Tara Church, Chair, is an attorney at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP in Los Angeles where she represents individuals and businesses in all aspects of litigation. She began her career in philanthropy at age eight when she co-founded the world’s first youth environmental nonprofit, TREE MUSKETEERS, which she led from a neighborhood project to a national initiative that empowered millions of kids to plant trees across America. In addition to chairing TREE MUSKETEERS’s Board of Directors, Tara contributes her time and talents to worthy legal causes pro bono and is a frequent volunteer for charities focusing on the needs of children and the environment.
Adam Gerard, President, began his career in leadership at the age of 9 when he volunteered and then completed a course of study to become Certified Youth Manager. A junior at Mira Costa High School, Adam currently serves as President of the school’s Partners for the Planet Club, has interned for members of the State Assemblyman and Congress, and was appointed by City Council to the Manhattan Beach Green Team. As a trained Tree Planting Supervisor and certified Toastmaster, Adam’s skills and tenacious spirit as a leader make him a great example for young people around the world.
Gail Church, Executive Director, was present for the founding of TREE MUSKETEERS and left an airline management career to become its CEO. Years of volunteer service to youth and graduate studies in nonprofit organizational management allow her to skillfully mentor youth leaders. While Gail’s environmental work has been well recognized, she is most honored to have been awarded for professionalism as a nonprofit executive and excellence in leadership by her peers. Under her leadership, the group promptly grew from local tree planting project to an international scope.
Gino Polizzotto, Treasurer, is President and CEO of Polizzotto Development, LLC. Having grown up in the neighboring community of Manhattan Beach, “being part of local community action to help preserve the environment is important to me.” With interests in helping young people and children learn, grow, and achieve their goals serving as a member of the board seemed like an ideal fit. Well before joining the board in 2006, he served as a volunteer, Adult Partner and Advisory Director proving his willingness to dig in to all aspects of our work.
Scott Houston, Secretary, is an active resident of El Segundo, engaged in all aspects of the community. He can be seen in the volunteer ranks of many causes and as Vice Chair of El Segundo’s Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee. Scott is actively involved politically as a volunteer, delegate and candidate. He is a talented networker and a creative thinker when it comes to fundraising. Scott’s commitment to conservation and the community made for a smooth transition from volunteer to Adult Partner to Board member. When he is not doing great work in the community, Scott is a manager at Vision Envelope.
Marc Gerard, Director, is Controller for Lawry’s Restaurants, but the accounting career for this Manhattan Beach resident has spanned industries ranging from paper and foods to a cruise line and hotel. Avocationally, Marc has a rich history in nonprofit board service for multiple causes, though his core concern is for the environment. In this regard, he walks the talk from what he drives to how he remodels his house. Marc has imparted this deeply held value system on his three children, all of whom are involved on leadership levels at TREE MUSKETEERS.
Julian Poyourow, Youth Director, has been involved with TREE MUSKETEERS since he happened upon our booth at a fair. Discovering our booth was very serendipitous as he was actually attending a different event across the street. As a young leader dedicated to the environment, Julian was excited to find TREE MUSKETEERS and now enjoys spreading our mission to youth around the world. Julian is home schooled and in his free time is an active participant in the Boy Scouts and plays the violin.
Stephen Ludwig, Advisory Director – President, Group 22
Jim Kouzes, Advisory Director – Leadership Author
Iain Somerville, Advisory Director – Principle, Somerville and Assoc
Eric Busch, Advisory Director – Director Environmental Affairs, Sony
Sandra Jacobs, Advisory Director – Former Mayor of El Segundo
Catherine Magruder, Advisory Director – Toastmasters International
