LEADERSHIP

Martin Bourque
Executive Director

Since 2000, Martin has led the Ecology Center, a community-based organization incorporated on Earth Day in 1970. Under Martin's leadership, the Ecology Center is leveraging local direct community service programs to have state and national impact. Martin has spearheaded innovative efforts such as creating a farmers' market industry group, pioneering electronic food stamp access and incentives at farmers' markets, and passing the nation's first Soda Tax. By linking local grassroots grit with highly competent program implementation, and increasingly effective policy advocacy, Martin has led the Ecology Center to become a high impact engine for change.

Martin's previous experience includes working as the Sustainable Agriculture Program Director for Food First, The Institute for Food and Development Policy where he helped build the international organic farming movement throughout the US, Caribbean, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Martin also edited Sustainable Agriculture and Resistance: Transforming Food Production in Cuba, a compilation of Cuban authors on organic farming, and co-founded Californians for Pesticide Reform (CPR) to reduce the worst pesticides in California through public education and regulatory reform.

Martin served as the National Director of Training for ALTERTEC Guatemala where he helped develop a Guatemalan non-profit from a small organization into a leading Central American force promoting farmer-led sustainable agriculture. Martin led Freirian-based curricula development, trained trainers, and organized Meso-American Campesino Congresses on Organic Farming, Permaculture, and Alternative Technologies. Additionally, Martin facilitated the development of a national Guatemalan organic certification program, MayaCert.

Martin has served on the Community Food and Justice Coalition Advisory Committee, The Grassroots Recycling Network Board and the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board (StopWaste). Martin earned a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies and Environmental Policy from UC Berkeley, and a B.A. in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior from UC San Diego.

Twitter: @MartinRBourque
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/martinbourque

OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

Daniel Vasquez
Deputy Director
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Daniel Vasquez
Deputy Director
Daniel (he/him) joined the Ecology Center in 2024. He brings to his role 16 years in nonprofit leadership, and prior to that, 11 years in the banking industry where he focused on human resources, finance, and operations management. A Bay Area native, he has served in nonprofit leadership roles including as the Executive Director of an Oakland-based youth development organization.
Greg Morgan
Finance & Operations Director
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Greg Morgan
Finance & Operations Director
Greg joined the Ecology Center in 2015 to help lead the accounting and finance programs. He earned his degree in Accounting and Finance from Chico State University and previously spent 4 years as a staff accountant at a milkshake company called f'real foods. Greg loves working for a team that is about sustaining a great environment which he loves to enjoy. In his free time he enjoys getting outside into nature, whether it's backpacking, snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing, fishing or gardening.
Jackie Yep
Admin and Benefits Coordinator
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Jackie Yep
Admin and Benefits Coordinator
Jackie joined the Ecology Center in 2003 as a Financial Assistant and has steadily assumed increased responsibilities each year. Jackie manages payroll and benefits, and provides HR support to the Deputy Director and the Recycling Director, and all program staff. Previously, she worked in retail sales and management in settings ranging from small boutique shops to large department stores. Additionally, she is a very involved "scout mom" and school volunteer. Jackie attended City College of San Francisco.
Maia Sawi
Accounting Coordinator
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Maia Sawi
Accounting Coordinator
Maia (she/her) joined the Ecology Center in 2023 as the Accounting Coordinator. As a lifelong Berkeley resident, she is happy to put her years of experience in non-profit finance to use for her community. When not working, she enjoys cooking, watching horror movies, and spending time with her cats.  
Purvi Swali
Human Resources Manager
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Purvi Swali
Human Resources Manager
Purvi (She/Her)joined the Ecology Center in 2024. She manages the Human Resource department for EC. Purvi has a Master's in Human Resource Management and is a certified Senior HR Professional (SPHR) from HRCI. She has worked internationally for 15 years serving as an HR professional in various capacities. She loves travelling and learning about different languages and cultures in her free time.

FOOD AND FARMING

Cole Haddock
On-Call Farmers' Market Associate
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Cole Haddock
On-Call Farmers' Market Associate
Cole began his journey at Ecology Center in the fall of 2021, just a few weeks after moving to Berkeley as a freshman studying Geography at U.C. Berkeley. He has been at the Ecology Center ever since, working as an On-Call Associate for the store front and at the farmer markets. Outside of the farmer’s market, Cole is a journalist at Street Spirit News.
Daniel McChesney-Young
Farmers' Market Program Manager
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Daniel McChesney-Young
Farmers' Market Program Manager
Daniel joined the Ecology Center in 2021. As Farmers’ Market Program Manager, he supports the farmers’ market staff and vendors and serves as a liaison between the program and multiple governmental and non-governmental agencies. Born and raised in Berkeley he holds a BA in Geography from UC Berkeley. A veteran of the foodservice industry and pizza Olympian, Daniel has a deep passion for food, farming, and seeing people eat well. Outside of his love of all things food-related he is a registered EMT, enjoys sewing, bicycles, amateur radio and emergency preparedness.
Hanne Williams-Baron
FMAE Coordinator
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Hanne Williams-Baron
FMAE Coordinator
Hanne Williams-Baron joined the Ecology Center team in February 2025 as the Senior Program Coordinator for the Farmer’s Market Access and Equity program. Prior to the Ecology Center, Hanne worked in youth and creativity-oriented nonprofits including the SF LGBT Community Center, Supply Bank, and National Novel Writing Month. She earned a BA in Comparative American Studies from Oberlin College. As a freelance teaching artist, Hanne has facilitated poetry workshops for organizations including the Berkeley Public Library, Liyang Indigenous Women’s Network, and the Chicago Food Justice Summit. Outside of work, Hanne is a pen pal with the California Coalition for Women Prisoners and enjoys making zines, stickers and comics.
Isaac Mora
FMAE Senior Program Manager
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Isaac Mora
FMAE Senior Program Manager
FMAE Senior Program Manager
Lauren Barnett
FMAE Coordinator
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Lauren Barnett
FMAE Coordinator
FMAE Coordinator
Loren Norman
Farmers' Market Manager
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Loren Norman
Farmers' Market Manager
Loren joined the Ecology Center as a market manager in 2022 after several years of working for various farms as a marketeer and field worker. Hailing from rural Plumas County, Loren learned to appreciate community care as a necessary component of personal and public life. During the height of the pandemic, Loren helped their fellow farm workers to navigate workplace safety and access resources not provided to them by their employers, and worked with mutual aid groups to distribute donated produce to underserved Bay Area communities. Having had their hand in every stage of the farm to table movement – from field, to market, to table – Loren is committed to strengthening the diverse and complex networks of connection that sustain the people who constitute our local food systems. They have a BA in Philosophy from Mills College, and outside of work, they enjoy cats and doing odd jobs at their friends’ organic plant nursery.
Manuel Garcia
FMAE Coordinator
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Manuel Garcia
FMAE Coordinator
Manuel Garcia joined the Ecology Center in May 2025 as a FMAE Program Coordinator, bringing years of experience in urban agriculture and community based food systems. Prior to joining the Ecology Center, Manuel worked with organizations such as Oakland Unified School District and Fleet Farming leading educational gardening and food access initiatives. His work spans from managing school gardens and orchards to coordinating agroecology programs across Latin America, holding experience in project based learning, permaculture education and multicultural community engagement. Outside of work he is passionate about environmental stewardship and restorative food systems, rock climbing and surfing and is always on the lookout for good food and meaningful connections around the table.
Olivia Pelanconi
On-Call Farmers’ Market Associate
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Olivia Pelanconi
On-Call Farmers’ Market Associate
Olivia is a senior at UC Berkeley majoring in Conservation and Resources Studies with a concentration in Agroecology, and began working for the Ecology center the summer of 2025. She’s from Los Molinos, California and has worked for small farms and at farmers markets throughout rural Northern California for most of her life. Outside of work and class, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and hanging out with friends!
Sam Long
Farmers' Market Manager
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Sam Long
Farmers' Market Manager
Samy started at the Ecology Center as a Farmer's Market Associate in March 2022 after graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in Society and Environment, concentrating in sustainable agriculture. When not at the market, they enjoy listening to music, reading, rock climbing, and going to shows with friends.
Sophia Lewis
On-Call Farmers’ Market Associate
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Sophia Lewis
On-Call Farmers’ Market Associate
On-Call Farmers’ Market Associate Sophia is a recent graduate from UC Santa Cruz holding a bachelors degree in Environmental Studies and Anthropology. With a background in conservation research and environmental education, Sophia fell in step with food justice and sovereignty initiatives after conducting ethnographic research with an Indigenous Bribri community in Southeast Costa Rica known for practicing traditionally ecological and regenerative agroforestry (see their research findings at carasdecambio.org). She sees immense potential in alternative food systems as a means of reform for our planet and our people. In her free time, Sophia enjoys foraging for wild edibles, camping, swimming, and taking photos of human-nature interactions and connections.
Talia Isaacson
Farmers’ Market Program Coordinator
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Talia Isaacson
Farmers’ Market Program Coordinator
Farmers’ Market Program Coordinator Talia joined the Ecology Center in the spring of 2025 after years spent working in environmental education and small-scale farming. She received a BA in English from Cornell University in 2021, where she worked on the communications team for the Cornell Small Farms Program and its Local and Regional Food Systems platform. She went on to receive an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Virginia in 2024. In her spare time, she can be found reading, gardening, and thinking about how close relationships with land and community can liberate us all.
Viviana Padilla
Farmers' Market Operations Manager
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Viviana Padilla
Farmers' Market Operations Manager
Viviana began at the Ecology Center at the end of 2020 as an On-Call Program Associate. The descendant of Bracero Program farmworkers, and having worked on small farms both locally and abroad herself, she is deeply passionate about creating local food systems that are more compassionate, equitable, and inclusive. She currently leads the management of the South Berkeley Farmers' Market.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Alex Roth-Dunn
Youth Development Program Manager
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Alex Roth-Dunn
Youth Development Program Manager
Alex he/they) hails from Louisville, Kentucky and brings 6+ years of experience working with BIPOC and marginalized youth. As the Youth Development Program Manager, he primarily supports the youth programs through mentorship, professional development, and community building. From his time working at Vida Verde Nature Education and the Center for Agroecology at UC Santa Cruz, Alex has gained valuable skills not only to empower and educate youth but also to foster spaces of healing and emotional safety. Being a descendant of enslaved Black people from the South, he feels a strong and profound connection toward the land and Earth. Alex holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Juvenile Justice and feels deeply devoted to uplifting and guiding the next generation of changemakers. In his free time, you'll find Alex lifting weights, going on big walks in nature, eating gluten-free treats, and identifying native Californian flora and fauna. #BlackLivesMatter #LandBack #TransLivesMatter
Lucia Aguilar Martinez
Youth Program Assistant
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Lucia Aguilar Martinez
Youth Program Assistant
Lucia Aguilar (He/They) stepped into the role of Youth Intern after completing the Ecology Center’s Youth Environmental Academy in the summer of 2024. They are now continuing with the EC as a Youth Program Assistant. For potential college majors, they are thinking about environmental science or engineering. While at the Ecology Center, they want to explore all aspects related to the environment, climate change, food systems, impact to nature, etc. During the summer, they were a part of the Outdoor Leaders Program (Earth team), which taught them more of being aware of the impact when being outdoors (camping, hikes), being prepared, getting their wilderness first aid certification with the program and learning about the roles in a team. Outside of the Ecology Center, they make friendship bracelets, reads, listens to music and spends time with friends and family.
Mar Guzman Rangel
Youth Program Assistant
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Mar Guzman Rangel
Youth Program Assistant
Mar (she/her) is a Youth Program Assistant at the Ecology Center, a role she stepped into after completing the Youth Environmental Academy program as a youth scholar in the spring of 2024. She works at the Berkeley Farmers' Markets where she hopes to make memorable connections with her community. Mar values the work that the farmers' markets do to connect the public with fresh fruits and veggies. In her free time, Mar enjoys biking and going on hikes.

ZERO WASTE AND RECYCLING

Alex Canales
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Alex Canales
Curbside Recycling Driver
Curbside Recycling Driver
Ben Mah
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Ben Mah
Curbside Recycling Driver
Ben joined the Ecology Center in 2001 after working as an airport transportation driver. Ben is committed to serving the residents of Berkeley and is grateful that his job has provided the financial means to send his children to college.
Daniel Maher
Recycling Program Manager
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Daniel Maher
Recycling Program Manager
On staff since 2005, Daniel leads the Ecology Center's Zero Waste and Recycling programs. Daniel oversees the Curbside Recycling Program that collects recycling from over 30,000 residences throughout Berkeley each week! Additionally, Daniel oversees customer service and manages general operations for the recycling program. Daniel works with Education and Engagement program to deliver high quality information to the public, and leads our efforts on Zero Waste legislative advocacy. Daniel brings over 15 years of experience in the resource recovery field. Daniel comes to the Ecology Center from Tri-CED, another recycling non-profit, where he worked as a sorter, driver, manager and broker. He is an expert in all aspects of the recycling process, ranging from customer education, waste reduction, collection, recovery, processing, and market development. Daniel also provides tours to engage both youth and the general public interested in learning about the benefits of source reduction and recycling.
Encarnacion Rivera
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Encarnacion Rivera
Curbside Recycling Driver
Since 2007, Encarnacion has been a dedicated member of the recycling team. Five days a week he looks forward to reducing the amount of waste in Berkeley.
Hahns Cook
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Hahns Cook
Curbside Recycling Driver
Staff since 2007, Hahns came to the Ecology Center after working as a delivery driver for a meat distribution company. Hahns joined the Ecology Center for better pay and hours, but stayed for the camaraderie.
Hector Canales Canales
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Hector Canales Canales
Curbside Recycling Driver
Curbside Recycling Driver
Ignacio Zulueta
Customer Service Representative
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Ignacio Zulueta
Customer Service Representative
Staff since 2015, Ignacio supports the Ecology Center's Recycling Center help desk. Ignacio is passionate about sparking community dialogue and cultural interconnection. He brings several years of experience in education and environmental and personal resiliency within the nonprofit arena. In addition to his work with the Ecology Center, Ignacio works with the East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse in Oakland and serves as a teen playwriting teacher at the Eugene O'Neill Foundation, a resident playwright at PlayGroundSF, and an associate artist at AlterTheater.
Jonathan Muro
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Jonathan Muro
Curbside Recycling Driver
Curbside Recycling Driver
Lidia Villagomez
Recycling Education Program Manager
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Lidia Villagomez
Recycling Education Program Manager
Recycling Education Program Coordinator
Marco Antonio Silva
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Marco Antonio Silva
Curbside Recycling Driver
Marco has worked in the Berkeley recycling community for the past 11 years. First at Berkeley Recycling Center and currently at the Ecology Center. When he's not working, he loves spending time with his family.
Miguel Navarro
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Miguel Navarro
Curbside Recycling Driver
Miguel began working for the Ecology Center in 2007. He began his career in recycling after his work within the demolition industry ended due to economic decline. Miguel appreciates the stability that the Ecology Center provides.
Oscar Yuvini Moreno
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Oscar Yuvini Moreno
Curbside Recycling Driver
Curbside Recycling Driver
Reyes Sandoval
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Reyes Sandoval
Curbside Recycling Driver
Reyes joined the Ecology Center in 2001 after working for Tomra Pacific. Reyes takes pride in contributing to preservation of the environment by moving Berkeley closer to Zero Waste.
Robert Tucker
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Robert Tucker
Curbside Recycling Driver
Curbside Recycling Driver
Salvador Avalos
Curbside Recycling Driver
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Salvador Avalos
Curbside Recycling Driver
Salvador has more than twenty years of experience working in the resource and recycling field. He came to the Ecology Center in 2005 after working for the Community Conservation Center for 14 years. Salvador enjoys going out five days a week to keep the recycling exchange moving and to serve the greater community.

EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Claudia Morales-Barrera
Interim Store Program Manager
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Claudia Morales-Barrera
Interim Store Program Manager
Claudia (they/them) joined the Ecology Center in June 2023. Claudia grew up working in California's agricultural fields. Their experiences in industrial agriculture deeply informed their desire to foster food and land sovereignty as a way to heal from exploitative food systems. Prior to working at the Ecology Center, Claudia worked as a Lead Herbalist and managed the production/retail logistics for a local apothecary. Claudia has extensive experience leading food education programs, including stewarding an urban gardening space for UC Berkeley’s Multicultural Community Center. Claudia holds degrees in Geography and Society & Environment from UC Berkeley. In their free time, they enjoy crafting herbal medicine, gardening, and hosting dinner parties.
Mateo Mossey
Store Associate
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Mateo Mossey
Store Associate
Store Associate

DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Cynthia Murdough
Events Coordinator
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Cynthia Murdough
Events Coordinator
Cynthia has over 25 years of experience in mission focused non-profit environments. Her career began as the owner of one of the first independent coffee houses in Contra Costa County in 1980. During that time, she partnered with a local non-profit to hire people with severe intellectual disabilities and continued to become a strong advocate for this population. She was the founder of a performing non-profit dance company comprised of both intellectually and physically challenged and professional dancers. She has worked in non-profit development and event planning for Special Olympics and Diablo Light Opera Company. More recently, she was the CEO of the Martinez Chamber of Commerce, which is where she has lived for over 40 year. Working as the Events Coordinator for the Ecology Center has brought to her a great passion and respect for the environment and our planet. In her spare time she writes, backpacks, bikes and takes voice lessons.
Sachiko Omo Hanks
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
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Sachiko Omo Hanks
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Sachiko Omo Hanks (she/her) joined the Ecology Center in 2019 as the marketing and communications coordinator.
Sara Leaverton
Business Development Director
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Sara Leaverton
Business Development Director
Business Development Director