Eastern NC faces the uncertainties of climate and cultural change, and must draw on our rich history of perseverance and community resilience with courage, creativity, and collaboration. Leda gets all this in unique and important ways, building small but mighty bridges among local groups, asking tough questions, demonstrating humility, and bringing out the best in those who show up.

— Sharon Harker, Mayor, Beaufort, North Carolina

More than anything, Leda listens. She hears things that others don’t and helps you realize where to go next when you can’t see it at first. She brings vision, perspective, and clarity to strategic planning by asking good questions and helping you discover what you may already know.

— Rick Bonney | Director Emeritus, Public Engagement in Science, Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Along with initiative, critical thinking, and commitment, Leda brings integrity and thoughtfulness to her work. She is a team player and the rare person you know you can trust from the very beginning. Leda has more than earned her spot on my mental list of dream team colleagues.

— Christine Fletcher | Senior Officer, Communications, The Pew Charitable Trusts

If you want to invest in a brighter future, I highly recommend working with Leda. She has creativity, perseverance, and integrity in spades and would be a valuable asset to any group looking to grow or do something new. She won't be tethered to a computer screen or conference table. When need be, she is out in the field with the worker bees, rolling up her sleeves with everyone else.

— Dr. Porter W. Anderson Jr | Founder and Chair, Anderson-Rogers Foundation Inc.

Leda understands that facilitating a truly collaborative approach to problem-solving is both an art and a science. She is a people person who can make complex issues and information accessible to a diversity of stakeholders. She follows a “with and through” approach, cultivating and supporting public engagement that empowers and equips communities with skills and tools they need to affect positive change.

— Justin Wallace and Dr. Barbara Garrity-Blake, Co-Coordinators, Eastern Carteret Collaborative, Carteret County, NC

Leda worked at every level within REEF — Intern, Office Manager, Executive Director — and we are better for it 20 years later. She helped design a new financial system, put us in another league with fundraising, and improved how we engage with members. If you want something done — and done well — ask Leda.

— Dr. Christy Semmens | Co-Executive Director, Science and Engagement, Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)

Leda is a tremendous professional in her field. As a member of the NC Beach, Inlet, and Waterways Association, I learned to call upon her for information. She is a protector of our waters and marshlands.

— Melvin Cooper, Town Commissioner, Beaufort, North Carolina