Meet the KKB Staff!
We are a small but mighty staff here at Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Check out who helps keep Knoxville clean, green, and beautiful!
Lizzie Gaver | Executive Director
Lizzie Gaver
“My name is Lizzie Gaver, and I am the Executive Director! I was born and raised in Washington State before moving to Phoenix, Arizona, for my undergraduate studies. I earned my BS in Counseling, with an emphasis in Addiction, Substance Abuse, and Chemical Dependency, with a minor in Business Management. In 2016, I moved to Knoxville to join CAC AmeriCorps, where I served two terms with Keep Sevier Beautiful and Sevier Solid Waste. Before joining KKB, I worked at Great Schools Partnership/Knox Education Foundation as a Community School Coordinator. In 2023, I graduated from the UT with a Master of Science in Social Work, with a concentration in Organizational Leadership. At home, I have one dog, Junie B, and two step-cats, Dougal and Tuna. In my spare time, I am constantly starting new crafting endeavors—knitting, crocheting, painting, making earrings, building Legos, sewing…you name it, I’ve probably tried it. Outdoors, I’m a big fan of saying I’m going to go camping more each year, but somehow only making it out once or twice. I’m also always trying to find new places to put in my kayak (we’re spoiled for choice in Knoxville!). I’m a perpetually slow reader with a TBR list that never seems to shrink and stacks of books in every corner. More often than not, I’m doing one or more of these activities with friends—many of whom I met through AmeriCorps! What I love most about my work at KKB is getting to see the incredible people who care deeply about Knoxville every single day and finding ways to help beautify the community we call home. It has been inspiring to watch our impact grow during my time here alongside a passionate board and staff, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!”
If you had to explain your job to a kindergartener, what would you say?
“I’m kind of like the captain of a team whose job is to make Knoxville cleaner, greener, and prettier. I make plans, solve problems, and make sure we have what we need to help our community.”
What is your favorite spot outdoors?
“The water! Any water, I love the quarries, creeks, lakes, and the ocean. And I love how in East TN there are so many options right nearby for all of the above!”
If you had to spend the rest of your life as an animal, what would it be and why?
“Maybe a moose? Beautiful scenery, fun antlers, and overall cool creatures. Don't ask me why, this was the first thing that came to mind.”
Juneau “Junie B.” Beatrice | Office Dog
Hi, I’m Junie! Ball is life! I work hard at the office, catching balls, eating snacks, and snoozing.
Maggie Meyers | Director of Development
Maggie Meyers
“I’m Maggie! I am a Knoxville native, where I live with my husband, James, and 3 teenagers. I enjoy spending time outdoors and with my family and pets. I have a Communications degree from Carson-Newman University.”
If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“FRUIT! Peaches, Plums, Pears! I'd like to throw in a potato every once in a while as well! I like food items that start with P, apparently. LOL.”
What would your kid self think about you now?
“She would be proud! I was an 80s kid who already cared about the environment and recycling. That was rare back then.”
What is your favorite childhood memory outdoors?
“My favorite park is Big Ridge State Park, and we spent a lot of time there when I was little. Now I've camped there as an adult and taught my children how to catch crawdads in those creeks.”
Shannett Riley | Operations Manager
Shannett Riley
“My name is Shannett Riley, I am an Army Brat but originally from Live Oak, FL. I have a BS in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Graphic Design. Hobbies include crafting, fashion, and interior design. I like to call myself a Creative Visualist. I had a 7lb Chihuahua named Mr. Pretzels. I am the Operations Manager at KKB, and I help run 4 recycling centers in Knoxville. I like working for KKB because it falls right in line with being a Creative Visualist by making spaces beautiful.”
If you had to explain your job to a kindergartener, what would you say?
“I help Knoxville recycle. I work with an amazing team of people who know the ins and outs of what you can and cannot recycle in the city and county. We tell residents of Knoxville where they can go to recycle and help them make Knoxville a clean and beautiful city to live in.”
What would your kid self think about you now?
“Little Shannett knew she would work somewhere where her investment in Girl Scouts would land her. At Girl Scouts, she made new friends, promised to use resources wisely, and lived by the Girl Scout law. Hooah! (that’s added when you are on a military base).”
What is your favorite childhood memory outdoors?
“Volksmarching as a kid with my mom in Germany. Volksmarch is German for “people’s march.” Whether she needed it or not, my mom would find the best walking stick for support and potential bear scare tactics.”
Amanda Seale | Director of Programs
Amanda Seale
“I’m Amanda! I’m from Knoxville, and I’m the Director of Programs at KKB. I started working at KKB in July 2021. My favorite part of being on the KKB team is working with volunteers who want to help the community. My favorite days at work are when I get to work alongside a group of volunteers to clean up an extremely littered area. I’ll never forget working with only 12 volunteers to remove over 2,000 lbs of litter from a dumpsite behind the Kroger on Chapman. The feeling of accomplishment afterwards was just incredible!”
What are your hobbies?
“My background is in English Literature, so I love to read. Historical fiction, non-fiction, and Victorian literature are my favorites. I also enjoy taking ballet and jazz dance classes, playing trivia with my friends, and traveling. My favorite city to visit is London, and my next city to visit is Mexico City this summer!”
What is your favorite spot outdoors?
“I love Sequoyah Park and walking along the river, having a picnic, or reading a book. I love being by the water, and I find it very peaceful there.”
Do you have any weird talents?
“I have a very good memory when it comes to dates. A helpful skill when I am playing trivia and need to remember the year a specific movie came out!”