Betony Jones
Director of Program Development
Betony is passionate, focused, and ambitious about establishing new systems to support sustainable communities, ecosystems, and economies in the Sierra Nevada and the world. Betony applies critical and creative thought to all her endeavors, and considers SBC an organization unique in the world for its commitment to implementing complex sustainability principles in meaningful programs on the ground.
Betony joined SBC in January 2005 and is leading our efforts to develop new markets for ecosystem services including carbon trading. She is also spearheading the development of Local First programs to support people and independent businesses in Sierra Nevada communities.
Professional Experience
Betony is the Director of Program Development, focusing on identifying new partnerships and opportunities to implement SBC's mission. Prior to taking on this role, she worked as SBC's Program Director for Forestry and Sustainable Business Practices.
Betony moved westward after five years on the east coast. For three years, while in graduate school, she taught biology, ecology, land measurement, and botany courses at Yale University. Before graduate school, she worked in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy under both Clinton and Bush administrations on environmental science and then moved on to the US Global Change Research Program to improve the nation’s understanding of climate change science. While in DC, she also worked with the Grameen Foundation, helping to develop a program to expand micro-credit in Latin America.
Prior to joining SBC Betony worked with the League of Conservation Voters as a field coordinator and community organizer managing a campaign office in Salem, Oregon for the 2004 Presidential election.
Education
Betony earned her Masters degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, where she studied social ecology. She earned a B.S. degree in plant biology from the University of Michigan. Additionally, Betony conducted extensive research in India, Borneo, and Panama on social justice and environmental issues emerging from development policies. She has published several articles on her research and is currently working on a book.
Personal Highlights
Originally from Michigan, Betony loves the sunny California weather and most enjoys biking, running, hiking, and skiing. Her hobbies include cooking, sewing, reading, and playing guitar.
