Board Profile: Chair Liv Wise
KSB’s new board chair Liv Wise’s connection to the environment began during childhood. They grew up in what they call a “big, blended Lebanese American family” in nearby Lawrenceville, GA.
“We were taught every living thing is woven into the fabric of existence and is therefore precious,” they say. Over the years, this sense of connection led to a lifelong love of outdoors and search for meaning through work and service.
Their experience includes work as a research fellow, at an early childhood education organization, as an admission advisor at their alma mater Emory University, and, currently, as a masterdata specialist at McMaster-Carr. They joined their current employer in 2018 and graduated with an MBA in Organizational Leadership from Georgia State University the following year.
Making Smyrna Home
Liv and their wife Susanne married in October of 2020 and moved to Smyrna that December. “We decided on Smyrna because of its diversity, its centrality to our work, and its easy access to nature’s beauty,” says Liv. They enjoy access to the Silver Comet Trail as well as gardening and painting.
“We love Smyrna,” Liv adds, “and we pride ourselves on playing a part in its hopeful future.”
Joining Keep Smyrna Beautiful
Liv first volunteered with KSB alongside Susanne at the 2021 Rivers Alive cleanup at Rottenwood Creek. “Our group removed 1,620 pounds of litter, which was really rewarding,” recalls Liv. Soon after that experience, they applied for an open board position.
Since joining the board, Liv has led litter cleanups, played an integral role in the creation of the Pollinator Pockets program, developed plans for the community garden at the Hawthorne Adult Education Center, and worked to strengthen board governance. This month, they stepped into the role of chair, ready to build on the organization’s past successes while reaching even more Smyrna residents with KSB’s important work to protect the local environment.
“My spirit is lifted when I work with KSB,” says Liv, “because I’m reminded that I’m part of the interconnected fabric of existence. Being a part of something bigger than oneself creates a real sense of belonging and is deeply satisfying.”
Would you like to join Liv to keep Smyrna clean, green, and beautiful? The board is currently recruiting for an open, at-large position. Fill out the nomination form here.