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By Canopy Team on August 8, 2023
JP comes to Canopy from TreePeople, Southern California’s largest environmental nonprofit organization, where he served as Chief Communications Officer. He has over 15 years of experience in communications and executive leadership. Prior to TreePeople, JP served in the United States Peace Corps as an Organizational Capacity Building Specialist in Ukraine, where he created lasting impact in HIV/AIDS education, testing and treatment, and LGBTQ advocacy.
Earlier in his career, JP worked as a journalist for the Los Angeles Times and South Florida Sun Sentinel, then served as Executive Director of Communications for the UCLA College of Letters and Science. Before coming to Los Angeles, JP worked in media relations at Florida International University in Miami. There, he worked with the media to tell stories of minority and first-generation students—stories that mirror his own life. Born in Cuba, JP emigrated with his family to France and later settled in Miami. JP is fluent in Spanish and French. His early work researching and reporting guides JP’s commitment to the stories and communities that are at the center of Canopy’s work.
“Under JP’s leadership, Canopy’s success and impact in achieving our mission and vision will continue to grow,” said Laura Martinez, co-chair of Canopy’s Board of Directors. “His strong leadership skills and tremendous energy impressed us. Combined with his communications expertise, community-building experience, and understanding of the issues facing urban forestry, he is an exceptional fit for Canopy’s Executive Director.”
“I am honored and humbled to lead Canopy in its next chapter,” JP said. “I join a team of passionate and talented staff, dedicated volunteers, and community leaders who share a passion for greener, healthier, and more equitable communities. I believe Canopy’s work to advocate for and plant trees where they are needed most is essential to safeguard our cities from climate change and to address environmental inequities. Together, we will grow and strengthen our urban forest so everyone can live and thrive under the shade of healthy trees.”
Healthy trees provide so much to our urban landscape—from improved air and water quality to protection from extreme heat and storms. The mere presence of trees can enhance mental health, reduce stress, and improve physical health. But there are still communities on the Midpeninsula that lack a thriving urban forest, and many more whose urban trees are being threatened by drought, extreme weather events, and other climate change effects.
Canopy’s dynamic programs engage the community to plant and care for trees where they are needed most. Together we are unlocking the power of trees to foster health, increase equity, build community, empower youth, and fortify our cities from climate change.
Welcome to the Canopy team, JP! Messages welcoming him to our community can be sent to [email protected].
