Board Members

Our Board meets on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Board meetings will take place virtually via Zoom and are open to the public. Anyone who wishes to attend can contact Hannah Johnson at hannah@athenslandtrust.org.

Please Note: the March 2024 Board meeting will begin at 5:00 pm on Monday, March 18th.

Lara Mathes

President
With a professional background in city and university planning, Lara has served on a variety of Athens Land Trust committees since first joining the board in 2006. She is most inspired by the organization’s adaptability in addressing community needs while remaining steadfast in its socially-focused land stewardship role. Currently, she serves on the Housing and Executive Committees.

Vanna Cure

Vice President
Vanna joined the Athens Land Trust Board in October 2020. As the Associate Director of Advocacy for Prosperity Now (Washington, DC), she works to advance federal and state policies for equitable financial stability and wealth building. She has a history of grassroots political activism and organizing. She seeks to leverage this experience, as well as her deep ties to the Athens community, to support ALT's mission and programs.

Nancy Stangle

Treasurer
As co-Founder and former Executive Director of Athens Land Trust, Nancy played an essential role in the formation of ALT in 1994 as one of the few organizations in the country that is both a conservation and community land trust. She currently serves on the Finance and Development committees.

Charley Hill

Secretary
Charley has worked in commercial real estate in Atlanta, Georgia for the past thirty seven years. As a University of Georgia alumnus, he and his family have maintained a strong connection and love for Athens. He sees his work with Athens Land Trust as an important way to give back to the city and its people.

Quito Anderson

Quito has used his conservation and legal background in his years of service to Athens Land Trust, including as a pro bono consultant, standing member of the Conservation and Development Committees, and Board Member. He believes that a healthy environment plays a vital role in holistic, equitable community development.

Jeff Bishop

Jeff is the Mortgage Division Director at First American Bank & Trust. He has been a long-term partner of Athens Land Trust's Affordable Housing program and hopes to help assist in identifying new and expanded resources for first-time homebuyers served through the program.

Adrienne Chappell

Adrienne is the owner and creator behind Chalises Heavenly Inspired natural skin care, and has been a prominent vendor at the West Broad Farmers Market since 2016.

Shakeeta Daniel

Shakeeta has been an Athens Land Trust homeowner since 2018. She is pleased to bring this perspective to the board, along with her experience in finance, human resources, and management.

Jim Davis

Jim has worked in public interest law for nearly 20 years since graduating from law school at the University of Georgia, first for the Georgia Legal Services Program providing pro bono legal services to low-income and senior Georgians, then as senior assistant attorney for the Athens-Clarke County government. He is proud to bring his experience and passion for service to Athens Land Trust.

Tony Grajirena

Tony is an independent certified Therapeutic and Sports Massage practitioner, and Athens Land Trust homeowner.

Durrell Smith

Durrell Smith is an Atlanta, Georgia native, visual artist, conservationist, bird dog handler/trainer, and podcast host. He is the co-founder, along with his wife Ashley, of the Minority Outdoor Alliance, a nonprofit that works to encourage people from diverse walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, and cultures, to make the outdoors an integral part of their lives. Durrell serves on the Conservation Committee.

Sarah Yates Sutherland

Sarah has over four decades of construction experience, including development, general contracting, historic restoration and construction program management for non-profit clients. She also serves as Vice President of Wholesome Wave Georgia’s Board of Directors. She currently serves on the Housing, Development, and finance committees.

Willie Thomas

Willie Thomas is an Athens native who grew up and still resides in the West Broad community. He is a proud alumnus of West Broad Elementary School, Athens High Industrial, and he graduated from Burney Harris High School. Willie worked many years in the retail industry and as a self-employed contractor, and retired from Lowe’s after 19 years of service. He is chair of the West Broad Advisory Board where he leads community meetings, speaks on behalf of the community, and works with his neighbors to promote engagement and advocacy for their needs.