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Board of Directors

Leadership matters when restoring a national treasure. Our Board of Directors brings vision, expertise, and long-term commitment to advancing Chestnut Revival, Inc.'s mission.

Richard Brandel, President and Founder

Driven by a lifelong passion for conservation and a member of The American Chestnut Foundation (TAFC). Richard Brandel leads Chestnut Revival, Inc. in its mission of restoring the American chestnut tree to the landscapes where it once thrived. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from Rutgers University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, bringing a strong foundation in technical problem-solving and strategic management to the organization. He combines decades of experience in software development with his MBA-acquired expertise in organizational leadership, financial planning, and operational efficiency to strengthen Chestnut Revival, Inc.'s impact. Dedicated to environmental stewardship, Richard works to build a sustainable future by fostering community involvement and implementing innovative restoration strategies.

Marla Binzel, Board Member

brings extensive expertise in American chestnut restoration, currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Vermont/New Hampshire Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation and as a member of its national Restoration Committee. She spent 22 years with the Texas A&M University System, where she led a research program in plant molecular biology and physiology while teaching courses in Crop Biotechnology and Introduction to Horticulture. She holds a PhD in Plant Physiology from Purdue University and a BS in Plant Science with a minor in Chemistry from the University of New Hampshire.

Rafaella Pipko, Board Member

Rafaella Pipko is an exceptional graduate from the State University of New York at New Paltz, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology with a Criminology concentration, a 3.96 GPA, and Summa Cum Laude honors, alongside memberships in prestigious honors societies. Her professional experience as a legal assistant includes streamlining client support and document management in family law, divorce, and bankruptcy cases, where she excelled in empathetic communication and administrative precision. Through internships at Oasis/Haven Peer Crisis Counseling and the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse, she honed skills in mental health facilitation, case management for vulnerable populations, and resource coordination. Multilingual in Russian and proficient in key legal and social platforms, Rafaella's dedication to advocacy and community well-being positions her as a compassionate leader for advancing Chestnut Revival's ecosystem restoration efforts through stakeholder engagement and supportive initiatives.

Elijah Creel,

Board Member

Elijah Creel is a dedicated educator and community advocate whose expertise in curriculum development, restorative practices, and inclusive education aligns strongly with Chestnut Revival's mission to restore and sustain American chestnut ecosystems through community engagement and environmental stewardship. With over a decade of experience as a K-12 Teacher in Language and Math at Stride K-12 NY, English Language Arts Teacher at Preply, and SYEP Teacher for NYC—where he enhanced student participation by 15-30% using innovative tools and reduced behavioral incidents by 25% via mindfulness and restorative justice—he excels in fostering collaborative, resilient communities. Holding a Bachelor's in Liberal Arts from Purdue University Global, degrees in Criminal Justice, diplomas in Psychology and Journalism, and certifications in teaching and IT, Elijah also brings skills from crisis intervention training at the 988 Hotline, client management, and empathetic communication, ideal for building partnerships and educational outreach in chestnut revival initiatives. His passion for community building, evident in New York Chess Club membership and interests in nature and shared experiences, positions him to drive impactful, grant-supported programs for ecological restoration and public involvement.

Donna Conejos, Board Member

brings a profound personal passion for environmental conservation to our board, with a lifelong love for forests and a deep commitment to restoring native ecosystems like the chestnut tree. Her enthusiasm for hands-on nature restoration projects inspires innovative community outreach efforts that engage volunteers and raise awareness about ecological revival. As someone who values biodiversity and sustainable land stewardship, she offers fresh perspectives on grassroots initiatives that complement our scientific approaches. Donne's genuine dedication to healing damaged landscapes through persistence and creativity makes her an invaluable advocate for long-term revival goals.

Damien Brandel,

Board Member

Damien Brandel is a standout graduate from the State University of New York at New Paltz, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a 3.74 GPA and Dean's List recognition every semester. His hands-on experience includes an internship at Leet Cyber Security, where he built user-friendly tools to streamline data management and enhance team collaboration. Through personal projects, Damien has demonstrated creativity in developing engaging multiplayer games, intuitive social apps, and smart recommendation systems that solve real-world problems with efficiency and innovation. His passion for technology as a force for positive change makes him an ideal contributor to Chestnut Revival's mission of restoring vital ecosystems.