The Green Burial Council Leadership Award
The Green Burial Council Leadership Award is presented to an individual, organization, or business that has demonstrated foresight, innovation, and extraordinary commitment to the environment through sustainability and attainability in the area of human death-care practices.
2025 Leadership Award
The GBC Board of Directors has named Pete McQuillin and Nancy Chubb as the recipients of the 2025 Leadership Award. In honor of Earth month, the GBC’s leadership award is presented to “ individuals or organizations that demonstrate foresight, innovation and extraordinary commitment to the environment in the area of human death care practices”.
About Pete & Nancy:
Nancy Chubb and the late Pete McQuillin’s work have transformed the landscape of sustainable death care. As founders of Penn Forest Natural Burial Park, Pennsylvania’s first and only exclusively green cemetery, they helped advance the natural burial movement and reimagine how we approach death, grief, and remembrance.
In 2008, they founded the non-profit Green Burial Pittsburgh to promote environmentally responsible burial practices and provide resources for those seeking meaningful end-of-life options. They quickly became respected leaders in the movement, mentoring funeral professionals, collaborating with industry advocates, and offering guidance to help others establish green cemeteries across the country.
Their most visible achievement came in 2011 with the opening of Penn Forest Natural Burial Park. More than a burial ground, Penn Forest is a sustainable, community-centered sanctuary. From solstice celebrations to land-sharing with farmers, artists, and educators; its wide-ranging programs reflect their belief that burial spaces can be places of connection, healing, and renewal.
"When I first found out, I was shocked. I had no idea our co-workers had nominated us," said Nancy, upon receiving the news. "Then I was thrilled. This recognition isn’t just about our work and dedication to Penn Forest. It’s also a tribute to our incredible staff and volunteers. Pete would be so proud to receive this award."
Nancy continued, "I want to sincerely thank the Green Burial Council, Joe Sehee, Jeff Hodes, and the Campbells. When Pete and I first set out to create a green cemetery in Pittsburgh, we were in uncharted territory. The support and guidance we received meant the world to us, and we strive to pay it forward everyday. Like so many meaningful things, it takes a village. And I love this natural burial village."
Pete passed away in January 2022 while walking his dogs at Penn Forest, the land he helped bring to life. A tireless community builder, he is remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, environmental vision, and ability to bring people together. His legacy is honored with this award and continues in every wildflower, every gathering, and every conversation sparked by Penn Forest.
For more information about Penn Forest Natural Burial Ground or to contact Nancy Chubb, visit www.pennforestcemetery.com.
Nancy Chubb and the late Pete McQuillin’s work have transformed the landscape of sustainable death care. As founders of Penn Forest Natural Burial Park, Pennsylvania’s first and only exclusively green cemetery, they helped advance the natural burial movement and reimagine how we approach death, grief, and remembrance.
In 2008, they founded the non-profit Green Burial Pittsburgh to promote environmentally responsible burial practices and provide resources for those seeking meaningful end-of-life options. They quickly became respected leaders in the movement, mentoring funeral professionals, collaborating with industry advocates, and offering guidance to help others establish green cemeteries across the country.
Their most visible achievement came in 2011 with the opening of Penn Forest Natural Burial Park. More than a burial ground, Penn Forest is a sustainable, community-centered sanctuary. From solstice celebrations to land-sharing with farmers, artists, and educators; its wide-ranging programs reflect their belief that burial spaces can be places of connection, healing, and renewal.
"When I first found out, I was shocked. I had no idea our co-workers had nominated us," said Nancy, upon receiving the news. "Then I was thrilled. This recognition isn’t just about our work and dedication to Penn Forest. It’s also a tribute to our incredible staff and volunteers. Pete would be so proud to receive this award."
Nancy continued, "I want to sincerely thank the Green Burial Council, Joe Sehee, Jeff Hodes, and the Campbells. When Pete and I first set out to create a green cemetery in Pittsburgh, we were in uncharted territory. The support and guidance we received meant the world to us, and we strive to pay it forward everyday. Like so many meaningful things, it takes a village. And I love this natural burial village."
Pete passed away in January 2022 while walking his dogs at Penn Forest, the land he helped bring to life. A tireless community builder, he is remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, environmental vision, and ability to bring people together. His legacy is honored with this award and continues in every wildflower, every gathering, and every conversation sparked by Penn Forest.
For more information about Penn Forest Natural Burial Ground or to contact Nancy Chubb, visit www.pennforestcemetery.com.
Past Recipients
Lee Webster is an internationally known educator, author, and advocate for funeral reform, home funerals, and green burial. She has been a leader of the National Home Funeral Alliance and Green Burial Council, co-founded the Conservation Burial Alliance and National End-of-Life Doula Alliance, and serves on NHPCO’s End-of-Life Doula Council. She is also known for her influential published works and continuous educational efforts.
Shari Wolf is a true pioneer, educator, activist, and early adopter of eco-friendly death and after-death options. She is a funeral director and owner of Natural Grace which provides a natural approach to the funeral business.
Dyanne Matzkevich of PineForest Memorial Gardens in Wake Forest, North Carolina, is recognized for her work in creating green burial space for Clark Wang, the subject of the film, A Will for the Woods.
Suzanne Kelly, is author of Greening Death: Reclaiming Burial Practices and Restoring Our Tie to the Earth, and administrator for the Town of Rhinebeck Cemetery where they opened a natural burial ground in 2014.
Mark Harris, author of Grave Matters: A Journey Through the Funeral Industry to a Natural Way of Burial which spurred the green burial movement. He is a former environmental columnist with the Los Angeles Times Syndicate and member of the Society of Environmental Journalists.
Amy Browne, Tony Hale, Brian Wilson, and Jeremy Kaplan are co-producers of A Will for the Woods, the award-winning film that documents a man searching for a final resting place who becomes the inspiration for creating green burial space.
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