental in protecting more than 120,000 acres of land.

Emily earned her undergraduate degree from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and a Master’s in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. She won the 2012 Nashville Emerging Young Leaders Award for “Environment & Sustainability.” Emily was a founding member of the Farmland Legacy Partnership, a 13-agency working group focused on the protection of Tennessee farmland.

Over the years, Emily has represented The Land Trust on The Tennessee Preservation Trust’s Board of Directors, the Tennessee Civil War Preservation Association’s Board of Directors, and the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices Advisory Team. She currently sits on the USDA-NRCS Technical Committee and serves the Alliance’s Conservation Defense Committee as an alumni member. She also serves as the Southeast representative on the Land Trust Alliance’s Terrafirma Members Committee. Emily is nationally recognized as an expert on conservation easements and regularly presents on topics relating to land conservation.

Emily is also a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) graduate who’s hiked three 15,000-foot mountains.  Outside of work, Emily serves on the Glendale Elementary PTO. On the weekends she can be found lifting weights or enjoying time outside with her husband and two daughters.

I am inspired by the amazing people that I get to work with every day, who choose to protect their land for future generations of Tennesseans to enjoy.

Mike Szymkowicz

Associate Director of Stewardship

Mike Szymkowicz is committed to being a good steward of land. As the Associate Director of Stewardship, Mike helps landowners navigate their conservation easement, manage Land Trust owned lands, and is often out in the field meeting directly with landowners of protected properties.

Mike developed a love for outdoor places while growing up in Upstate New York, often fishing the rivers with his father or exploring his family’s property with friends. After earning a bachelor’s degree from The State University of New York at Potsdam, Mike relocated to Nashville where he became involved with The Land Trust as a passionate stewardship volunteer. Today, as a full-time member of our team, Mike serves as a great steward for the beautiful Tennessee landscapes he now calls home.

When he is not exploring Tennessee’s green spaces with his wife and family, Mike can be found enjoying live music, trying new places to eat, or working on a home improvement project.

Looking out over a protected property with the landowner is the best part of my job. There is mutual sense of comfort knowing the land we are looking at in that very moment will look similar in 5, 50, and 500 years.

Bryan Thompson

Glen Leven Farm Steward

Bryan learned to appreciate the outdoors while exploring and building forts in the forested area surrounding his childhood home in Spring Hill, TN. Interning for a season at The Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust in the PNW elevated this appreciation of nature to a passion for land conservation. He is excited to continue honing his land management skills while maintaining the beautiful 64 acres at Glen Leven Farm. Bryan graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Animal Science minoring in Food and Agriculture Business.

“I am incredibly grateful to have a daily hands-on role in the conservation and preservation of this historic site. I hope this property can serve as an example to others looking to conserve their land in the future.”