Chicagoland Conservation Manager Sergio Vargas joined the Illinois Environmental Council in the Summer of 2022. He develops and maintains partnerships with volunteers, individual supporters, affiliate organizations, partners, and ally organizations to further IEC’s climate and conservation goals in Chicagoland.
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. Sergio has also joined the Wild Things Steering Committee with the goal of shaping their upcoming 2025 conference and working alongside several partner organizations.
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.