MEET OUR BOARD
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joe Forte
Executive director / FOUNDER
About Joe
Joe moved out to Tempe in 2006 to start his undergraduate degree at Arizona State University after a four year enlistment in the US Navy. After graduation in 2010, he decided to enter business focused on film and video production with a close friend from college. In 2020, Joe started a daily habit of picking up litter from his neighborhood Tempe park while walking his dog. Always wanting to start a non-profit but not knowing what the focus area should be, a light bulb went off when he realized there was no local Tempe chapter of Keep America Beautiful, the #1 community improvement organization in the US. After finding a committed group of local residents to start the non-profit with and buy-in from local Tempe government leadership, Joe officially launched Keep Tempe Beautiful in early 2021.
Favorite KTB Focus Area
Litter cleanup
Spirit Animal
Dogs since they are friendly, loyal and affectionate.
Favorite Quote
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
Paul Quinn
President / Co-FOUNDER
About Paul
This year Paul marks his 40th year residing in Tempe. He is an alumni of Tempe Leadership Class XXXIV and is currently a board member. Paul comes with 2+ decades of Professional Staffing Solutions experience with an emphasis on Information Technology, Engineering and Finance. He has placed over 10,000 professionals in his career.
Favorite KTB Focus
Beautification of the city and parks
Spirit Animal
Lion
Favorite Quote
What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.
– Albert Pine
Danny McManus
VICE PRESIDENT
About Danny
Danny left his hometown of Long Island, New York in 2006 to attend Arizona State and study film and broadcast journalism. He has been a Tempe resident ever since, starting a video production business and joining forces with Executive Director Joe Forte a few years later. Danny is a story teller and loves spending his free time playing music, being creative, and hanging with his giant golden doodle named Scooter.
Favorite KTB Focus Area
Sustainability Education
Spirit Animal
Dolphin
Favorite Quote
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
Kierstan Thomann
secretary
About Kierstan
Kierstan is a dedicated sustainability manager driven by a profound commitment to environmental stewardship. She believes in the power of every action, no matter how small, to contribute to the well-being of our planet. Beyond her sustainability work, she finds joy in cooking at home and, recently dabbling in the art of making sourdough bread. She is a lifelong Arizonan, passionate about finding small towns and trails across the state. She is a strong supporter of the Keep Tempe Beautiful mission and contributes as secretary by providing organization, strategic planning and impact reporting.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
David Key
development & fundraising chair
About David
David Key is a nonprofit professional committed to fostering sustainable growth in the community. With a passion for development and a background in events & entertainment, he excels at connecting people and resources to drive positive change. David is a Sun Devil alumni and Tempe resident that that loves traveling, concerts and culture.
Dawn Ratcliffe
SUSTAINABILITY & OUTREACh Chair
About Mandy
Dawn is the Sustainability & Outreach Committee Chair of Keep Tempe Beautiful.