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IEC STAFF

Our Team

executive director

Jennifer Walling

Jen started as executive director of IEC in January of 2011. In addition to managing the organization, Jen lobbies on behalf of IEC’s member organizations on a wide range of issues.
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Programs
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ASSISTANT

Blake Andonov

Blake assists our government affairs team in executing IEC’s state advocacy strategies. 

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Chief of Staff

Chelsea Biggs

Chelsea ensures that IEC on track to meet our ambitious goals.

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Policy Manager - Climate Programs

Stephanie Blumenthal

Stephanie manages climate & transportation policy, education, & strategy.

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Land Use Programs Director

Eliot Clay

Eliot directs IEC’s sustainable land use policy priorities.

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LEGAL & POLICY RESEARCHER

Ariel Hampton

Ariel provides legal and policy guidance to IECEF.

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ENERGY POLICY DIRECTOR​

Samira Hanessian

Samira directs IEC’s state energy policy development & implementation.

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CONSERVATION DIRECTOR

Lindsay Keeney

Lindsay is focused on protecting open space and clean water resources in Illinois. 

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Zero Waste Policy Manager

Liz Kunkle

Liz manages advocacy, coalition building & organizing related to zero waste issues at IEC.

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Climate Policy Program Associate

Francisco Lopez Zavala

Francisco runs climate policy education & workforce development initiatives at IEC.

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Climate Policy Director

Dany Robles

Dany directs IEC’s climate and transportation policy development & implementation.

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City Programs DIRECTOR

Iyana Simba

Iyana directs coalition building, advocacy, & policy priorities in our city program.

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Chicagoland conservation Manager

Sergio Vargas

Sergio manages IEC’s Chicagoland conservation partnerships & programs.

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Rural Affairs Director

Chad Wallace

Chad directs IEC’s rural affairs program across central & southern Illinois.

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Municipal Engagement Manager

Angela Xu

Angela manages IEC’s efforts to help implement the Inflation Reduction Act.

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Development & Communications
Communications Director

Tucker Barry

Tucker directs IEC’s communications strategy across traditional & digital platforms.

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Social Media Manager

Sam Bower

Sam is the voice and strategy behind IEC’s social media platforms. Follow IEC today!

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Development Associate

Danny Collins

Danny ensures that IEC’s wide variety of donors is recognized and engaged.

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Development director

Jaime Gutshall

Jaime directs all grants, development, and donor activities at IEC.

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Climate Communications Manager

Hannah Flath

Hannah manages IEC’s climate communications planning & execution.

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Grants Manager

Meredith Lukow

Meredith manages, strategizes, and tracks IEC’s robust grants portfolio.

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Communications Associate

Max Touchette

Max assists with event coordination, copywriting, & IEC’s Community Council.

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Operations
Office Administrator

Aly Mejia

Aly administers the day-to-day operations of our Springfield office.

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HR & Operations Manager

Lauren Sprowl

Lauren manages our human resources work, supporting the well-being of our staff.

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Ensuring a healthful environment for all Illinoisans.

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The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund stewards charitable contributions and assets responsibly.

520 E Capitol, Springfield, IL 62701 | Phone: 217-544-5954 | Email: iec@ilenviro.org

© 2024 Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund

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Jen Walling

Jennifer Walling

Jen started as executive director of IEC in January of 2011. In addition to managing the organization, Jen lobbies on behalf of IEC’s member organizations on a wide range of issues. 
 
Prior to her time as executive director, Jen worked as chief of staff to State Senator Heather Steans. She has also worked for the Environmental Law and Policy Center and SCARCE, an environmental education non-profit, and interned for then Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn. Jen obtained her law degree and master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Law School in 2006, after gaining her undergraduate degree in NRES at the University of Illinois
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Blake Andonov

Blake Andonov joined the Illinois Environmental Council in the Spring of 2023 as the Government Affairs Assistant.

Prior to joining IEC, Blake worked in the Clerk’s Office for the Illinois House of Representatives as the Information Resource Clerk, gaining key experience interfacing with legislators directly on the House Floor and in committees. Blake valued the up-close look at how decisions are made at the Capitol but wanted to be a part of making those decisions. That is why he joined IEC, so he could work directly with legislators to influence environmental legislation.

In his free time, Blake and his partner spend most of their time planting native flowers and trees in their almost three-acre yard. They also enjoy rock climbing and camping with their dog, Whiskey.

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Eliot Clay

Eliot Clay

Prior to IEC, Eliot worked for 4 year on the Illinois State Senate Republican Staff providing support for the Environment & Conservation Committee and the Agriculture Committee as a Legislative Analyst.

He obtained his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois-Springfield and his Bachelor Degree in Political Science from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
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Ariel Hampton

Ariel (ah·ree·ELLE) serves as the Legal & Policy Researcher for the Illinois Environmental Council as of October 2020. She believes in bridging the gaps between the science community and policymakers, and offering practical solutions that protect the public.

Before joining IEC, Ariel worked as Assistant Legal Counsel for the Illinois State Senate in the Office of the Senate President.

Ariel holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geology from Colgate University as well as being a licensed attorney in Illinois. Outside of policy and research, you can find Ariel reading paranormal novels in between mugs of tea and cooking southern-style dishes.

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Samira Hanessian

Samira joined the Illinois Environmental Council as the Energy Policy Director in the Spring of 2022, where she collaborates with IEC members and partners to implement the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Samira understands that diverse experiences from equitable collaboration will drive the best path towards a clean energy future.

Prior to joining IEC, Samira served as Research & Policy Manager for the Chicago City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy where she created and promoted the passage of environmental policies. Prior to her work on the Committee, Samira led key initiatives for the City of Chicago’s Mayor’s Office Sustainability Team. She was also a consultant with MIST Environment and an Assistant Program Manager for the 2019 CommonGround Chicago Conference.

Samira attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Double Minors in Environmental Science, Policy & Management, and Sustainability Studies. In 2021, Samira earned a Certification of Completion as a Fellow with the Clean Energy Leadership Institute and trained with the Climate Reality Project in 2019. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring different neighborhoods, hiking, musical theater, and tolerating her boisterous cat.

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Lindsay Keeney

Lindsay Keeney

Lindsay studied biology in undergrad at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL and in graduate school at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Lindsay’s areas of interest include aquatic ecology, pollinators and invertebrate diversity, sustainable agriculture, and Illinois open space and water conservation. This diverse interest list was inspired by the various environmental positions she has held throughout her career including positions with; Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Jim Edgar State Fish and Wildlife Area, The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Natural History Survey’s Illinois River Biological Station and the Illinois Stewardship Alliance.
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Liz Kunkle

Liz joined the Illinois Environmental Council as its Zero Waste Policy Manager in May 2023. In this new role at IEC, she oversees advocacy, coalition building, relationships, and organizing related to zero waste issues throughout the state. She supports legislation that reduces the use of natural resources and wasted material, promotes innovative thinking and action on source reduction, recycling, and composting, and develops position and strategy analyses on how other states’ and cities’ policies could be implemented in Illinois and the city of Chicago.

Prior to joining IEC, Liz worked increasingly on sustainability and zero waste initiatives personally and professionally. While practicing trademark law for 20 + years, she established Green Teams at local schools, founded Go Green Winnetka, a non-profit citizens’ environmental group, and was appointed to her community’s Environmental and Forestry Commission. Since stepping away from the practice of law in 2019, Liz has worked for Collective Resource Compost, a woman-owned food scrap hauling company, and has become an active member of the Illinois Food Scrap & Composting Coalition and the U.S. Composting Council.

When she’s not working, Liz enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. She loves being outside, especially but not only in the summer, whether it’s walking, biking, boating, hiking, reading, or other. Her roots are in Illinois, and she is very excited to be part of IEC.

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Dany Robles

Dany joined the Illinois Environmental Council in the winter of 2023 as the Climate Policy Director, previously working at IEC as the Chicago Energy Policy Coordinator. In his new role, he coordinates with IEC affiliates to successfully implement the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, explicitly supporting the implementation of workforce hubs and equitable transportation policies and transit goals. Additionally, he will look to continue developing the narrative around the need for climate migration solutions to be addressed as the looming effects of climate change continue to displace people worldwide.

Prior to joining IEC, Dany spent several years working in Corporate Security and Investigation before getting involved in political organizing. Dany worked as Regional Field Director for Congresswomen Marie Newman (IL-3) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and as Latine Bilingual Trainings Coordinator for the Sunrise Movement. Most recently, Dany worked with the IL Green New Deal Coalition as their State Coordinator.

Dany earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminology, Law, and Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is an alum of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation Fellowship. Outside work, Dany enjoys playing and watching soccer, spending time in nature, playing & writing music, and exploring the local music scene.

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Iyana Simba

Iyana currently serves as the Clean Water Policy Director at the Illinois Environmental Council. Previously, she served as Clean Water Advocate for a year. Iyana is responsible for overseeing coalition building, advocacy, and policy development related to water issues in Illinois. Her work ensures water issues are salient to both the public and decision makers and that IEC’s policy solutions are adopted in order to better protect bodies of water and the people dependent on them. Iyana believes all Illniosans including those in disadvantaged communities, who are the most harmed by poor water quality, should have a voice in water policy development.

Prior to working at the Council, she attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and graduated with honors with a degree in Public Policy and a Sustainable Cities minor.

Outside of her work, Iyana enjoys engaging in local politics and organizing. She has worked on a successful state senator campaign in Illinois. She is also a member of the Young Democrats of Cook County, the Environmentalists of Color Network and the Chicago Urban League’s Metropolitan Board. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, baking, and thrifting.

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Sergio Vargas

Sergio joined the Illinois Environmental Council in the Summer of 2022, where he develops and maintains partnerships with volunteers, individual supporters, affiliate organizations, partner and ally organizations to further IEC’s climate and conservation goals in Chicagoland.

Prior to coming to IEC, Sergio served as a Community Outreach Worker for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), helping students realize their potential and establishing a plan for success. Prior to ISAC, Sergio was a Policy Intern for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, helping to advance the green policies and sustainable initiatives necessary to protect one of the largest land management agencies in the United States. Sergio was also an Urban Public Policy Fellow via the Institute of Policy and Civic Engagement, where he learned from community leaders, advocates, and other experts about organizing, planning, and policy to better address the issues facing underserved communities.

Sergio attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, with specializations in education and environmental policy. In his spare time, Sergio enjoys playing chess, djing, and spending quality time with friends and family.

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Chad Wallace

Chad Wallace currently serves as the Rural Affairs Director at the Illinois Environmental Council.

Prior to working with IEC, Chad has been a lifetime farmer. His focus has always been geared toward land conservation and sustainability. For the past 20 years, he has operated Oak Tree Organics producing a large variety of fruits and vegetables. He also raises beef, pork, and lamb. Chad’s products are sold at farmers markets and local restaurants.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family.

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Tucker Barry

Tucker Barry

Before moving to Illinois in 2019, Tucker served as Press Secretary to Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards (D-Louisiana) and ran communications and operations outfits at a handful of progressive advocacy nonprofits in Louisiana.

He graduated from Louisiana State University with a master’s in Mass Communication and a bachelor’s in English, Writing and Culture.
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Sam Bower

Sam Bower joined IEC in December 2021. He currently serves as the Social Media Manager. He’s excited to use the power of social media to raise awareness of IEC’s environmental initiatives and share the power of communities across the state fighting for the environment. Prior to joining IEC, he worked in communications roles with the North American Association for Environmental Education and the City of Portage. 

Sam graduated from the University of Michigan in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity. He currently attends Loyola University Chicago where he’s pursuing a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication. 

Sam enjoys swimming, going to brunch with friends, seeing movies, scrolling through Instagram for hours and exploring Chicago.

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Danny Collins

Danny Collins joined the Illinois Environmental Council in early 2023 as the Development Associate, where they help develop, streamline, and maintain key fundraising practices. Danny is passionate about ensuring our dedicated community of supporters receive the highest-quality experience in their partnership with IEC.

Prior to coming to IEC, Danny served as the Database & Development Specialist at Erie Neighborhood House for nine years and as the Program & Events Coordinator at YouthBuild Lake County for two years before then. With over ten years of experience in fundraising, Danny brings a wealth of knowledge in donor database management, event planning, and individual giving.

Danny earned their Bachelor’s degree in Organizational & Corporate Communication from Northern Illinois University. In their free time, Danny enjoys riding their bike across the many trails Chicago has to offer; playing guitar; and spending time with family, friends, and their cat, Milo Lothario Oatmeal.

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Jaime Gutshall

Jaime Gutshall joined the Illinois Environmental Council as the Development Director in the Spring of 2022, where she oversees all development and donor activities to ensure IEC can continue its mission to advance public policies that create healthy environments across Illinois through education, advocacy, and movement building. 

Prior to joining IEC, Jaime served as the Manager of Feeding Tomorrow, the foundation of the Institute of Food Technologists, and has also worked in a variety of roles at PAWS Chicago. She has worked in nonprofit organizations for almost a decade and has a true passion for helping nonprofits make the world a better place.

Jaime earned her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from North Central College and recently earned her Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from DePaul University. When not hard at work, Jaime enjoys spending time with her rescued dog Leo and rescued rabbit Carl Fredricksbun, hiking, and cooking.

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Aly Mejia

Aly Mejia has been working at IEC since May of 2021 as the Office Administrator at the Springfield office. Her responsibilities are managing the day-to-day operations of the office, organizing the workflow and providing an efficient and organized office environment. She is dedicated to providing support for staff and enjoys the administrative challenges of supporting a diverse organization. When not working, Aly enjoys arts and crafts and playing with her dogs.

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