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Our People

IEC has dedicated team members advocating for strong environmental policies across the state.

LEADERSHIP

Jen Walling

Executive Director

Over the last decade, Jen has worked to grow IEC staffing fivefold and increase the budget and number of member affiliates, all with a focus on serving and representing IEC’s affiliated organizations. With the board of directors, Jen worked to secure IEC’s partnership with the League of Conservation Voters in 2018, a national organization that has helped IEC network and build on a national level.

Jen has drafted, negotiated, lobbied, and passed hundreds of bills in Springfield while working to build the power, expertise, and relationships of the entire environmental community.

As a leader in climate policy, Jen has been at the frontline of lobbying and passing bills that will advance renewable energy and carbon emissions reduction, including the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021, and laws to simplify local siting of utility solar and wind projects in 2023.

Jen has been a statewide leader in composting policy since 2009 when she worked to pass the first commercial composting law in Illinois. She has fought to protect state parks and natural areas by increasing funding to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, increasing recreation liability protections, and funding stewardship through the Natural Areas Stewardship Act.

In 2022, Jen was recognized by Crain’s Chicago 40 under 40. She is also a two-time winner of the Capitol Fax Golden Horseshoe, once in 2023 for best in-house lobbyist and again in 2014 for best do-gooder lobbyist. She is also an Edgar Fellow (2018), New Leaders’ Council Fellow (2011), and Truman National Security Project (2012).

Jen holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also received a juris doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law and is an attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois.

Jen is an alum of the New Leaders Council (2011), Edgar Fellows (2018) and Truman National Security Project (2012) training programs. She’s been honored to be awarded the Edward Nestigen Award for Outstanding Alumni from the University YMCA (2013), the University of Illinois College of ACES Outstanding Young Alumni Award (2014), the Capitol Fax Blog Do-Gooder Lobbyist of the Year (2014) and the first-ever Karen May Green Caucus Award for advocates (2015).

Tucker Barry

Chief Communications Officer

In his time at IEC, Tucker has led the growth of IEC’s communications team from a one-person operation to a team of five, exponentially increased the might of IEC’s advocacy engagement, which has been recognized during legislative debate on the floor of both the Illinois General Assembly and Chicago City Council, and spearheaded the development of IEC’s Policy Platform allyship plank, among many other contributions at the organization. He also serves on the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition Communications Committee and coordinates collaborative communications work within multiple coalition spaces across Illinois’ environmental movement.

Before moving to Illinois in 2019, Tucker served as Press Secretary to Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards (D-Louisiana) and led communications and operations strategies 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. Tucker enjoys spending time with his dog, Elio, interior design, and daydreaming about his next big hiking trip.

Chelsea Biggs

Chief of Staff

Prior to coming to IEC, Chelsea worked on the national, state, and hyper-local levels in economic development, youth services and system diversion, and youth mental health. She brings a passion for bringing together public, private, and nonprofit entities to execute on solutions for large scale, systemic issues. Her career has focused on strategies for building capacity for nonprofit organizations through strong training and technical assistance programs. 

Chelsea has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Northeastern University with a concentration in urban studies as well as a Bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in anthropology. Chelsea is also a member of the Chief of Staff Association. Outside of work, you might find Chelsea enjoying time with her husband, two daughters, and dog in the city.

Lindsay Keeney

Chief Programs Officer, Conservation and Agriculture

At IEC, Lindsay leads the Illinois is Beautiful Coalition, which works to ensure Illinois contributes to the national 30×30 goal in an equitable, community-based, and impactful manner, and the Wetlands Coalition, which aims to reinstate wetlands protections at the state level after devastating federal rollbacks. Lindsay has also served as a Vital Lands Network Architect and on various agency committees, including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Illinois 30×30 Task Force and the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchasing Cooperative Agreement Planning Committee. She is currently a member of the Lieutenant Governor’s Rivers of Illinois Coordinating Council, the board of the Old Capitol Farmers Market, The Wetlands Initiative, and the Prairie State Conservation Coalition Board. In addition, she chairs the Prairie State Conservation Coalition’s Policy Committee. 

Lindsay has served in various conservation roles throughout her career, including positions with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Jim Edgar State Fish and Wildlife Area, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Natural History Survey’s Illinois River Biological Station, Illinois Organic Growers Association, and the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. Lindsay is trained in controlled prairie burns and is a certified farmers market manager.

Lindsay holds a Master’s degree in Biology from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a master’s certificate in Geographic Information Services. In her spare time, she can be found restoring her farmhouse in rural Ashland, Illinois, chasing her kiddos Oliver, Hazel, and Lucas, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and Instagramming pictures of her kids and dogs.

PROGRAMS

Cate Caldwell

Sr. Policy Manager, State-to-Federal

Through IEC, Cate serves on the leadership team of the Make Polluters Pay Illinois coalition, co-leading the Communications and Policy/Research subcommittees, and is a member of Faith Coalition for the Common Good’s Environmental Justice Task Force.

Prior to joining IEC, Cate worked in both chambers of Congress, most recently serving as Correspondence Manager and Legislative Correspondent for U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) where she managed energy, environment, environmental justice, and agriculture policy. Most notably, she played a key supporting role in efforts to designate the Springfield 1908 Race Riot site as a National Monument and helped establish the Senate’s first Lead Task Force and bipartisan Sustainable Aviation Caucus. Beyond her professional work, Cate serves as a UT Congressional Internship Program mentor and inaugural board member of Her Hill Fund, an initiative dedicated to supporting women pursuing internships and entry-level careers on Capitol Hill.

A Memphis, TN native, Cate holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Policy from American University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serving on the Springfield-Decatur Area Alumnae Chapter’s Social Action and Pre-Kwanzaa committees. Outside of work, Cate enjoys traveling with family and friends, kickboxing, building LEGO sets, and spending time with her dog, Nyla.

Jessica Garcia

Energy Policy Director

Prior to joining IEC, Jessica spent four years as a Senior Policy Analyst for climate finance with Americans for Financial Reform. Her portfolio included green lending and consumer protections; climate-related financial risk and mitigation opportunities for financial institutions and markets; community reinvestment; environmental justice; and energy efficient, climate resilient, and insurable homes and communities. Before that, she worked with the Union of Concerned Scientists on clean energy policy and the Nature Conservancy on conservation and corporate sustainability.  

Jessica graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and later completed her Master of Public Policy from Duke University, with a focus on energy and environment. In these tumultuous times, Jessica is dedicated to meeting people where they are at, humanizing the issues, and ultimately bringing individuals together to form diverse, compassionate, and empowered communities. In her free time, Jessica enjoys traveling to new places, hiking in nature, and taking walks in neighborhoods across Chicago.

Francisco Lopez Zavala

Policy Associate, Climate Programs

Prior to joining IEC, Francisco assisted the Cook County State Attorney’s Office as a Law Clerk, gaining experience in the inner workings of the criminal justice system. He was also a Summer Intern for the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association, helping organize the 2023 Chicago Summer Brews event and the 2023 County Chairs’ Brunch held in Springfield, Illinois. Francisco was also a Grassroots Advocate for Environment Illinois, where he advocated for a statewide ban on polystyrene foam products to protect Illinois waterways and endangered wildlife.

Francisco attended the University of Illinois at Springfield, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Legal Studies with a minor in Global Studies. Outside of work, Francisco enjoys traveling to Springfield; cycling on bike trails; listening to music albums (beginning to end); reading; and spending quality time with his younger siblings.

Dany Robles

Sr. Legislative Relations Director

During his tenure at IEC, Dany has served on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Environmental Policy Transition Team and on previous Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Building Decarbonization Policy Working Group and Climate Action Plan Working Group. As of 2024, he was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to serve on the inaugural board of the state’s Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund to help develop transformational financial resources for low-income community members to access renewable energy infrastructure. Dany has been a co-chair of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition’s Clean and Equitable Transportation Campaign and is also serving on the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s steering committee to develop a Regional Climate Action Plan to support the administration of the Inflation Reduction Act funds being awarded to Illinois. 

Before joining IEC, Dany worked in Corporate Security and Investigation, then got 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 as the State Coordinator for the IL Green New Deal Coalition.

Dany earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminology, Law, and Justice from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is also an alum of the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation Fellowship. In 2025, he was named to Negocios Now Latinos 40 under 40.  Outside of work, Dany enjoys playing and watching soccer, spending time in nature, playing and writing music, and exploring the local music scene.

Iyana Simba

City Government Affairs Director

Previously, she served as Clean Water Policy Director, where she oversaw policy development, coalition building, and advocacy related to water issues in Illinois. Iyana currently co-leads the Illinois Water Justice Coalition, which works toward equity and justice in water infrastructure decisions. In 2024, Iyana was named a Wavemaker by the Alliance for the Great Lakes in recognition of her coalition work. Additionally, she has served on the Illinois Lead Service Line Replacement Advisory Board since 2022.  

Prior to working at IEC, she attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and graduated with honors with a degree in Public Policy and a Sustainable Cities minor. She is graduate of the Chicago Black Bench political leadership training program and is also a member of the Chicago Urban League’s Metropolitan Board and Sierra Club Chicago City Council Action Team. Outside of her work, Iyana enjoys engaging in local politics, painting, and traveling.

Sergio Vargas

Chicagoland Conservation Policy Manager

In 2022, Sergio joined the massively successful Vote Yes Campaign that resulted in an annual increase of $40 million in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s coffers. In early 2024, Sergio was appointed to the steering committee for the Chicago Wilderness Alliance. This work allows him to help guide the overall conservation vision for the region. 

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 and graduated 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.

Chad Wallace

Food Systems Policy Director

Chad has been a lifetime farmer. His focus has always been on land conservation and sustainability. For the past 20 years, he has operated Oak Tree Organics, producing a wide 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.

Xuandi (Aaron) Wang

Legislative Affairs Associate

Before joining IEC, Aaron served as a Policy & Budget Analyst in the Illinois State Senate, where he contributed to legislation on consumer protection, financial regulation, and community development, and advised leadership on municipal finance issues. He has also worked as a policy fellow at the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, a journalist covering energy, housing, and infrastructure for local and national publications, and a researcher at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.

Aaron holds a B.A. in Economic History and International Political Economy from Northwestern University and a Certificate in Data and Policy Analysis from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis, thrifting vintage furniture, and keeping his collection of succulents alive.

COMMUNICATIONS & CAMPAIGNS

Hannah Dembosky

Operations and Events Associate

Prior to working at the IEC, Hannah was the STEM Co-op Manager at Project Exploration, a STEM education nonprofit focused on advancing opportunities for underserved Chicago youth. During her time at Project Exploration, she also piloted an environmental education program for high school students.

Hannah graduated from Northwestern University in 2023 with Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Science and Sociology. Outside of IEC, Hannah is the Founder and Co-Lead of Bridgeport Environmentalists, a neighborhood environmental organization. She also loves spending time with her two cats and gecko and playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Hannah Flath

Director of Communications and Campaigns

Upon moving to Illinois in 2020, Hannah was a Political Organizer with Sierra Club Illinois’ Victory Corps program before working as a community organizer on the campaign to pass the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Illinois’ now nation-leading climate policy. She then served as Communications Coordinator with Sierra Club Illinois until 2024. Before moving to Illinois, Hannah worked in electoral politics. Hannah graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor of science in human services.

Caleb Grantham

Senior Manager of Campaigns, Energy

Prior to joining IECEF, Caleb worked for The Nature Conservancy in Southern Illinois from 2014 – 2025. His role evolved from hands-on stewardship and ecological restoration, to permanent habitat protection and land acquisitions, marketing and social media content support, annual fee and conservation easement monitoring, and in later years he focused on environmental advocacy and community engagement. He supported IEC’s Conservation Program staff and TNC’s Government Relations staff over the years with organizing and leading legislator tours in Southern Illinois that focused on wetlands, prescribed fire, watershed health in relation to active forest management, and conservation partnerships in and around the Shawnee National Forest.

Caleb grew up in Central Illinois and has lived in Southern Illinois since 2010. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry Natural Resource Management and a Minor in Environmental Studies from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale in 2014.

Mere Montgomery

Sr. Digital Communications Manager

Prior to joining IEC, Mere spent the better part of a decade as an art director and multidisciplinary designer creating brand identities, digital platforms, and visual design systems. She has created for and worked with civil rights groups, museums, newsrooms, political campaigns, global foundations, and grassroots and grasstops organizations of all sizes. No matter the cause, she specializes in clarifying a story, rallying community, and helping good people make sustainable impacts.

Mere is a firm believer in photosynthesis, the ebbs, the flows, and the bees.

Keegan Sullivan

Campaigns Associate, Energy

Keegan brings a background in energy, research, and grassroots organizing to IEC. Originally from the Mitten State, Keegan cut his teeth with Michigan’s statewide Beyond Coal Campaign. There, he campaigned to retire Michigan’s coal-fired power plants and promote an equitable clean energy future. Like many Midwesterners, Keegan briefly left the region for a warmer climate, taking an energy consultant position in California. He worked as a project manager implementing energy efficiency projects and writing building codes research. 

Keegan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Cultures and Politics from Michigan State University. He also recently completed a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast, in the North of Ireland. His research focused on repressive state violence against environmental defenders in democracies.

DEVELOPMENT & OPERATIONS

Danny Collins

Director of Development

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.

Meredith Lukow

Director of Grants Management

Before coming to IEC, Meredith honed her project management and communications expertise at several nonprofit organizations in Chicago and Washington, D.C. These roles included serving as a project manager and communications lead for federal contracts at an education research organization, editing policy reports at a progressive think tank, and organizing for LGBTQ and immigrant rights at a small advocacy campaign. 

Meredith is a certified Project Management Professional and graduated from American University with dual bachelor’s degrees in international studies and political science. Outside of work, you might find Meredith tending to her ever-growing collection of houseplants, volunteering on a prescribed burn or pruning trees in her neighborhood, or trying to decide once and for all which Muppet is her favorite.

Mundra Turtogtokh

Development Associate

Before joining IEC, Mundra earned her bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from Occidental College and worked in Institutional Advancement, focusing on prospect research and fundraising analysis. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Chicago through its food scene and taking long walks along the Lakefront Trail.