IEC Staff

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.

Programs

Government Affairs Associate

Blake Andonov

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

Chief of Staff

Chelsea Biggs

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

Policy Manager, Climate

Stephanie Blumenthal

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

Sr. Policy Manager

Cate Caldwell

Cate manages IEC’s federal efforts and advocacy.

Policy Director, Energy

Samira Hanessian

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

Chief Programs Officer, Conservation and Agriculture

Lindsay Keeney

Lindsay directs IEC’s conservation,
open space, and river work.

Policy Associate, Climate

Francisco Lopez Zavala

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

Legislative Relations Director

Dany Robles

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

City Government Affairs Director

Iyana Simba

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

Policy Manager, Chicagoland Conservation

Sergio Vargas

Sergio manages IEC’s Chicagoland conservation partnerships & programs.

Policy Director, Food Systems

Chad Wallace

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

Government Affairs Fellow

Stella Younkin

Stella supports IEC’s legislative goals, advocacy work, and policy teams to coordinate engagement with affiliates and legislators.

Communications & Development

Chief Communications Officer

Tucker Barry

Tucker directs IEC’s communications
strategy & execution.

Sr. Communications Manager

Sam Bower

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

Development Manager

Danny Collins

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

Operations and events associate

Hannah Dembosky

Hannah organizes event logistics and
manages Chicago office operations.

Sr. Climate Communications Manager

Hannah Flath

Hannah manages IEC’s climate
communications planning & execution.

Sr. Grants Manager

Meredith Lukow

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

Communications Associate

Max Touchette

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

Operations

Office Manager

Aly Mejia

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

Chief Operations Officer

Angie Mizeur

Angie oversees the organization’s operations and drives IEC’s financial growth and sustainability.

Careers at iec

Are you passionate about protecting Illinois’ environment?

Want to make a difference and work with a dedicated team of professionals committed to sustainability and environmental justice? Explore our career opportunities and become a part of the Illinois Environmental Council.