Staff
Kevin Kirsche
Director of Sustainability
Kevin is a landscape architect with more than two decades of experience in campus
sustainability, planning, and ecological design. He leads a dynamic team of staff
and students to address grand challenges through local solutions, developing inspired
leaders, stronger communities, and thriving natural systems. Prior to becoming UGA’s
first Director of Sustainability in 2010, Kevin served in the Office of University
Architects with responsibility for campus planning and project management. He has
Masters and Bachelor degrees in Landscape Architecture, as well as a graduate Certificate
in Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development, from the University of Georgia.
Director of Sustainability
Tyra Byers
Director of the Interdisciplinary Sustainability Certificate
Program Coordinator: Academics, Research, and Internships
Tyra is the Director of the Interdisciplinary Sustainability Certificate and is responsible
for academic research, and experiential learning initiatives at the Office of Sustainability.
She is an adjunct faculty member in the Odum School of Ecology where she began work
at UGA in 2008 before transitioning to the Office of Sustainability in 2010. Prior
to her move to Georgia, she facilitated the climate and biodiversity initiatives at
the University of New Hampshire office of Sustainability, managed the environmental
programs for the San Juan Islands Conservation District in Washington State, and worked
as a Planner for Santa Barbara County in California. Tyra has a Bachelors of Science
in Conservation and Resource Studies from the University of California, Berkeley and
a Masters of Environmental Science and Management from the University of California
at Santa Barbara.
Director of the Interdisciplinary Sustainability Certificate
Program Coordinator: Academics, Research, and Internships
Justin Ellis
Program Manager / Operational Strategy and Impact Analysis
Program Manager / Operational Strategy and Impact Analysis
Dr. Ellis is a restoration ecologist and GIS specialist with two decades of experience in systems assessment, strategic planning, community partnerships and project implementation. His experience in teaching and applied projects have focused on watershed scale restoration, innovative stormwater management, the acceleration of local food systems, and the deployment of geospatial tools to drive better sustainability decision making. His primary roles in the Office of Sustainability are to guide operational strategies and metrics that demonstrate the achievement of measurable sustainability targets. He leads the Offices' Clean Energy and Climate Solutions, and Biodiversity and Landscape programs and is chair of the FMD Fleet Electrification Workgroup. Prior to returning to UGA he was the Environmental Leadership Director at the University of North Georgia and an Honors Faculty Scholar at Longwood University in VA where he developed courses on sustainability metrics and the psychology of sustainable behavior change. His PhD is from UGA's Odum School of Ecology with training in fluvial geomorphology, agroecology, ecological restoration using soil organic matter and how innovations diffuse throughout society.
India Barfield
Waste Reduction Coordinator
With a background in Studio Art and more than a decade of experience in the culinary industry—including roles as both a chef and Sustainability Coordinator with UGA Dining Services—India brings a creative, hands-on perspective to her work. Her areas of interest include sustainable food practices and social stewardship, with a strong focus on the role of community in advancing sustainability across Georgia.
Mason Towe
Waste Reduction Manager
Mason is the Waste Reduction Manager within the Office of Sustainability. He supervises the Waste Reduction Services team, which provides waste, recycling, and compost collection services on campus, as well as strategic planning for campus-wide Waste Reduction goals, policies, infrastructure, and education. Prior to UGA, Mason worked for the Athens-Clarke County Recycling Division as an expert in recycling, compost, and other waste reduction education and outreach. Mason also currently serves on the board of the Georgia Recycling Coalition. Mason graduated from the UGA in 2016 with degrees in Economics and Sociology, minor in Environmental Law, and certificates in sustainability and environmental ethics.
Chera Jo Watts
Graduate Assistant-Internship Coordinator
Chera Jo is responsible for coordinating the internship program which includes communicating with project partners, mentoring students, and planning events. Chera Jo is currently a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Religion at The University of Georgia living between Athens, Georgia, and Germany while writing the dissertation. She is a proud first-generation college graduate with an MA in Religion and Graduate Certificate in African American Studies (2022) and a BS in Psychology (2010) from UGA.
Natasha joined the Office of Sustainability in November of 2022. Her role facilitiates
communications and resources between faculty , staff and students across all sustainability
programs, intern projects, and waste reduction services. She also handles the business
accounting for waste reduction services. Natasha’s previous position with University
of Georgia was in the Work Request Center where she worked as a liaison between 468
UGA buildings in need of assistance to keep their buildings in working order. Prior
to her employment at the University of Georgia Natasha was the Proprietor of NHR Sales
where she owned and operated as an Independent sales Representative. Fun Fact: Nastasha
has always been an avid outdoor sportsperson enjoying activities such as hiking, scuba,
skiing, and fishing.Natasha Ruiz
Office of Sustainability & Waste Reduction Services Administration
Waste Reduction Services Staff
Located at the Health Sciences Campus on Prince Avenue
We are proud that Waste Reduction Services is now an operational unit of the Office of Sustainability as of November of 2021.
Elaine Culbertson
Waste Reduction Operations Lead
Elaine is responsible for coordinating routes, schedules, and staff training. She also receives daily work requests and serves as the primary point of contact between customers and the WRS team. Elaine is from Oglethorpe County and had a horse and carriage business before working at UGA, where she has worked since 1998. Elaine enjoys spending time with her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and grandbaby Emmy. She also enjoys time spent at church and among friends.
Dewayne Green
Waste Reduction Driver 1
Dewayne has worked at UGA since 2011. He started with the Building Services department, then moved to Grounds working with heavy equipment, and is now part of the Waste Reduction Services team. Dewayne works primarily as a Spotter, where he is responsible for the safe maneuvering of large collection vehicles. Dewayne is from Buford, Georgia and enjoys hunting in his free time.
Chris Fouche
Waste Reduction Equipment Operator II
Chris primarily works as a spotter on the WRS team where he prioritizes the safety of pedestrians and other passersby as well as the safe maneuvering of the larger collections vehicles. Chris is from Madison County and worked at Publix for 14 years before starting at UGA in January 2023. In his free time, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, listening to music, and taking his dog for long walks. He is also passionate about video games, frisbee golf, and camping. He and his three siblings are adopted. Whenever he can, Chris loves attending Braves games.
Lucas Cottom
Waste Reduction Equipment Operator ll
Lucas has been a member of the WRS team since January 2023. He primarily drives the mini packer truck, which typically collects recycling, and he also spots for other drivers. Before working at UGA, Lucas had experience with Interior Design Services, Irrigation Repair and Installation, and Diesel Repair. He is originally from Illinois but grew up in Henry County, Georgia. In his free time, Lucas enjoys thinking and creating.
William Peterson
Waste Reduction Utility Worker ll
Will has worked at UGA since September 2022. Typically, Will runs the paper and cardboard recycling route in the mini packer truck. Before UGA, Will worked at the Athens YMCA where he still coaches basketball and soccer. He loves both playing and coaching sports. Born and raised in Athens, Will and most of his family members work at UGA.