Our Team
Matt Taylor
Deputy Director of Sustainable Practices
Matt Taylor is Deputy Director of TDEC’s Division of Stakeholder Engagement and is responsible for overseeing the Office of Sustainable Practices and Small Business Environmental Assistance Program. Matt holds a Master’s in Geography from the University of Arkansas, an MBA from Tennessee State University, a Bachelor of Science in Resource and Environmental Studies from Texas State University, a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies from Tennessee State University, and a certificate in Sustainable Environmental Management from UC Berkeley. In addition to his educational background, Matt has a range of professional experience in environmental sciences and public policy from his time working with the U.S. Forest Service—Rocky Mountain Research Station, TDEC—Division of Solid Waste Management, and as a Senior Policy Analyst with TDEC’s Policy Office. In his free time, Matt can be found chasing his young children around his yard or a neighborhood park, kayaking, or planting trees.
You can reach Matt by email at matthew.k.taylor@tn.gov or by phone at 615-979-2449.
Caleb Powell
Industry Outreach Coordinator
Caleb works to support the Tennessee Green Star Partnership and the Tennessee Sustainable Spirits Program through coordinating and hosting webinars to connect industry experts with members to improve sustainable operations throughout Tennessee manufacturing and distilling industries. Caleb also manages the office's social media and communication efforts, including the State of Sustainability Podcast. He became interested in sustainability at a young age and has prior experience in the recycling industry, event coordination, and energy conservation. Additionally, Caleb currently sits on the Tennessee Recycling Coalition’s Executive Board of Directors. He has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sustainability and Energy Technology and a Master's in Occupational Health and Safety from Middle Tennessee State University. In his free time, Caleb can be found attending music festivals with his wife, cooking, or playing dress up with his two daughters.
You can reach Caleb by email at caleb.powell@tn.gov or by phone at 615-920-9429.
Chris Pianta
Community Programs Manager
Christopher Pianta is responsible for managing several programs that focus on assisting State entities, businesses, and communities to improve their triple bottom line through implementation of sustainable practices. Chris manages the Tire Environmental Act Program grant, as well as oversees the Tennessee Radon Program. He has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Tennessee, and a Master's in Environmental Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Chris spent the early part of his career consulting on solid waste and remediation projects. Since transitioning to his current career with the State, Chris has developed both expertise and a passion for sustainability, particularly in the field of waste reduction and energy efficiency. In his free time, Chris enjoys playing tennis and golf, as well as hiking the trails in our State Parks.
You can reach Chris by email at christopher.pianta@tn.gov or by phone at 615-852-1513.
Crystal Warren
Business Programs Manager
Crystal Warren oversees the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) and Pollution Prevention (P2) program. Both programs focus on providing assistance to Tennessee’s businesses that are subject to environmental regulations. Assistance is provided in the form of permitting and compliance help, educational webinars, and informational newsletters. Prior to joining the Office of Sustainable Practices, Crystal worked in the Division of Water Resources – Stormwater programs. Her desire to educate businesses about environmental stewardship began in graduate school while obtaining her Master's in Environmental Toxicology from the University of Mississippi. In her free time, and much to the dismay of her neighbors, Crystal can be found attempting to convert her very suburban ¼-acre homestead into a sustainable garden-farm.
You can reach Crystal by email at crystal.warren@tn.gov or by phone at 901-664-1076.
Donovan Grimwood
Small Business Environmental Ombudsman
Donovan Grimwood has been with the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) for 26 years and is an expert in environmental regulations pertaining to small businesses. Donovan serves as the Small Business Environmental Ombudsman, acting as a liaison between the EPA and small businesses, while advocating for their interests during regulatory processes. Additionally, Donovan provides clarity and guidance to small businesses, helping them navigate regulations and understand compliance requirements. He enjoys the opportunity to help small businesses stay in compliance, as well as the challenge of learning about each new business to provide the right support. He is active in the National Steering Committee of State SBEAPs, serving on nearly all subcommittees. In 1996, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Tennessee Technological University. Donovan has received national recognition in 2024 for the EPA Administrator's Award for Outstanding Accomplishments by a State Small Business Environmental Assistance Provider in Providing Technical Assistance to the Small Business Community, and in 2025 for the National Steering Committee of the State SBEAPs Karen V. Brown Leadership award. This award honors their long-term achievements in leadership, innovation, education, dedication to environmental protection, and highlights their efforts to build strong local/state/federal partnerships for small business compliance assistance. Outside of his career with TDEC, he is a head coach in the sport of fencing with Cumberland D'Escrime Fencing Club.
You can reach Donovan by email at donovan.grimwood@tn.gov or by phone at 629-266-1862.
Ginna McWhirter
Small Business Education and Outreach Coordinator
Ginna McWhirter’s role in the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program is to connect with small businesses across Tennessee and provide information and training about environmental regulations. Since joining the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation in 2020, she has worked in the Divisions of Water Resources and Solid Waste Management. She attended Rollins College in Florida and received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. After hours, Ginna enjoys reading, gardening, and playing soccer.
You can reach Ginna by email at ginna.mcwhirter@tn.gov or by phone at 901-713-4626.
Heather Weldon
Administrative Manager
Heather Weldon provides administrative support for the Division of Stakeholder Engagement, which includes the Office of Sustainable Practices and the Office of External Affairs. She manages the budget, assists with time and labor, coordinates travel, and serves as the Procurement Officer for the division. She also processes certifications for the Green Energy Production Facilities and the Pollution Control Equipment programs. She previously worked for the Division of Fiscal Services, as an Accounting Technician. Heather has worked with the Department of Environment and Conservation for 27 years. In her spare time, she loves to research her family’s genealogy.
You can reach Heather by email at heather.weldon@tn.gov or by phone at 615-761-4250.
Kathy Glapa
Operations Manager
Kathy Glapa promotes and manages projects such as the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards (GESA), Unwanted Household Pharmaceuticals Take-Back program, Tennessee Green Star Partnership, and the Pollution Prevention (P2) grant. She is also responsible for overseeing the strategic management of the office’s budget, identifying, and coordinating pursuit of federal funding, and management of federal grants and contracts funded by the state. She attended Austin Peay State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, as well as a Master of Science in Health Services Administration. In her free time, Kathy can be found camping, swimming, or relaxing with family and friends.
You can reach Kathy by email at kathy.glapa@tn.gov or by phone at 615-795-3539.
Kelsey Davis
TN State Parks Sustainability Coordinator
Kelsey Davis coordinates the Go Green With Us Program, which is a partnership between TN State Park staff and visitors to incorporate sustainable practices throughout our park system, such as waste reduction, energy and water conservation, habitat and resource protection, and education and outreach. She also works to promote waste reduction and awareness across the state through the Zero Waste TN program. This program works to educate residents, businesses, and institutions about the importance of properly managing and reducing waste by hosting sustainable events and workshops and conducting education and outreach. Her primary responsibilities are providing technical assistance and training regarding waste reduction, food waste diversion and composting, and zero waste practices. Kelsey’s prior experience and training includes solid waste management and recycling, green building, and ecological economics. She also holds the TRUE Zero Waste Advisor credential. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics from the University of Memphis and a Master's in Sustainability from Lipscomb University. In her free time, Kelsey can be found hiking in our State Parks, tending to her garden, or sipping tea while reading a good book.
You can reach Kelsey by email at kelsey.davis@tn.gov or by phone at 615-812-7854.
Lexi Brown
Tennessee Radon Program Coordinator
Lexi Brown facilitates the Tennessee Radon Program, which provides education and outreach to raise awareness about the dangers of radon exposure. The program offers free test kits to all Tennessee residents to help them test their homes and provides guidance on mitigation if elevated radon levels are detected. The program also works to educate residents, businesses, and institutions on the importance of testing and fixing buildings to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Lexi’s primary responsibilities include providing guidance and training related to radon exposure. She also supports the Office of Sustainable Practices through various administrative tasks such as compiling reports, processing surplus items, and managing reimbursements for the Tire Environmental Act Program. In her free time, Lexi enjoys crafting, experimenting with new recipes, and volunteering with community groups.
You can reach Lexi by email at lexi.brown@tn.gov or by phone at 615-758-3289.
Mark Valencia
Special Programs Coordinator
Mark Valencia oversees the TN Sustainable Spirits Program, working with distilleries, breweries, and wineries to promote sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. He also assists with the BatteryWiseTN program, helping to raise awareness about proper battery disposal and recycling, and supports various grant-awarded programs focused on improving energy efficiencies across the state. His primary responsibilities include providing technical assistance, conducting outreach and education, and promoting sustainable practices within Tennessee’s business and governmental communities. Mark’s prior experience includes surface and groundwater conservation and monitoring, indoor and outdoor air quality management, waste reduction and recycling, and native plant conservation. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Environmental Health from California State University – San Bernardino. Mark’s passion for sustainability was sparked while assisting with the development of sustainability programs for a Native American Tribe in Southern California. In his free time, Mark enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking Tennessee’s trails, and exploring new places
You can reach Mark by email at mark.valencia@tn.gov or by phone at 615-934-5826.
Vaughn Cassidy
Industrial Waste Management Coordinator
Vaughn works to promote and support the TN Green Star Partnership, which is the department’s premiere sustainable industry leadership program, as well as the Pollution Prevention Program. His primary responsibilities are providing technical assistance and facilitation for sustainable Tennessee businesses and industry regarding waste management and reduction. Vaughn works to connect and support manufacturing businesses across Tennessee to take excess production materials and repurpose them into beneficial packaging or other products, ultimately keeping them out of the landfill. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from the University of Tennessee at Martin. In his free time, Vaughn enjoys the outdoors, hunting, and pursuing physical fitness.
You can reach Vaughn by email at vaughn.cassidy@tn.gov or by phone at 731-431-7856.
Kristen Privette
Public Education and Outreach Coordinator
Kristen Privette leads the education and outreach initiatives for the Get Food Smart TN Program, Tennessee's primary initiative focused on reducing, recovering, and diverting food waste. Through this program, she develops resources, provides technical assistance, and organizes events aimed at helping Tennessee residents, businesses, and schools minimize food waste. Additionally, Kristen coordinates the annual Food Waste Prevention Week, contributing to the national movement to combat food waste. She also oversees the Green Cube Program, which redistributes and processes hard-to-recycle materials within the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation offices. Before joining the program, Kristen taught middle and high school science in Tennessee public schools. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from Roanoke College and a Master of Education in Instructional Practice from Lipscomb University. In her free time, Kristen enjoys making pottery at her local community studio, taking long walks, and exploring new restaurants.
You can reach Kristen by email at kristen.privette@tn.gov or by phone at 615-969-9936.