About

Our Mission

Day in and day out, we activate Central Kentucky communities to achieve healthy soil, water, and air.

Our Vision

Our communities are thriving, interconnected webs supporting the health of all species.

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

OLIVIA SMITH

OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Board Of Directors

MICHAEL BICKETT

PRESIDENT

ANGELA RAKES

VICE PRESIDENT

WILL ROSENBAUM

SECRETARY

JOHNNIE BAUM

TREASURER

ELLIOT NEWLAND

GARY BISHOP

PAM GRUNDY

CHERYL COLEMAN

ISAAC SUTTON

JAMIE COLLINS

KIMBERLY NANCE

HORTENSIA MAYER

What's new with New Pioneers?

The latest news and updates from New Pioneers.

October 28, 2026

Taking a Fresh Look: New Pioneers' Mission and Vision

Julia Gerwe

No Comments

New Pioneers for a Sustainable Future has been a leading voice of environmental sustainability throughout Nelson, Marion, and Washington Counties for over 20 years. This year, New Pioneers took a […]