Gavin Deming, Executive Director
In 2017 Gavin established Allegheny GoatScape as a 501c3 non-profit organization to be able to use goats to work with partners, land managers and municipalities to mitigate invasive and unwanted plants throughout Allegheny County in a more ecologically friendly way. Gavin’s desire to properly manage knotweed and other invasives was planted when a friend suggested using a small nomadic herd to eat overgrown vacant lots throughout their neighborhood in Pittsburgh's North Side many years ago. Participating in agriculture policy meetings to make Pittsburgh more “goat-friendly”, followed by working on a project with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to bring goats to a public space with immediate positive effects on the landscape, he knew he had to get more involved, and a few years later, Allegheny GoatScape became a reality.

Erin Gaughan, Herd Health Manager
Erin first became involved with Allegheny GoatScape as a volunteer in 2020. She quickly realized how much she loved the organization as it lies at the intersection of her two interests: environmental stewardship and animal care. She was initially hired as our first community engagement coordinator in 2022, formalizing our volunteer program and building it into an essential component of Allegheny GoatScape's operations. In early 2025, she transitioned to her new role as Herd Health Coordinator, where she oversees the well-being and care of our beloved animals in collaboration with the rest of the Allegheny GoatScape staff and volunteers. We are delighted to have her in this new role.

Merle Rogers, Community Engagement Coordinator

Merle is an Etna gardener with a background in arts education, disability and gender justice, and sustainability. When they're not being bossed around by their cat, you can find them in the backyard experimenting with natural dyes, or in the sewing studio mending or making clothes. They're excited to learn more about goats, donkeys, and Pittsburgh's native wildlife. Merle will be coordinating volunteers and scheduling outreach opportunities for Pittsburgh communities to meet and learn from the goats.