About us
Brightening Up the Community
KNOX works to preserve Hartford’s greenspace and ensure everyone has access to the benefits those spaces provide.
Together, we’re actively improving our environment and building a greener, more sustainable, and healthier Hartford.
Our Mission
KNOX is committed to connecting and empowering communities to grow a greener, healthier Hartford.
Our Vision
Our vision is a community where everyone shares in an equitable, thriving urban greenspace.
Our History
City Councilwoman Betty Knox founded KNOX in 1966, when she established a trust fund to help improve her hometown of Hartford, CT. At that time, two areas of focus were established:
- funding community development
- operating “greening” programs
In 1976, the organization restructured with KNOX continuing to lead programs to conserve and strengthen the city of Hartford and the Betty Knox Foundation providing grants to support Hartford residents.
From 1978 until 2000, KNOX was located in the caretaker’s cottage in Hartford’s Elizabeth Park. In 2000, when the city of Hartford renovated the cottage into what is now the Elizabeth Park Visitor Center, KNOX moved to Laurel Street.
KNOX continues to be an ever-growing coalition of residents, volunteers, corporate partners, and community organizations that support Hartford’s people and place with impactful programs, services, and events.
Our Staff
Anwar Ahmad, Urban Farming Manager
Yamil Baez, Horticulture Team Member
Jason Carl, Director of Landscape Operations
Patrick Doyle, Executive Director
Margot Early, Director of Advancement & Marketing
Ally Gelinas, Community Learning Manager
Jessica Goldman, Director of Programs
Liz Hughes, Volunteer & Education Manager
Jennifer Martinez, Community Garden Coordinator
Judith Perez, Office Associate
Reinaldo Rentas, Horticulture Team Supervisor
Etany Vargas, Horticulture Team Supervisor
Lindsay White, Associate Director of Grants & Development
Our Board of Directors
Nancy Barnwell, Empower,
Kathleen Crump, Pratt & Whitney
John Flynn, J.W. Flynn Associates
Emily Gianquinto, McCarter & English
Michael Hren, University of Connecticut
Savana Jones
Justin May, Gaffney Bennett Public Relations, KNOX Board President
Matt Mocarsky, Travelers
Kendra Shakir
Shaun Sheridan, Whittlesey
Dina Silva, TheaterWorks
Ashley Zane, Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA)
