This year, Lesley Golub celebrates 20 years as ALCC Western Chapter Executive. Golub had worked as an English teacher in the Middle East and for the U.S. Department of Education before accepting the Western Chapter position.

She settled in Colorado after returning to the United States and received master gardener certification in 1997 from Mesa County CSU Extension.

In this second career, Golub says, “Skills I learned as a teacher, including organization, leadership, administration, flexibility and resilience, transitioned well to the executive position.”

Golub says she is “very hands-on and engaged” with Western Chapter members. She was out with a shovel as she joined members who volunteered their time to “transform a patch of dirt and rock” into the Grand Junction certification test site that was active for several years. “Members also patiently taught me skills such as installing pavers, laying sod and programming irrigation controllers,” she says.

“As I reflect, I see why I enjoy working with ALCC members. There is lots of comradery among them. These people are not cutthroat and it’s not all about money. They love being outside with nature and care about the work they do.”

Golub admits her teaching background pushes her to continue learning and has been educating herself in the green industry for 20 years. But she hasn’t given up teaching. During the off-season, she might be in Asia teaching methodology to Chinese educators or south of the border honing the writing skills of Mexican teachers.