Our Team

Eli Nielsen
HMFIC + Professional Goat Wrangler

Eli was born and raised in Tucson, which—like many Tucson natives—meant he spent his childhood plotting his dramatic escape from this desert hell hole. At 18, he made good on that plan by joining the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of sergeant and serving five years as an Intelligence Analyst (yes, he actually got paid to overthink things). After his service, he earned a degree in Urban Planning from ASU and, in 2009, made his triumphant and slightly humbled return to Tucson—older, wiser, and now seeing the city for what it truly is: a lush Sonoran Desert oasis hiding in plain sight. That same year, he founded EcoSense with the modest ambition of building the most badass sustainable landscape company in the galaxy. Eli is the proud dad of two amazing kids, who are currently counting down the days until they themselves can escape this desert hell hole. Some traditions are just too powerful to break. eli@ecosenseaz.com, 520.575.7005 x3

Cynthia Smith
Operations Manager

Cynthia Smith is originally from Louisiana, she has lived in Tucson since 2005. Cynthia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Retailing and Consumer Sciences, from the University of Arizona. She loves plants and animals, and most humans. Cynthia finds beauty in the places most people never thought to look. cynthia@ecosenseaz.com, 520.575.7005 x6

Sally Hunter
Office Manager

Sally was born and raised in Tucson, with a brief period of exploration in Oregon in her early 20’s. Despite Sally’s steadfast determination to become an astronaut, that goal seemed to wane shortly after attending space camp where she was dorkiest kid there. Sally previously spent over 20 years working in retail management. In their free time, Sally and her husband enjoy travelling to radio telescopes and other exotic locations while contemplating their place in the cosmos. They have 3 adorable cats: Howard, Blanche and Asimov, and Sally makes it a point to introduce herself to every dog she crosses paths with. Sally would also like it to be noted that she is slightly taller than her much (13 months) older sister. officemanager@ecosenseaz.com, 520.575.7005 x1

Jack Nielsen
Project Manager

jack@ecosenseaz.com, 520.575.7005 ×5

Casey Johnson
Project Manager

casey@ecosenseaz.com, 520.575.7005 ×7

Dave Scharf
Designer

David Scharf was born in Tucson and received a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art from Alfred University in Western NY. There he studied ceramics and still works with clay. The critical thinking skills he learned in school continue to inform his personal practice in design and art. He loves the Sonoran Desert and is inspired to help protect it through Rainwater Harvesting Design. Dave's the child of two landscape architects, and his love and respect for plants runs deep. Dave likes getting his hands dirty. Dave grows Chiltepin chiles, bakes bread, and makes cider. design@ecosenseaz.com, 520.575.7005 x4

Samuel Nunez
Designer

samuel@ecosenseaz.com, 520.575.7005 ×8