Courtney Carter Plaster
Executive Director
Courtney is a native Virginian whose experience in the non-profit world of science has spanned over 40 years. Before joining the Clean Valley Council, she worked in four different museums. They include the Virginia Museum of Natural History, Imagination Station Science Museum in Wilson, NC, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Virginia Museum of Transportation in the departments of research, collections, publications, and science education.
She received her Bachelor’s degree in biology from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1992. In 2020, Courtney brought her non-profit leadership experience to Clean Valley Council as Director of Education where she quickly moved into the role of Executive Director in October that same year.
She serves on several environmental stewardship committees including the Kiwanis Nature Park Committee, Carilion’s Morningside Urban Farm Advisory Committee, Roanoke River Blueways Committee, Roanoke Stormwater Advisory Committee, and Roanoke City’s Bee City Planning Committee. She is a Kiwanis Club of Roanoke Environment Committee Member as well as a member of the Grandin Village Business Association.
Courtney resides in Smith Mountain Lake with her husband, two daughters, and dog. When she is not working, you will find her hiking, dancing, practicing yoga, gardening, forest bathing, nature journaling
and attending music concerts and festivals.
Marc Lucht
Director of Programs
With an academic background in biology and philosophy, Dr. Marc Lucht worked as a professor and university administrator for 18 years. Before joining Clean Valley Council, he co-directed North Cross School’s first campus in China and led the development of additional high school campuses in Asia. Holding a PhD from Emory University, he has published widely on environmental philosophy, animal rights, and intercultural dialogue, and is strongly committed to the idea that it is incumbent upon humanity to find more responsible ways of acknowledging and living together with the creatures with whom we share the planet.
At CVC, Marc organizes events such as our Earth Summit and Green Film Festival, organizes our Star City Sustainability Series, offers a number of workshops (including on composting and making rain barrels), and partners with our environmental educator to ensure excellence in our delivery of educational programs. His favorite days are those during which he works with students.
Jamie Renick
Director of Environmental Engagement
Jamie is a Roanoke native with a passion for protecting and preserving the natural world. She brings experience in science education, environmental programming, sustainability program development, biological research, and community outreach. In addition to her environmental work, Jamie has extensive experience coaching competitive swimming.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech and recently completed a master's degree in Natural Resources from Virginia Tech. Jamie is passionate about connecting people with the outdoors and fostering environmental stewardship through education and community involvement.
At Clean Valley Council, Jamie supports environmental education initiatives, community outreach programs, volunteer engagement, and sustainability efforts throughout the Roanoke Valley. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the mountains and waterways of Southwest Virginia, hiking, and practicing her naturalist skills with her family.