MEET OUR TEAM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alen Jakupovic
Executive director
About Alen
Alen has lived in Arizona since he was three, and has lived across the valley from Peoria to Tempe to Mesa, with Arizona State as his alma mater.
His professional experience spans account management roles from multinational corporations such as DHL and Clarivate, covering international express logistics to bespoke IP research tech solutions, and leadership roles at a Tempe-based nonprofit GreenLight Solutions to support student sustainability projects. The sustainability projects Alen worked on addressed a variety of sustainability challenges such as reducing food waste with composting coupled with green projects, and effectively detoxifying eutrophic water bodies across the globe by optimizing boat equipment setup.
Currently, Alen is enhancing his corporate sustainability reporting and data analysis expertise via in-person and online courses and certifications.
On his own time, Alen enjoys gardening, working out, and watching sci-fi/horror movies.
Alen has been passionate about sustainability for as long as he can remember, and looks forward everyday to supporting Keep Tempe Beautiful’s tri-pronged mission of environmental cleanup, recycling, and beautification.
Favorite KTB Focus Area
Beautification, because of the many sustainability benefits trees and other green projects provide to society and the environment, such as biodiversity, cooling against the urban heat island, emotional / mental well-being, carbon emissions reductions, and of course, beautification.
Spirit Animal
Snow Leopard
Favorite Quote
“Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” – Lao Tzu
Danny Wright
BOARD Chair
About Danny
A dedicated leader with over 5 years in the Arizona Army National Guard, Danny currently serves as Platoon Leader for 2nd Platoon Bravo Company 1-158 Infantry Regiment. With a Master’s in Classical Liberal Education & Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from ASU, he’s ready to inspire our community.
Danny’s no stranger to KTB-he served as Secretary of the Board earlier in 2025 before stepping up to this role.
Passionate about Tempe’s future, he believes beautification fuels pride, boosts the economy, and drives growth.
Under his leadership, we’re aiming big: 50% more trash clean-up events monthly, deeper engagement with student and youth groups, and empowering everyone to keep Tempe shining.
Favorite KTB Focus
Trash Clean-ups
Spirit Animal
Pigeon
Favorite Quote
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
Michael Bell
VICE CHAIR AND Secretary
About Michael
Michael is a product leader with 15+ years of experience driving human-centered innovation across healthcare and education. From startups to enterprise giants, he’s built agile teams, led large-scale programs, and shaped products that improve lives. His guiding mantra—Know Me, Make It Easier, Surprise Me—reflects his passion for intuitive design and meaningful impact.
A proud Tempe resident for over 12 years, Michael is also a dedicated community advocate and hands-on volunteer. He’s poured time and heart into causes like Keep Tempe Beautiful, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, Tempe Cares, the Pat Tillman Run, and many more. His personal mission? To ensure the “Volunteer” section of his LinkedIn profile outshines his professional résumé—a milestone he’s already achieved.
Now, Michael is focused on inspiring others to step off the sidelines and into service. Through servant leadership and sweat equity, he leads by example—showing up, pitching in, and lifting others along the way. Whether building better products or stronger communities, Michael is all in, and he’s bringing others with him.
Favorite KTB Focus Area
Tempe Park Cleanups
Spirit Animal
Wookie – loyal protector, silent strength, heart of a rebel, connector of worlds – doesn’t just talk about change, makes it happen!
Favorite Quote
“Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda
Joe Forte
Founder / Emeritus Member (HONORARY)
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. After a four year tenure as Executive Director which saw tremendous impact numbers including removing over 20,000 pounds of trash and litter from city parks and streets, engaging thousands of volunteers, and planting close to 200 trees, Joe transitioned to an honorary emeritus board member in late 2025, where he will be an advisor to the board of directors.
Favorite KTB Focus Area
Litter cleanup
Spirit Animal
Golden Retriever since they are friendly, loyal and affectionate.
Favorite Quote
“Find a way to serve the many, for service to many leads to greatness.” – Jim Rohn
Mike Hoffman
TREE EQUITY CHAIR
About Mike
Mike has lived in Arizona since graduating from Michigan State University in 1980. He spent 27 years in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, leading projects and teams globally. Afterward, he became a small business owner, serving more than 5,000 homes and businesses throughout Maricopa County.
Mike is deeply passionate about the environment, urban farming, and urban forestry. He actively promotes recycling, pollinator gardens, and urban tree projects to enhance sustainability efforts in Tempe. As a resident, he is dedicated to building a strong sense of community and improving the city for everyone.
Currently, Mike works part-time with the Arizona Sustainability Alliance, supporting tree planting initiatives and providing Tower Gardens to school classrooms.
Favorite KTB Focus Area
Urban Forestry
Spirit Animal
Lion
Favorite Quote
“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve” – Napoleon Hill
Breanna Shipp
COMMUNITY OUTREACH CHAIR
About Breanna
Breanna moved to Arizona in 2016 after finishing her BFA in Southern California. While going to school, her passion for sustainability and keeping California beaches clean began. After moving to Phoenix, Breanna volunteered with multiple non-profit organizations, such as Arizona Animal Welfare League and Keep Nature Wild, focusing on giving back to her community. She is now back in school and will be graduating next year with a Bachelor’s in Human Systems Engineering from ASU.
Favorite KTB Focus Area
Litter Clean Up
Spirit Animal
A Frog
Favorite Quote
“Great things never come from comfort zones.”- Roy T. Bennett
VOLUNTEER STAFF COMMITTEE
Angel Vargas
Marketing & operations manager
About Angel
Angel has lived in Arizona all his life. As a Psychology student at Arizona State University in Tempe, Angel has maintained a passion for urban sustainable solutions, especially in his community. He pushes for increased urban greenery, recycling, and trash removal in an effort to “beautify” the city of Tempe. As a volunteer, Angel is hoping to give back to his community and engage with the people of Tempe in an effort to make the city more sustainable and learn valuable lessons along the way.
Favorite KTB Focus Area
Beautification; including the expression of the physical and cultural elements that make Tempe the uniquely diverse city that it is.
Spirit Animal
The Sloth
Favorite Quote
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde
Yogesh Kumar Alambara Dinesh
Impact analysis & programs coordinator
About Yogesh
Hi! I’m Yogesh, a recent graduate from Arizona State University completed my Master’s in Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use. My academic and professional journey revolves around renewable energy, sustainability, and how technology can support smarter environmental decisions. I enjoy exploring the technical side of sustainability where engineering, data, and innovation can help build cleaner systems and more resilient communities.
I’m passionate about recycling, resource efficiency, and practical solutions that reduce environmental and climate impact. Being part of Keep Tempe Beautiful gives me the opportunity to turn that passion into real community action and contribute to making Tempe greener and more sustainable.
Outside of academics and sustainability work, I’m a big fan of action movies and a car enthusiast who enjoys learning about automotive engineering and design.
Favorite KTB Focus Area
Supporting green initiatives, community cleanup events, and sustainability projects that help reduce local carbon emissions while making Tempe a cleaner, greener place for everyone.
Spirit Animal
Beaver
Western Zodiac
Taurus
Favorite Quote
“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.”
— Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
“When the storm is coming, all other birds seek shelter. The eagle alone avoids the storm by flying above the clouds. Problems are common, but attitude makes the difference.”
— Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Manasa Subramanian
Website manager
About Manasa
Manasa Subramanian is a freshman at Arizona State University, where she studies Computer Science and Media Arts and Sciences with a focus on music. She enjoys being involved in meaningful work that connects her to the community, especially in ways that allow her to be creative and make an impact. She is particularly interested in sustainability and contributing to initiatives that create lasting value.
Alongside her academic work, Manasa is deeply passionate about Carnatic music. She sings, performs, and teaches this South Indian classical art form, which has been an important part of her life and growth. Music continues to shape her creativity and perspective in everything she does.
Outside of school and music, Manasa enjoys exploring new places and going on spontaneous “side quests” with friends. She values experiences that bring a sense of curiosity, balance, and connection to her everyday life.
Favorite KTB Focus Area
Park Clean-ups
Spirit Animal
Sparrow
Favorite Quote
“No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness” – Aristotle