About

New Pioneers Mission

Promoting sustainability in rural communities to ensure a healthy future for all

About Us

New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future is a non-profit organization founded in 2005 by Sr. Claire McGowan OP, who sought to build a sustainability movement in rural central Kentucky.

While New Pioneers’ efforts to educate, demonstrate, and advocate for sustainability are focused in Nelson, Marion, and Washington counties, the ripple effects of our efforts often reach even further.
Learn more about New Pioneers' roadmap to promote sustainability through our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan.

Staff

JULIA GERWE-NICHOLSON

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

IVOREE SULLENBARGER

COMMUNITY EDUCATOR

Board Of Directors

MICHAEL BICKETT 

PRESIDENT

JENNA WILSON 

VICE PRESIDENT

WILL ROSENBAUM

SECRETARY

JOHNNIE BAUM

TREASURER


ELLIOT NEWLAND


GARY BISHOP

 

PAM GRUNDY

 

CHERYL COLEMAN 

 

ISAAC SUTTON

 

JAMIE COLLINS

 

KIMBERLY NANCE


ANGELA RAKES

 

HORTENSIA MAYER

 

What's new with New Pioneers?

The latest news and updates from New Pioneers.

February 12, 2026
2026 Board Retreat!

New Pioneers was delighted to host our annual Board Retreat this February at the St. Catharine Motherhouse, setting us up for an exciting year of education, demonstration, and advocacy efforts […]

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January 23, 2026
Now Hiring: Outreach Coordinator

We're hiring an Outreach Coordinator to grow our community engagement and outreach. Apply today!

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January 20, 2026
New Year, New Membership Levels!

In 2025, New Pioneers' staff and Board of Directors worked hard to assess the declining membership rates that many non-profit organizations have faced in recent years. This included an invitation […]

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