dc greenworks staff
Peter Ensign, LEED AP BD+C, GRP – Executive Director
In the two years since Peter Ensign became executive director, DC Greenworks has emerged as the preeminent green roof installer and advocate for green infrastructure practices in the Washington, DC, metro region. Since he assumed leadership of DC Greenworks, green roof installations have surpassed 100,000 square feet, and the organization’s revenue has grown by 78 percent.
During this period, Ensign has overseen the installation of 53,566 square feet of green roofs, 1600 rain-barrel installations, the construction of several rain and native habitat gardens, and the largest rooftop farm in the District of Columbia. These activities have raised ecological awareness among more than 2000 residents, students and property owners, and trained 280 individuals in Green Infrastructure and its benefits – all while reducing stormwater runoff by 1.5 million gallons per year.
Ensign has served as a speaker and panelist on stormwater and green job training issues at conferences held by the US Environmental Protection Agency, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, Bethesda Green, and Smithsonian Institution.
With more than 20 years of experience in architecture and construction project management, Ensign has developed and implemented design procedures, sales and marketing operations, and production systems for several design/build firms in the DC metro area.
During his career, Ensign participated in the restoration of waterways at Ridley Creek Park, PA; managed subdivision construction on the Central Oregon Coast; and currently joins neighbors in the annual cleanup of Sligo Creek in Silver Spring, Maryland. Peter holds a multi-disciplinary BA in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.
Andrew Benenati, GRP – Program Director
Andrew has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park where he studied Landscape Architecture, focusing on urban design and development. Andrew is an accredited Green Roof Professional (GRP) specializing in green roof design and coordination. Prior to joining DC Greenworks, Andrew worked as landscape designer for a residential design-build company. Andrew’s journey with DC Greenworks began in 2010 as a part-time consultant, managing a project through the Mayor’s Green Summer Job Corps. Coming on full-time as a Project Manager in 2011, Andrew designs, coordinates, and oversees installations of all DC Greenworks’ green roof and low impact development projects. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys traveling abroad, vacationing on the beach and spending time with his family and friends. He plays in organized kickball and soccer leagues year round, and is a diehard Maryland Terrapin and Dallas Cowboys fan, who enjoys the thrill of attending as many of his teams sporting events as possible.
Erik Vollmerhausen, GRP – Project Manager/ Rain Barrel Manager
Erik has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Maryland, College Park. Erik has worked in the landscaping and construction industry for 10 years, and has an extensive background in farming and agriculture. Erik joined DC Greenworks in March 2011to help install and manage DC Greenworks’ largest green roof project at American University. Since then, he has assisted with the installation of several green roofs and rain gardens, installed over 75 rain barrels in DC, and been an integral part of the DC Greenworks green roof maintenance program. Erik is now a Project Manager at DC Greenworks, managing several school and multi-family greening projects through grants from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the District Department of the Environment implementing low impact development strategies that reduce stormwater runoff. In 2012, Erik will begin a master’s program through North Carolina State University in biological and agricultural engineering. In his spare time, Erik enjoys playing sports and spending his time outdoors.
Kayleigh Gunnoud – Office Administrator
Kayleigh joined the DC Greenworks team in 2012, bringing with her, her Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management from American University. She is an experienced office administrator in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector. A true lover of nature and all things green, Kayleigh utilizes her administrative experience to help DC Greenworks achieve its mission with efficiency!
