Andy Lipkis founded TreePeople at age 18 in 1973. Andy’s primary roles are as a communicator, innovator, and creative problem solver. His primary focus is on communicating with diverse audiences, from top policy makers to everyday people, about the critical importance of “functioning community forests” to the sustainability of cities everywhere, and particularly in Los Angeles. He is also working on a variety of related technological innovations. In 2008, Andy was named an Ashoka Fellow, as one of the world’s most promising “social entrepreneurs.” He is married to Kate, and they have two children, Phoebe 23, and Henry 17.