Apr 24 2025
Don’t Mess With Texas® Trash off – Sweeny (partnering with P66 Arbor Day)
Backyard Park
For over 50 years, Keep Texas Beautiful has been committed to making Texas communities better places to live, work and play.
Overview
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Texas the best place to live, work, and play! Our mission is to inspire and empower Texans to make their communities clean and beautiful. We provide resources for community improvement projects, clean-ups, and youth engagement efforts across the state. Our Keep Texas Recycling program provides technical assistance, education, and access to markets to increase recycling in rural and underserved communities.
Everything we do is focused on mobilizing volunteers to take action by providing them with tools, resources, and training. Our fieldwork includes research on best practices for litter reduction along with the development of community programs to prevent the flow of litter to the Gulf of Mexico.
Founded in 1967, Keep Texas Beautiful’s work is driven by its network of affiliate members, communities, volunteers, and supporters that span the state, and reach 17 million Texans annually.Â
Our Mission
To inspire and empower Texans to keep our communities clean and beautiful.
Our Vision
To make Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state in the nation.
Core Values
- We promote clean and beautiful communities by keeping them litter-free and preserving our natural environment.
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2. We empower residents to take initiative at the local level to beautify their hometowns.
3. We partner with public and private sector organizations and individuals who are similarly committed to our mission.
4. Education is at the core of our work and we provide tools and resources to the general public, affiliates, and volunteers to strengthen their capacity.
5. Throughout our work, we support what makes our communities unique, including race, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic background, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability. We commit to aligning our culture and operations to be a beacon of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
History
History
Our history dates back to 1967, when Texas was preparing for the 1968 HemisFair in San Antonio and more than 16 million tourists were expected to descend upon the state.
A variety of representatives from diverse entities, including the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation, decided that Texas cities and highways should be given a “facelift” so visitors would see a clean, beautiful state. To accomplish this goal, the group created a non-profit educational corporation, supported totally by membership dues, known as the Beautify Texas Council.
Realizing the importance of what had been accomplished via local volunteers and their love of their communities, the Beautify Texas Council continued to support communities in their beautification efforts even after HemisFair. By 1968, the Council had supplied almost every Texas town with information on how to improve their city’s appearance. In response to enthusiastic efforts from dedicated volunteers across the state, the Council eventually increased its focus to highway beautification, environmental education and public awareness, procurement and distribution of funding and support to local volunteers, and creating and maintaining valuable relationships with state officials and agencies.
In 1985, the Beautify Texas Council officially became Keep Texas Beautiful, Inc., and a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. Since that time, we have won top honors as an outstanding KAB state affiliate and have grown by creating an extensive affiliate program. Keep Texas Beautiful now has the largest environmental and community improvement network in the state.
Meet Our Team
Suzanne Kho joined KTB in January 2016. As executive director, she oversees board development, contract and grant administration, fundraising, finance and organizational planning. She has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and has held leadership positions at EarthShare of Texas, Beyond Batten Disease Foundation, LIVESTRONG Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts and the University of Pennsylvania. She holds an MSEd from the University of Pennsylvania and an AB from Vassar College. Suzanne loves spending time outdoors and can often be found birding, hiking or rowing.
Corinne Pierce joined KTB in September 2022. As the Affiliate and Youth Programs Manager, she supports youth programs, including communications, and training. Corinne’s background is in education; she holds a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas State University. She has experience in Title 1 public schools and Elementary Education. When not at work, she enjoys sewing, gardening, and listening to live music.
Sarah Kennedy joined the Keep Texas Beautiful team in February of 2025. As the Community Services Program Manager, they will support the affiliate network and the Keep Texas Recycling community partners. Prior to joining KTB, Sarah worked in both nonprofits and city government with a focus on environmental stewardship, community development, international affairs, and partnerships. Sarah’s background is in statistics, elementary education, and religious studies, and they hold a BS in Statistics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Sarah enjoys puzzles, reading, walking, volunteering at the library, cross stitching, and other crafts when not at work.
Anu Pillai is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin with a deep passion for environmental advocacy. Originally from Georgia, she discovered this passion in high school, where she founded her school’s first sustainability organization. Drawn to Keep Texas Beautiful’s mission, Anu was thrilled to join the organization, believing that Texas embodies a larger-than-life commitment to environmental stewardship. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in law, channeling her dedication to sustainability into the legal field. She is particularly excited to work with the Young Texan Ambassadors, inspired by the energy and initiative of young Texans striving to improve their communities.
Outside of environmental work and academics, Anu is an avid film enthusiast. Her Letterboxd account is her most-used app, and her apartment walls are covered with movie posters from floor to ceiling. She is eager to contribute to Keep Texas Beautiful and collaborate with others who share a commitment to making a difference.
Kirsten Sorensen joined KTB in March of 2023. As Research and Cleanups Program Manager, she manages the Texas Litter Database, coordinates community cleanup efforts, and manages projects related to litter abatement and research. Kirsten holds a BA from Texas State University, and has over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. When not working, Kirsten enjoys thrift shopping, cooking, gardening and hitting the local trails.
Michelle joined KTB in January 2023. As Operations and Finance Manager, she handles our day-to-day general office operations, accounting tasks, and government contracts and grants billing. She also works with the Executive Director on the organization’s budget, HR, and board matters, and plays a key role in planning and executing our annual statewide conference. She has been a CPA for 7 years and has worked as a consultant, accountant, and auditor. She holds a Master in Professional Accounting degree from UT Austin and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma. She loves the outdoors and can be found botanizing, gardening, or volunteering around Austin.
Johnathan Sicard joined KTB in January 2025 for the Spring 2025 semester. As a Recycling Research Fellow, Johnathan is working to identify community interest for new or expanded recycling offerings as part of the Keep Texas Recycling program. Johnathan is a senior undergraduate studying Mechanical Engineering at UT Austin, and has worked several internships in the environmental space, including recycling systems. Outside of work, he is often hiking, trying out new recipes, or utilizing UT's makerspaces for personal projects.
Lara George joined KTB in April 2022. As Director of Marketing and Partnerships, she oversees KTB’s overall communications and marketing strategy and fundraising activities with a focus on corporate and government agency partnerships. Prior to joining KTB, Lara worked in a variety of communications and nonprofit leadership roles with The Christi Center, Austin Smiles, and The Texas Observer. Lara holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Temple University and a Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. When not working, you can find Lara in her garden, running and hiking, or experimenting with a new vegetarian recipe.
Corinne Hughes joined KTB in August of 2024. As the Development and Marketing Manager, she oversees marketing and communication activities and supports the strategic development plan. Corinne has roots in restoration and environmental education. She is an alumna of the Washington Conservation Corps and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. She has a robust background in marketing, community engagement, grant writing, and fundraising for nonprofits and in higher education. She holds a BA in Russian and Eurasian Studies from the Evergreen State College and a Master in Public Administration from Portland State University. When not at work, you can find her writing poetry, knitting, or spending time in the outdoors.
Ashley Shelley joined KTB in February 2024. As the Keep Texas Recycling Coordinator, she works closely with our partners to facilitate recycling programs across various communities in Texas. Ashley brings several years of nonprofit experience in administration, program management, and development. Ashley holds a BS in Agriculture and Natural Resources in Sustainable Systems from Berea College. Ashley is a native plant enthusiast, second hand shopper, and sourdough baker. When not working, Ashely is likely chauffeuring her children amongst their different after school activities, leading a Cub Scout meeting, or volunteering with local organizations
Sara Walters joined KTB in October 2018. As Program Director, she manages and supports affiliate programs, communications and training. Sara has experience working with different non-profit programs, community organizing, and is also a former AmeriCorps VISTA. She holds a BA from Texas Christian University and a Master’s of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. When not in the office, Sara enjoys spending her time practicing yoga, going on adventures with her dog and generally trying to be outside as much as possible.
Lou Serna joined KTB in November 2024. As Sr. Program Manager of Keep Texas Recycling, he works with the team that maintains and enhances community recycling programs with a focus on rural and underserved communities. Prior to KTB, Lou has spent his career in the nonprofit and education sectors with a focus on program development, partnerships, community engagement, and social change. Lou holds an Associate of Arts in Teaching from Austin Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from St. Edward’s University, and a Master of Science in Leadership & Policy Studies from DePaul University. When not working, Lou can be found spending time with his wife and kids, watching and coaching soccer, (trail)running, and creating tasty bites in the kitchen.
Katherine is the KTB Marketing and Communications Intern for Spring 2025. She is currently a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, studying Corporate Communications. Katherine is looking forward to learning more about how to keep her community beautiful, and best practices for teaching others how to do the same. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her roommates by watching movies at the theater and going to concerts. One of Katherine's favorite things to do in Austin is volunteer with Waterloo Greenway at the Moody Amphitheater.
Meet Our Board Members
Jess Washburn is Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist at UT Health Center. She resides in San Antonio.
Johnny Womack is Retired Public Works Director at City of Big Spring, and currently works as a consultant. He resides in Midland, TX.
Maggie Hernandez is the Board President of Keep San Antonio Beautiful. She lives in San Antonio.
John Kiehl is Regional Services Director at Panhandle Regional Planning Commission. He resides in Amarillo, TX.
Christopher Cox works in Public Affairs with Frontier Waste Solutions. He resides in San Antonio.
Jeri Halwell is the Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services. She resides in Fort Worth, TX.
Adrian Hernandez is the Executive Director of Keep Pearland Beautiful and lives in Pearland.
Daniel Lucio is External Affairs Manager at AEP Texas. He lives in San Benito.
Brad Seal is the Senior District Manager for WM South Texas Recycling Operations. He resides in San Antonio, TX.
Brad Shields is Principal at Texas Legislative Associates. He resides in Austin, TX.
Abraham Tueme is the Director of Sustainability for Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. He resides in Richardson, TX.
Anahi Villarruel is an Environmental Affairs Project Manager at H-E-B. She lives in San Marcos, TX.
Jennifer Jones Ward is the City Manager for the City of Brookshire. She resides in East Bernand.
Chris York is the Vice President of Business Development for Mint Innovation. Chris resides in Celina.
Christy Youker is the Assistant Director for the City of Victoria Environmental Services and the Executive Director of Keep Victoria Beautiful. She lives in Victoria.
Emeritus Directors
Emeritus Directors In Memoriam
- Ebby Halliday Acers
Dallas - Ed Davis
San Antonio - Ruthe Jackson
Grand Prairie - Steve Perry
Austin - Stan Weik
San Saba
2024 Impact
Great American Cleanup & Fall Sweep
The data in this following infographic includes Great American Cleanup (March 1-May 31) and Fall Sweep (Sept 11-Nov 19) cleanup activities reported in 2024.
Our programs address beautification, litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling and more. There are many ways to volunteer and make an impact. With the support of our community we can make a real difference for generations to come.
