Our LeaDership
Our founder
Bruce E. Decker Founding President & CEO
Bruce E. Decker, founder of Verdant Futures Appalachia (VFA), brings a unique blend of personal commitment, systems change expertise, and deep regional connection to this work.
Bruce’s credibility to lead this effort is based in both lived experience and professional expertise. His commitment to plant-forward practice spans more than three
Bruce E. Decker, founder of Verdant Futures Appalachia (VFA), brings a unique blend of personal commitment, systems change expertise, and deep regional connection to this work.
Bruce’s credibility to lead this effort is based in both lived experience and professional expertise. His commitment to plant-forward practice spans more than three decades, predating mainstream adoption and reflecting long-standing alignment with the values behind this work.
Professionally, Bruce is the Founder and Owner of Collective Impact, LLC, where he focuses on organizational improvement, community development, systems change, and capacity building. His work supports organizations and communities across Appalachia in strengthening relationships, aligning efforts, and building shared direction.
He also serves as partner and faculty member with the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), working in partnership with the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tuskegee University, and the Appalachian Regional Commission. In this role, he helps design and deliver leadership and community economic development programming for individuals committed to advancing their communities.
Bruce holds a Master of Arts from Marshall University in Organizational Communication and Leadership Studies, with a concentration in Intercultural Competence. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Marshall University, with concentrations in Marketing Education and Social Studies, and certifications in Diversified Cooperative Training and Entrepreneurship.