Meet The Great Raleigh Leadership Team

Preston Ross III

Founder & Executive Director

Preston was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, has a deep-rooted connection to Raleigh, North Carolina. He initially moved here in 2000 for university studies and, despite several moves, has always found his way back to the city. In 2020, he founded The Great Raleigh Cleanup, leveraging his background in teaching and his experiences abroad to foster community engagement and environmental stewardship. An avid sports enthusiast, Preston channels his passion for teamwork into his nonprofit work, dedicated to building a cleaner, more connected community. His devotion extends to his beloved pup, Buddy, who is a cherished part of his life.

Kaley Cross

Volunteer & Programs Manager

Kaley is a dedicated sustainability professional with a career centered on waste reduction and advancing circular economy initiatives. She holds a BS in Environmental Science from NC State University and an MS in Sustainability Studies from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Her passion for sustainability ignited in third grade upon learning about the harmful effects of styrofoam. She has led the development and implementation of waste reduction initiatives at Burt’s Bees and Live Nation, and contributed to corporate sustainability efforts at rePurpose Global and Grove Collaborative. Locally, she serves as Board Chair of B Local Triangle and Events Chair of Circular Triangle. Her favorite part of working for TGRC is teaching to next generation of stewards the importance of litter-free communities through her kid-friendly cleanups!

Meet the Board

Rick Boccard

Board Chair

Rick is excited to support efforts that keep Raleigh’s neighborhoods clean and vibrant. He believes in the power of community and is always looking for ways to contribute, whether through strategic planning, outreach, or simply lending a helping hand. He’s incredibly proud to be a part of TGRC and excited to help it recognize its full potential.

Christina Raquel Jones

Christina Racquel Jones, grew up in Orlando, Florida, as the daughter of 1st and 2nd Generation Americans, with family hailing from Puerto Rico. Growing up, Christina pursued interests in the fine arts and studied theatre during high school and college- where she went on to graduate from Southern Methodist University in 2007 with a B.F.A.

Matt Allen

Matt is a Raleigh native, Environmental Geologist, Co-Owner of Pelagic Beer & Wine and Riparian Provision Company. He is passionate about the environment and TGRC’s mission to keep Raleigh clean and beautiful. He is excited to utilize his background in science and small business ownership to support and expand TGRC’s mission and longevity.

Stephanie MacDurmon

Stephanie MacDurmon is a water resources engineer passionate about cleaning up our waterways and communities. With 9 years of professional experience in the environmental industry and 3 years of volunteer experience with The Great Raleigh Clean up, she understands the negative impacts of trash on our quality of life, our natural resources, and the sustainable future of our community. She is a licensed engineer and certified floodplain manager with Tetra Tech and holds a Bachelor of Biosystems Engineering from Auburn University and a Masters of City and Regional Planning from Georgia Institute of Technology. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, rowing on several lakes in the Raleigh area, and picking up trash with the TGRC community.

Molly Lyons

As a long time friend and fan of TGRC Director Preston Ross III and an attendee of one of the organizations initial cleanups, Molly has been a passionate supporter and cheerleader of this movement and the growing impact on the community here in Raleigh since the beginning. Molly is very involved in downtown Raleigh’s nonprofit community and is invested in taking care of this beautiful city she calls home.

Amy Wagher

Amy started volunteering at weekend cleanups with TGRC in early 2021 and joined the Board shortly thereafter. Her favorite aspect of TGRC is not just the environmental impact this organization has across the city, but the community that has been built because of this organization. She is passionate about Raleigh, and hopes to see the city become greener and more vibrant as it continues to grow.

Saurabh Nomula

Saurabh is a passionate water resource engineer who advocates for sustainability, recycling, and environmental education. With a deep commitment to reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices in the workplace and personal life, Saurabh works to inspire individuals and communities to make more sustainable choices. Believing that education is the key to lasting change, Saurabh is dedicated to empowering others with the knowledge and tools to create a cleaner and greener future.

Dawn Keyser

Dawn is the Program Director for another local nonprofit, Keep Durham Beautiful. She is passionate about all things sustainability, from recycling and waste reduction to native plants and multimodal transportation. She is also an active member of her neighborhood in North Raleigh, and a kitten foster for the Wake County Animal Center. Dawn is an NC native, graduate of NC State University, and lover of all things outdoors. She enjoys spending time with friends and her 3 pets.

Our Volunteer Leads

Melissa Hession

Stroll Club Co-Lead

“The Great Raleigh Clean up has events for everyone. They range in scope and size; but every one is an opportunity to make an impact on this planet. Treat the earth the way you would your home. Keep it clean people!”

Cassandra Bolduc

Stroll Club Co-Lead

“I love TGRC’s mission and vision. Stroll Club is an easy way to introduce yourself into the TGRC fold. I love the weekly Stroll Club meet ups to walk, pick up litter, and meet awesome community members.”

North Raleigh Pick of the Litter Cleanups

“Why I pick litter? I don’t enjoy the process at all but I am passionate about helping the planet, people and pets and I am so pleased with the results even if just temporary. Once you’ve picked litter, you would never litter and in fact, you can’t unsee the litter that’s there. You’re a convert.”