Welcoming Joanna Walczak to the TTFF Board

Trees That Feed Foundation is delighted to welcome Joanna Walczak to our Board of Directors. Joanna shares TTFF’s passion for protecting and improving the environment and brings a “ridge-to-reef” lens to our work—connecting healthy forests, secure food systems, and thriving coastal ecosystems. She currently serves as Vice President of Conservation at Loggerhead Marinelife Center and previously spent 17 years with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. A marine biologist and experienced conservation leader, she adds deep scientific and strategic expertise to our mission of feeding people, creating jobs, and benefiting the environment.

Why Joanna said yes

Joanna was first encouraged to consider board service by longtime TTFF board member—and fellow coral reef biologist— Dr. Ken Banks. Their decades-long professional friendship started in the water and grew on land through a shared love of growing things.

“Protecting biodiversity, addressing climate change, and advancing food security—these are the drivers that motivate me,” Joanna says. “TTFF’s model resonates because it empowers communities, builds micro-economies, and intentionally focuses on women’s empowerment.”

What she brings

From years in both government and nonprofit leadership, Joanna is a systems thinker with a bias for execution. She has led complex conservation programs, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and strengthened collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

“A lot of NGOs lose efficiency because we don’t document what works. I love process development and management,” she notes. “How do we build redundancy, protect relationships, and make sure our communications with partners are durable? TTFF already does this well—I’m eager to help scale it.”

Her ridge-to-reef perspective is especially relevant to TTFF’s work. Planting trees in upland areas stabilizes soil, reduces erosion, and keeps sediment and nutrients from washing into rivers and nearshore waters—benefiting mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

“Anything we do to reduce land-based pollution—like planting fruit trees—ultimately protects marine life. Healthy watersheds feed healthy reefs.”

A plan for impact

Joanna describes herself as a “two- to three-year planner” who likes to set a clear north star and then map the steps to get there.

“I avoid relying on hope because hope isn’t actionable,” she says. “What I want is a valid plan to make change—so we can actually deliver it.”

Looking ahead, she anticipates major food-security challenges in island nations and coastal communities over the next decade.

“We’re in a severe time for coral reefs and the coastal economies that depend on them. I believe TTFF can help communities get better prepared within their lifetimes—stabilizing food systems and livelihoods so people are more resilient to the changes ahead. If we change even one life, that’s meaningful impact; everything beyond that is a bonus.”

What excites her about TTFF

Since engaging with TTFF, Joanna has been especially encouraged by our end-to-end approach—not just giving away trees, but also building markets for breadfruit flour and other value-added products.

“Very few foundations stay with communities all the way through market creation. TTFF acts like an incubation hub—supporting entrepreneurs so micro-economies can stand on their own. That sets the organization apart.”

A personal connection

Joanna’s connection to TTFF’s work is also personal: her husband is Jamaican, and she’s excited to share that heritage with their young son.

“The Foundation’s strong ties to Jamaica make this work feel like home. I’m eager to help chart what the next five years look like—and then roll up my sleeves to get us there.”

Please join us in welcoming Joanna Walczak to the TTFF Board. With her science-based perspective, operational rigor, and passion for community-led solutions, Joanna will help us think—and act—strategically across our climate and conservation efforts. We’re thrilled to have her on the team.