Who We Are
Sustainable San Marcos' (SSM) mission is to cultivate sustainable practices and empower local community action through partnerships, education, and advocacy.
Organizational History
SSM was founded in March 2008 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to promote resource conservation in San Marcos, TX. Because of the broad scope of its mission, SSM was established as a volunteer board of directors overseeing the focus areas of food, transportation, energy, water, and materials. Today, Action Committees energize the organization with active membership and advocacy within areas deemed most pressing as related to sustainability in San Marcos and the Central Texas region.
Accomplishments
Throughout the years, SSM has supported its mission through newsletters, booths, public presentations, community meetings, and ongoing advocacy efforts at local and regional levels. Since being established, we have created 3 school gardens and 2 neighborhood gardens; led a successful campaign to establish single-stream recycling; hosted in-home weatherization workshops; organized bike rides and tours of local rainwater collection systems; hosted a music festival celebrating the San Marcos River; and continue to dedicate countless volunteer hours to making the world around us a better place.
2021 Board + Action Committee Chairs
Alex Vogt, President
Sarah Simpson, Vice President + MoveSM Chair
Sarah Simpson, Vice President + MoveSM Chair
Alex is from Coupland, TX but has been swimming in the San Marcos
since he learned how. A resident for over 10 years, he is now an avid
cyclist and kayaker. He wants to use his education in Urban planning
and his penchant for local activism to make San Marcos a better place
for everyone.
Sarah Simpson, Vice President + MoveSM Chair
Sarah Simpson, Vice President + MoveSM Chair
Sarah Simpson, Vice President + MoveSM Chair
The daughter of a wildlife biologist and hardware store manager, Sarah grew up in San Marcos surrounded by consideration for both conservation and improvement of the built world. Today she puts these influences into her practice as an architect, urban designer, and advocate for sustainable and equitable urbanism. Sarah's master thesis stu
The daughter of a wildlife biologist and hardware store manager, Sarah grew up in San Marcos surrounded by consideration for both conservation and improvement of the built world. Today she puts these influences into her practice as an architect, urban designer, and advocate for sustainable and equitable urbanism. Sarah's master thesis studied resilient social and ecological outcomes along a potential rail network between Austin and San Antonio, something she hopes will one day become reality for the Central Texas region.
Gabrielle Moore, Secretary
Sarah Simpson, Vice President + MoveSM Chair
Gabrielle Moore, Secretary
A REALTOR® who promotes sustainable and affordable housing and equitable, active transportation, Gabrielle was raised in a family that believes in giving back to the community. She serves as a commissioner on Planning and Zoning for the City of San Marcos and advocates for voting rights, the environment, and animal welfare issues.
Amy Kirwin, Treasurer
Abby Gillfillan, Board Member
Gabrielle Moore, Secretary
Amy has lived in San Marcos for almost 30 years, dedicating her time to improving the neighborhoods and environment through volunteering. Currently, she works for the City of San Marcos as the Community Enhancement Initiatives Manager, managing the Resource Recovery division which includes Community Enhancement and Keep San Marcos Beauti
Amy has lived in San Marcos for almost 30 years, dedicating her time to improving the neighborhoods and environment through volunteering. Currently, she works for the City of San Marcos as the Community Enhancement Initiatives Manager, managing the Resource Recovery division which includes Community Enhancement and Keep San Marcos Beautiful. Through this Amy is able to reach more people and bring award-winning programs that encourage sustainability.
Abby Gillfillan, Board Member
Abby Gillfillan, Board Member
Abby Gillfillan, Board Member
Bio coming soon!
Betsy Robertson, SMNG Chair
Abby Gillfillan, Board Member
Abby Gillfillan, Board Member
Betsy has been reducing her global impact since moving to San Marcos in 1976. Married to Todd Derkacz and the mother of Emily and Kyle, she owned a local building design company, Shelter Design, for 25 years and has served on City Council, P & Z Commission, and numerous local boards. Betsy is a founding member of Sustainable San Marcos a
Betsy has been reducing her global impact since moving to San Marcos in 1976. Married to Todd Derkacz and the mother of Emily and Kyle, she owned a local building design company, Shelter Design, for 25 years and has served on City Council, P & Z Commission, and numerous local boards. Betsy is a founding member of Sustainable San Marcos and today serves as the San Marcos Neighborhood Gardens Chair.