About Overhill Cherokee Wildlife Foundation

Greg Keisler (Co-Founder and President) is a self employed East Tennessee native in the construction and energy sector. When he is sitting still, you can find him enjoying time with family, friends, viewing wildlife and celebrating this thing called life. He has made a practice of using space in his yard where he lives, to lands he has owned, in providing wildlife food sources and cover, as well as managing timber for extended growth. He participated in the NSCR wildlife habitat improvement program (WHIP) in establishing native grasses for quail habitat. He also utilizes old abandoned coal strip pits on land he currently owns for the elk restoration project in Campbell County. It has been his focus to aid wildlife populations so that they can flourish. 

Greg believes that the diversity of the ecosystems in our area allow for an incredible potential in aiding public State Wildlife Areas, as well as private land tracts where conservation is the priority.

It is his commitment to use his time and resources to contribute to a world that promotes a better overseeing of the earth in general.  It is Greg's belief that the Lord gave the earth to humans in Genesis 1:28, and in doing so He expects us to be responsible stewards over the glory of His creation. Greg believes that mankind needs to take this gift solemnly like the Cherokees of our area did in years past.

Dr. Gretchen Laws (Co-Founder and Secretary) is a veterinarian and East Tennessee transplant from her home state of North Carolina where she attended college at UNC and veterinary school at NC State. She brings over 15 years of experience in animal health, welfare, and public health to the board.  Her work as a veterinarian frequently intersects with environmental stewardship, addressing the interconnectedness of livestock, wildlife, and habitat health.  Dr. Laws has served on the board of animal rescue nonprofits in the past and has a passion for the humane care and treatment of all animals.

  She is an avid birder, enjoys creating a sanctuary for native species and promoting biodiversity on her farm, and dedicates a vast amount of her time improving the ecology of the region of The Little Tennessee River tributary. 

Liam Collins, PhD, (Treasurer) is a passionate environmental advocate and accomplished scientist. Growing up on a family farm in the rugged landscapes of Ireland, he developed a deep connection to nature and a commitment to sustainable practices that have shaped both his personal and professional journey.

Dr. Collins brings a strong scientific background with degrees in Biological Sciences, Applied Physics, and Physics. His career includes groundbreaking work in nanotechnology and material science, recognized through numerous awards and over 100 academic publications. At the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, his innovations advanced atomic force microscopy and quantitative scanning probe techniques.

Now channeling his expertise into wildlife conservation, Dr. Collins leverages his analytical skills and strategic vision to promote sustainable solutions and ensure the Conservancy's mission of protecting natural habitats. His unique blend of scientific rigor and environmental stewardship positions him as a vital leader in the effort to preserve biodiversity.

Amber Martin is an East Tennessee native, a dedicated farmer, and lifelong animal lover with a passion for wildlife conservation. Living on a small farm which she shares with cows, donkeys, horses, goats, chickens, and her token pigs...Laverne and Shirley, Amber fosters an environment that promotes harmony between agriculture and nature. 

With a profound respect for all creatures, Amber integrates wildlife-friendly measures into her farm operations, such as creating pollinator habitats, protecting natural waterways, and providing safe spaces for native species to thrive. She brings a unique perspective shaped by her hands-on experience with animals and the land. Amber's love for animals and dedication to preserving the natural world guide her efforts to support the organization's mission of protecting wildlife and fostering coexistence between humans and nature.

Sue Sewing has called the Knoxville area home for over 40 years and brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role on the board of OCWF. Born and raised in Missouri, Sue holds a BS in Recreation from Murray State University and spent 30 years at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), where she built a distinguished career in natural resource management.

As a land use specialist in TVA’s Office of Natural Resources, Sue worked across diverse program areas—including flood control, navigation, power production, cultural resources, wildlife management, and environmental management—to ensure land use decisions balanced citizen needs, environmental considerations, and TVA’s objectives. Later in her career, she developed corporate environmental protection policies and implemented strategies for cost efficiency in land management programs.

Sue and her spouse live on five acres in Knox County, where they share their garden and berry patches with the local wildlife, including deer, raccoons, skunks, and birds. They delight in watching bats manage the bug population in the evenings, embracing their responsibility to coexist with nature. Sue’s deep commitment to environmental stewardship and coexistence with wildlife inspires her ongoing contributions to the preservation of natural resources.

OCWF welcomes one-year rotating board members from the University of Tennessee's Wildlife and Fisheries Science Graduate Program. This collaboration offers OCWF valuable insights from emerging experts in wildlife conservation and fisheries science. These graduate students bring fresh perspectives, the latest research knowledge, and a deep commitment to advancing the organization's mission of protecting and preserving local wildlife and natural habitats.

As part of their role, the rotating board members contribute to strategic planning, community outreach, and the development of conservation initiatives. Their academic background and hands-on research experience provide OCWF with innovative approaches to address pressing environmental challenges.

This partnership not only supports the professional growth of future conservation leaders but also strengthens OCWF's efforts to foster collaboration between academic institutions and local conservation organizations, ensuring a brighter future for wildlife and ecosystems in the region.