Staff Bio

Ariel (ah·ree·ELLE) is the Illinois Environmental Council’s State Government Affairs Director. She previously served as the Legal and Governmental Affairs Manager and the Legal and Policy Researcher. In this position, she oversees policy development and IEC’s lobbying efforts on the state level. She believes in bridging the gaps between the science community and policymakers and […]

Eliot Clay has served as the Illinois Environmental Council’s Land Use Programs Director since July 2023, having previously served as the State Programs Director from 2021 to 2023 and the Agriculture & Water Programs Director from 2018 to 2020. Eliot provides leadership and guidance for IEC’s policy agenda on agriculture, conservation, and other matters related

Stephanie Blumenthal joined the Illinois Environmental Council as Policy Manager for Climate Programs in spring 2024. In this position, she is responsible for assisting with climate policy education, strategy, planning, and operations related to the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) in Chicago. Stephanie’s work also focuses on increasing access to equitable public transit in the

Chelsea Biggs joined the Illinois Environmental Council as Chief of Staff in Fall 2023. In this role, she leads the programs and legislative teams and oversees the affiliate engagement strategy. Chelsea supports the organization’s internal structures during this extraordinary period of growth, ensuring smooth staff function across departments and effective communication within the organization. Prior

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

Jen Walling has served as the Executive Director for the Illinois Environmental Council since January 2011, where she oversees the strategic direction and management of the organization and lobbies decision-makers on environmental issues. Jen is dedicated to building the power of Illinois’ environmental community to secure policy outcomes that protect the environment. Over the last