Courtney Carter Plaster
Executive Director
Courtney is a native Virginian whose experience in the non-profit world has spanned over 35 years working in four different non-profit museums. She has worked at the Virginia Museum of Natural History, Imagination Station Science Museum, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Virginia Museum of Transportation in research, collections, publications, and education.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia. 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 2020.
She serves on several environmental stewardship committees including the Horton’s Branch Watershed Improvement Committee with the Roanoke Kiwanis Club, Resilient Roanoke Roundtable, Carilion’s Morningside Urban Farm Advisory Committee, Recycle Right! Committee, Roanoke STEAM Day Planning Committee and Earth Day Roanoke Planning Committee.
Courtney lives in Smith Mountain Lake with her husband, two daughters, two dogs and a 22-year-old salamander. When she is not working, you will find her hiking, dancing, practicing yoga, gardening, or 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.
Sam Ardis
Environmental Edcuator and Operations Manager
Sam brings her background in education and environmental sciences.
She earned bachelor’s degrees in marine biology and mathematics from Florida Southern College. While an undergraduate, Sam gained experience as a preschool worker and as a teacher’s assistant for college courses. She then taught environmental and marine science courses to high school students in central Florida.
Sam attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned a master’s degree in Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences. Her research on methane concentrations in the Neuse River Estuary to provide a better understanding of local carbon cycling.
A new resident of Virginia, Sam is looking forward to exploring the local mountains and rivers with her husband, Will, and her dog, Moose.
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 invovlement.
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.