Leadership &
Board of Directors
Leadership Team
Jeff Corney
Executive Director
jcorney@cincynature.org
Jeff Corney grew up spending many summers and weekends at his family’s cottage in Michigan during all seasons of the year. He would spend hours exploring the woods, fields, lakes, and meandering creeks. Those wonder-filled days in the woods inspired his life-long love for nature.
Jeff has served as Executive Director of Cincinnati Nature Center since May 2019. He also serves on the board of Cardinal Land Conservancy. Before arriving in Cincinnati, Jeff served as a Director of two other nature centers as well as overseeing an ecological research field station. Jeff’s previous position also included professor of environmental studies at Wooster College. He conducted graduate work at The Ohio State University, earning a doctorate in natural resources and a master’s in ecology.
Jeff and his wife Sarah—who shares a passion for nature—often enjoy traveling to national parks and hiking adventures with their three children. His family does their best to conserve by shopping for used products whenever possible, being conscientious about food sources and waste, and tending to their neighborhood’s “neck of the woods” by removing invasive plants from their property.
Cory Christopher
Director of Conservation
cchristopher@cincynature.org
Cory Christopher spent most of his childhood alone in the woods of southern Appalachia. He was always fascinated by subtle interactions in nature, like ants moving Trillium seeds around the forest floor. Since those moments, his curiosity to learn more about the natural world has never been satiated.
He has been the Director of Conservation at Cincinnati Nature Center since 2016 and has focused on the restoration of native plant communities. His previous positions include post-doctoral work at Washington University in St. Louis, graduate and school Programs Manager for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Director of UC Forward, and Director of Undergraduate Research at the University of Cincinnati. He earned his PhD in biological sciences from the University of Cincinnati.
Cory practices conservation at home with his family by planting native species that support the year-long parade of pollinators living on his property.
Kristi Masterson
Director of Operations & Engagement
kmasterson@cincynature.org
Kristi Masterson has spent close to 20 years working for Cincinnati Nature Center in a variety of departments learning as much as she can about the natural world. As a child she loved spending time outdoors with her family and friends, exploring the Toledo Metro Parks. She spent her summers at Lake Erie where her love of nature deepened while hunting for arrowheads, fishing, and boating.
As Director of Operations and Engagement, Kristi oversees membership, public programming and events, facilities, trails, and visitor services. During her tenure, the Nature Center has experienced unprecedented growth in visitation and membership. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a bachelor's degree in business administration, majoring in finance and marketing. She spent the early part of her career at a public accounting firm.
Kristi spends her time hiking national and state parks, traveling whenever she can, and sharing what she has learned about how to protect nature with family and friends. Gardening with native plants has become a selfish passion as she loves to reap the benefits of seeing native bees, butterflies, insects, and more come to life.
Connie O'Connor
Director of Applied Learning
coconnor@cincynature.org
Connie O'Connor grew up on 3 acres in the country of central New Jersey. She remembers peaceful time spent alone in nature—hiding under the protective branches of a weeping willow, listening to spring peepers, catching fireflies, and exploring aquatic life in a vernal pool. She earned her master’s degree in natural resources from the University of Wisconsin and a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Macalester College.
In over 30 years with Cincinnati Nature Center, Connie has served as Volunteer Coordinator, Education Director, and most recently as Director of Applied Learning, where she heads the Nature Center’s newest programmatic area Conservation Civics. Her influence on Cincinnati Nature Center’s programming includes development of its first land management plan, launching its nature preschool, participating in the design process of the Nature PlayScape, and hosting OSU’s Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program. Her current focus on conservation civics involves training, consulting, and convening to help citizens advance conservation through interpersonal and civic connection.
Brittney Torres
Director of Human Resources
btorres@cincynature.org
Brittney Torres has always loved the outdoors. Growing up in Southern California, her family spent time in the mountains, camping, hiking, and exploring, while weekends were spent at the beach.
She began working with Cincinnati Nature Cetner in 2016, overseeing the human resource and volunteer departments. Connecting staff and volunteers to the mission while promoting a fun and unique working culture is always top of mind. Previously, Brittney held human resource positions with Cengage Learning, Kroger Manufacturing, and LNR Property Corporation. She earned her MBBA with an emphasis in human resource management from National University in San Diego, California.
Brittney has converted much of her HOA neighborhood yard into an example that shows how whimsical and fun native plants can be; plus, natives are easy to care for. Having native plantings helps to promote and protect native pollinators and wildlife.
Wendy Wilson
Director of Finance & Business Services
wwilson@cincynature.org
Wendy Wilson learned to appreciate nature as a child by fishing and hiking with her father, photographing landscapes, animals of all shapes and sizes, and marveling at things with binoculars.
Wendy began working at Cincinnati Nature Center in 2020 and is responsible for finance and accounting, technology, data management and analytics, venue rentals, and The Nature Shop. She brings leadership experience from Ernst & Young, Great American Financial Resources, and independent consulting. She has served on boards of financial services companies and non-profit organizations.
Wendy graduated from the Robins School of Business at the University of Richmond, Virginia, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She practices conservation at home by growing colorful flowers for neighborhood deer to snack on. She loves yellow flowers, especially the native golden rod.
Board of Directors
Founder
Stanley M. Rowe, Sr. (1890–1987)
Honorary Board of Directors
E. Rowley Elliston
Louise A. Head
Michael S. McGraw
Richard D. Oliver
Board of Directors
John S. Ficks - Chair
Jeffrey R. Corney, PhD - President/Executive Director
Scott Aaron
Sarah Anness Evans - Stewardship Committee Chair
Robert S. Castellini
Tessa Castner
Jose Chavez
Theresa Culley
Tom Garber
Zack Hohl
Meri Johnson
Peter M. Kwiatkowski - Land Protection Committee Chair
D. Lachlan C. McLean
Sharon Mitchell
Gates M. Moss - Board Treasurer
David E. Ninneman - Facilities Committee Chair
Devin Patchell, MD, MPH
Joan Popowics - Governance Committee Chair
Kaki Scheer
Michael Schott - Development Committee Chair
Irwin Simon - Board Secretary
Abby Tuke - Engagement Committee Chair
Laura Welles Wilson
Anthony Woodward
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