Guiding Hands
Ralph, Our Founder
Ralph is the coordinator of the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance (OREPA), a grassroots organization dedicated to halting nuclear weapons production at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Under Hutchison's leadership, OREPA has actively opposed the modernization of nuclear weapons facilities, notably challenging the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) at Y-12. In 2019, a federal judge vacated key decisions related to the UPF, citing inadequate consideration of seismic hazards—a significant victory for OREPA.
Hutchison is also a vocal advocate for global nuclear disarmament. In 2022, he criticized the U.S. government's absence from the First Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, questioning the nation's commitment to nuclear disarmament.
Through persistent activism, public education, and legal action, Ralph Hutchison continues to lead efforts toward a world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.
Lee Ann, Board President
Lee Ann Swarm is happily retired which gives her time to be the president of the OREPA board. Thankfully, the board operates using consensus which works since Lee Ann is a Quaker and would not be comfortable with voting. She also appreciates community involvement so what could you do to be involved with OREPA?
Jay, Board Treasurer
Jay McMahan teaches composition and literature in East Tennessee, engaging the community through meaningful interfaith work. He currently serves as the secretary for Justice Knox (2024) and is a member of the mental health steering committee, where he has helped secure commitments from Knox County and Knoxville to train officers in crisis intervention. Previously, Jay served as the Deacon for Justice at Church of the Savior, UCC, for four years, and recently completed his term as OREPA’s secretary in July 2024. Drawn to OREPA’s vision of transforming the world through nonviolent action, Jay finds inspiration in the community’s unique blend of art and protest.
Toby, Board Secretary
Toby Rogers did his fieldwork in 1990 for his PhD in Nicaragua, interviewing teachers about the effect of war on them and their profession. Three years ago he traveled to Poland to work with Ukrainian refugees and worked with the World Food Kitchen in Krakow. He was accepted as a volunteer teacher in Ramallah, Palestine last year but this opportunity was cancelled due to the fighting. He hopes to return to Palestine and work in a productive capacity as soon as travel is a bit safer. He taught 26 years as an elementary teacher in Cumberland County, 13 years at Lincoln Memorial University and in retirement has taught for the past five years at Walters State College in Sevierville. He has had some association with OREPA for about 40 years. He is married and has two children and three grandchildren.
Rachel, Board Vice President
Rachel Stewart is a Middle Tennessee native who graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2023. She studied environmental justice and radioactive waste management and currently works as a project manager for the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management. She is passionate about equitable nuclear waste cleanup that involves local communities. When not protesting nuclear weapons she can be found hiking the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee or playing roller derby.
Laurel
Of the many OREPA events Laurel Goodrich attended with her husband Jim Harb over the years, the August peace lantern ceremonies has especially spoken to her. She loves the lanterns’ slow progression downriver, amid haunting recorder tones and hushed observers, all bathed in twilight. Having retired from her clinical psychology practice a few years ago, she considers it an honor to share in OREPA’s efforts toward a more peaceful world, free of the threat of nuclear weapons.
Meredith
Tanvi, Coordinator
Tanvi is a California native who attended San Diego State University to study International Security and the University of San Diego School of Law to get her JD. She moved to Knoxville to serve as the Coordinator for OREPA after becoming disillusioned with working at private law firms. She has always wanted to advocate for communities, public health and the environment, which she gets to do at OREPA! In her free time she likes to be in the outdoors and travel.
Jamila, Community Organizer
Jamila is a dedicated advocate and community member based in Tennessee. She shares her life with her loving husband and their furry companion. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Jamila is passionate about mental health and human behavior.
As a board member of the YAC Youth Advisory Council, she actively supports foster children, providing guidance and resources. She is particularly committed to advocating for marginalized communities, often disproportionately impacted by environmental issues.
In her free time, you can find Jamila exploring the outdoors with her dog or practicing yoga with her community. She finds solace and inspiration in nature and mindfulness.