Welcoming EENC's Newest Board Members

This week, EENC's Board of Directors and staff met for their first Board Meeting of 2026 and to kick off our Emerald Jubilee, celebrating our 35th anniversary as a nonprofit organization. At this meeting, we welcomed six new amazing individuals as they start their tenure helping lead the Environmental Educators of North Carolina forward into the future. Each of these individuals submitted their applications, interviewed with Board leadership, proposed to the whole Board, and was overwhelmingly approved by members. Here is a little more about these champions for environmental education.

Sydney Danby

Piedmont Section Chair

I am excited to join the E.E. team to be able to use my experience and knowledge to help other environmental educators be the best we all can be! Helping future generations understand the importance of our natural resources has always been my top academic and professional goal. I also bring experience in international agricultural education, which focused heavily on hands-on approaches to learning.

Fun Fact: I have travelled to 12 countries and lived abroad with a farming family in the Alps!

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Emily Behr

Central Section Chair

I’m so excited to join the board as the Central Section Chair! Environmental Education is so important to youth development and supporting our next generation of environmental stewards. I can’t wait to build connections across central North Carolina, share ideas, and inspire others who care deeply about this work.

Fun Fact: Before I got into youth development work, I worked in music and helped Elijah Wood start a record label called Simian Records.

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Brooke Wilson

Board Member at Large

I am excited to get a chance to work with an amazing group of Environmental Educators. I look forward to hopefully contributing towards the advancement of this field and making a difference on the board by helping to raise awareness for our initiatives, assisting with the planning of conferences and other events, and helping EENC grow and advance towards its overall goals.

Fun Fact: I have spent the majority of my career in some form of a Zookeeper role. I have cared for a wide variety of animals from Manatees and Sea Turtles to Red Wolves and Black Bears.

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Rachel Bentley

Board Member at Large

I am excited to join the Board of Directors as a Board Member-at-Large and help further EENC’s mission, work collaboratively with educators across all regions of North Carolina, and give back to the community that has inspired and supported me throughout my professional journey.

Fun Fact: I am an avid birder. My all-time favorite bird is a Great Blue Heron!

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Lauren Daniel

Board Member at Large

I’m excited to support a statewide network of environmental stewards dedicated to connecting communities with nature through education.

Fun Fact: I’m a US Coast Guard approved boat captain (OUPV) and my favorite activity is exploring Eastern NC estuaries with my husband, son, and dog, Otis.

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Erika Young

Board Member at Large

I am excited to join the board of EENC! I look forward to serving and collaborating with so many passionate educators! I am proud to be a supporter of environmental education for ALL individuals, as we say in Sea Grant, from K-GRAY!

Fun Fact: I am a potter and sculptor and have won a few ribbons and awards!

Needless to say, EENC is honored to have such an amazing group of individuals join this organization and further our mission to build connections, provide professional development, and promote excellence for North Carolina's community of environmental educators. This crew is hitting the ground running with all of the exciting things we have planned for 2026 and beyond. From book clubs to new workshops and so much more, we are so excited for what's ahead.

You can meet all of EENC's Board of Directors and staff by clicking here.

In Community,

Will Freund

EENC Past-President