Advisory Committee
Kellie Liston
Advisory Committee Member
Usually the first thing people notice when driving by a WPC community flower garden are the colorful blooms. After a couple more passes, they notice the garden signs, which thank and acknowledge our generous sponsors…the businesses and people that make the gardens possible.
But Kellie Liston’s job is all about relationships. During her inaugural WPC volunteer events, Kellie noticed the sponsor names right away…and recognized many as businesses with which she works every day. Joining WPC’s Emerging Leaders Advisory Committee in 2025 was a natural progression for the Butler County resident.
What is your career?
Middle Market Relationship Manager at KeyBank. I manage a portfolio of businesses with $20 million or more in annual revenues to provide a suite of financial services including lending, treasury and capital markets capabilities.
How did you become involved with WPC and what motivates you to stay connected?
I became involved with the WPC through a work group volunteering event. It was through this experience that I began noticing all of the WPC community gardens located throughout Western PA.
In my role as a Relationship Manager at KeyBank, I travel to businesses also located in this footprint – I noticed an overlap of support between the businesses I work with every day and WPC, often through sponsored gardens.
The opportunity to join the ELAC has given me a closer look into all of the work done by the Conservancy and I’ve enjoyed making connections and staying active in the community. There are so many ways to become involved. I enjoy being out in nature every chance I can!
What might we be surprised to know about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I am a hunter. I’m from a small town in Northwestern Pennsylvania and have gone deer hunting every year since I was 12. This plays a big role in my interest in WPC since conservation efforts ensure that hunting can be done sustainably into the future.
What parts of WPC’s work resonate with you?
- Community Gardens
- Community Forestry
- Land Conservation
- Land Stewardship
- Fallingwater
What are some conservation issues that interest or concern you?
- Climate Change
- Habitat Loss
- Watershed Restoration
- Pollinator Support
- Endangered or Threatened Species
- Invasive Species
- Forest Connectivity
- Biodiversity
- Preservation of Fallingwater
The following lists some of the ways you can volunteer at the Conservancy. We welcome volunteers to help in our community flower gardens, plant trees or maintain our preserves and trails, among other tasks. View a list of our current or upcoming volunteer opportunities and register for one today.