We’re excited to feature Brian Kinnear, Treasurer and Capital Trees Board Member. Brian has been involved with Capital Trees in one way or another for a few years. He’s gotten his hands in the dirt during a volunteer workday with his previous employer and has served on multiple committees before joining the Board. Brian has spent many years as a city-dweller, giving him a keen perspective on just how important greenspaces are for those seeking respite from the fast-paced life in the city. Read our interview below to learn more about his professional expertise, what he sees as most valuable about public greenspaces, and one of his all-time favorite greenspaces to visit. Hint: The name of one of our projects, “The Low Line,” is a nod to the space he mentions.

Q. When and how did you learn about the work Capital Trees does throughout RVA?

A. I learned about Capital Trees and its work throughout RVA from a now former Board Member (Ashley Peace) not long after I moved to Richmond in 2021.

Q. What inspired you to want to be on the Capital Trees Board?

A. I love spending time outside and after living in a big city (NYC) for several years came to appreciate the power of greenspaces even more. I feel fortunate to have started my service with Capital Trees first on the Advancement Committee, then moving onto the Finance Committee, and then moving onto the Board. This trajectory has afforded me a great chance to see how much is involved in the organization and understand how I can hopefully best help support Capital Trees’ mission & vision.

Q. What skill set, knowledge, professional experience, or unique perspective do you bring to the Board?

A. As a Commercial Banker, I spend a lot of time analyzing financial reports and budgets. I am hopeful that skill set will help in my new role with Capital Trees as Treasurer.

Q. In your own words, why do you think urban greenspaces are a vital resource?

A. I’ve lived in and near cities my entire life. While I enjoy the hustle and bustle, there’s something special about an urban greenspace. For me, it’s a place to step into the shade on a hot day, it’s a place to sit and quietly collect my thoughts, and it’s become a place to spend time with my daughter and see the world through her 3-year-old eyes.

Q. What Capital Trees contribution or project are you most proud of or excited about?

A. It’s hard to pick just one. We were able to do a volunteer shift with my employer on the Low Line a few years ago that involved some transplanting and planting. It’s very rewarding to be able to go back and see how that now looks today and equally rewarding to bring my colleagues to a part of the City they may not have experienced before.

Q. What should more people know about Capital Trees?

A. That we’re more than trees. I think that’s been such a big takeaway from me in the volunteering that I’ve been able to do with Capital Trees. Trees are certainly important, but this organization goes well beyond trees.

Q. What do you feel is Capital Trees’ biggest need?

A. Growing awareness that we’re here.

Q. What are you most looking forward to in the next year or over your Board Term?

A. Getting better acquainted with my fellow Board members and collaborating on what the next 15 years of Capital Trees’ experience will look like.

Q. How do you foresee the organization transforming in the coming years?

A. I’m hopeful that this transformation continues to pay homage to Capital Trees’ founding 15 years ago. Those pioneering individuals and their collective efforts planted strong seeds for the organization I’ve gotten to join just a few years ago.

Q. What’s your favorite plant/plot/project of Capital Trees?

A. My favorite project is fast becoming Hotchkiss Park. I’m so excited to see the plantings happen soon and for the final unveiling later in 2025.

Q. What is your favorite public landscape/greenspace?

A. It has to be the High Line. My wife and I lived in New York City for a number of years and without fail, we took all of our friends and family that visited to the High Line. Granted we tried to do this when it wasn’t overly crowded, but that became harder and harder to do given its popularity, uniqueness, and vibrancy.