Our Staff
Meet the passionate, dynamic staff of California Environmental Voters!
Matt Abularach-Macias is EnviroVoters’ Deputy Campaign Director. Originally focused in San Bernardino and Riverside, Matt has expanded to also work on our statewide organizing efforts. In this role, Matt has been able to build partnerships and amplify community concerns about the impacts of climate change, the local benefits from investments in clean energy, and the critical need to conserve and protect our environment. Outside of EnviroVoters, he chairs the Board of the Inland Region Equality Network an Inland Empire based LGBTQ Advocacy & Education Org. His work with EnviroVoters(EF) and IREN is an extension of his previous organizing on educational access, LGBT rights, and anti-racism issues. He got his start in the professional organizing and political world as a regional field director on the successful campaign to elect Pete Aguilar to US Congress. Prior, Matt graduated from UCLA with a degree in Chicana/o Studies. Contact Matt at: mattam@envirovoters.org
Veda Banerjee is EnviroVoters’ Communications Director. She manages overall communications and marketing strategy, thought leadership, press relations, and digital marketing at EnviroVoters that impact bold climate policy. She has extensive experience in corporate communications, public-private partnerships, online marketing, and the ability to forge productive relationships with diverse stakeholders and build community. Prior to joining EnviroVoters, she worked at San Francisco Goodwill and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy managing media, digital marketing, and social media strategy. She has a graduate degree in journalism, public relations, and marketing, and been an invited speaker at SXSW, NTEN (Nonprofit Technology), and PR News Big 4 conferences. Contact Veda at veda@envirovoters.org.
Resa Barillas is EnviroVoters’ Inland Empire Regional Organizer. Resa is a former digital marketer, graphic designer, and musician. When she moved to the High Desert, she found herself in a community whose voice was unheard and saw a need for change. She utilized her mixed background and experience in organizational leadership to advocate & organize around youth issues, health equity, and environmental justice. She is a proud queer woman and a first-generation Salvadoran-American living in the city of Adelanto with her son, Cameron, and their 2 kittens, Stevie & Jett. She enjoys working on DIY & home improvement projects, audiobooks on long drives, family movie night, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends. Contact Resa at: resa@envirovoters.org
Akira Brathwaite is EnviroVoters’ Major Gifts Officer, working to connect our wonderful donors with our ground-breaking work. Deeply committed to sustainability, Akira has dedicated her career to the environmental movement, from building out the membership program at Rainforest Action Network, to helping rehabilitate endangered species with Orangutan Foundation International, to hitting the pavement with Greenpeace USA. Having graduated from Humboldt State University with studies in ecological restoration, environmental policy & planning, and sustainable economics, Akira has a strong understanding of the intersectionality of the issues we face and the urgency with which we must face them. When not sharing this passion with supporters, you can find Akira hiking through forests, baking ridiculous confections, reading sci-fi/fantasy, or cuddling with her cats. Contact Akira at: akira@envirovoters.org.
Tammy Chan is EnviroVoters’ Finance Director. She has a multidisciplinary background, including over 13+ years in Finance and Informational Technology. Her passion is in making a difference by building out the operational foundation, business processes and systems for nonprofits to grow and become financially sustainable. She transitioned from the private sector and co-founded a nonprofit, Conversations for Good, that provides opportunities for ordinary people to help students and job seekers to share about their careers and provide mentorship. She holds a bachelor of science degree in Management Science from the University of California, San Diego. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and volunteering. Contact Tammy at: tammy@envirovoters.org
Mary Creasman is California Environmental Voters’ (EnviroVoters) Chief Executive Officer. Since taking over EnviroVoters in 2018, Mary has focused the organization on building power to solve the climate crisis, advancing climate justice, and creating the global roadmap for action. Under her leadership, EnviroVoters has more than doubled in size, launching three new local league PAC entities to expand organizing efforts in battleground regions across the state. During the 2020 election cycle, EnviroVoters PAC entities and partners stopped Big Oil’s top three candidates from advancing in the primary election and unseated two anti-environmental state senators in the general election. In addition, EnviroVoters led efforts in 2020 to expand mail ballots to every voter, protect in-person and drop box polling options, and lower the voting age. While passing numerous climate policies statewide, EnviroVoters led an accountability effort to oust a pro-oil and gas Assembly Transportation Chair and ensured California’s congressional delegation delivered a historic win federally by securing permanent conservation funding through the Great American Outdoors Act. Prior to EnviroVoters, Mary served as the California Director of Government Affairs for The Trust for Public Land where she led the effort to pass the largest parks tax measure in the nation, spearheaded the state’s biggest single investment in underserved communities in California’s history, and created an urban greening program marking the first time green infrastructure was included in California’s climate policy. Mary has a long and successful track record of leading campaigns and initiatives at regional, statewide, and national levels as the Chief Strategy Officer of Green For All, the Associate Director of the Partnership for Children & Youth, and the Political and Organizing Director of the AFL-CIO Labor Council in Silicon Valley. She has advised organizations across the country as an organizational development and effectiveness consultant. Mary has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, The Hill, Politico, the Sacramento Bee, San Francisco Chronicle, and more.
Andrew Escamilla is EnviroVoters’ Regional Organizer. Andrew supports EnviroVoters’ Organizing work in Fresno and other parts of the Central Valley. Originally focused on building equity and organizing students and families in California K-12 schools, Andrew will continue to Organize marginalized communities, ensuring their voices are centered and uplifted in the climate crisis movement. Andrew in his role as the Regional Organizer will help shape the public narrative, educate lawmakers, cultivate environmental and environmental justice leaders, drive policy change, and expand regional partnerships and action in the Central Valley. He graduated from Fresno State University with an M.A. in Education with the option in Higher Education Leadership. He is passionate about higher education access and equity for all, making sure front line communities are at the forefront of solutions when it comes to climate change, and the solutions put forth. When not working, you can find him enjoying the outdoors, family time, supporting his partner Mayra, and enjoying their little pupper, Appa. Contact Andrew at: andrew@envirovoters.org
Elise Fandrich is the Policy Affairs Associate at EnviroVoters. In this role, she engages in policy research and supports the Legislative Affairs Manager in advocating for bold climate policy at the state level. In addition to supporting legislative action, Elise participates in state agency processes around climate policies as well as state efforts to advance nature-based solutions to climate change on natural and working lands throughout the state. After attending law school in the Pacific Northwest, Elise returned to her home state of California where she volunteered extensively on local and state climate initiatives. Elise is motivated to work on climate change to tackle air pollution, preserve biodiversity, and ensure everyone has access to nature and greenspace. Contact Elise at: elise@envirovoters.org
Ainslie Faust is EnviroVoters’ Administrative Assistant. She has many years experience in the yoga world where she served as Executive Administrator at USA Yoga Federation, a nonprofit that organized and promoted yoga as a sport. A life-long learner, Ainslie used a feminist methodology in her PhD dissertation, focusing on the need for a feminist cosmology in the genesis of female artists. Living in Los Angeles, Ainslie loves combining astrology with activism, reading mysteries and literary fiction, and practicing meditation and yoga. Contact Ainslie at: ainslie@envirovoters.org
Oscar Garcia is EnviroVoters’ Ballot Initiative Coordinator. A born and raised valley boy, Oscar has lived his whole life in the San Fernando Valley, it’s also where he went to school and discovered his passion for civic engagement and organizing in historically disenfranchised minority communities. Having spent the past 20 plus years in Los Angeles politics, starting from the ground floor as a lawn sign volunteer, Oscar has been able to hold almost every title in a campaign and elected government office. Oscar has had the privilege to serve as Deputy District Director to a member of Congress, District Chief of Staff to a member of the state legislature and Southern CA Political Director for SEIU 2015. Oscar loves science fiction, camping, and is also a big Dodgers fan! Oscar currently lives in Sherman Oaks with his wife Nancy, son Alec, and two cats Charles and Dodger. Contact Oscar at: oscar@envirovoters.org
Danielle Graham is EnviroVoters’ Executive Assistant. Danielle is a seasoned Executive Assistant with over 20 years of experience in this field. She is known for her capability to supply high-quality work products, exceptional communication skills, and ability to support C-Suite Executives. Her earlier experience as Executive Assistant at FirstService Residential and HR Administrator Specialist at Crystal Stairs Inc have prepared her for this role at EnviroVoters. In her current position, Danielle works closely with the Managing Director to supply comprehensive support to the CEO. Danielle’s inspiration is her son Nolan. She also enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, traveling, and outdoor activities. Contact Danielle at: danielle@envirovoters.org
Tami Harmon is EnviroVoters’ Human Resources Generalist. She brings over 15 years of diverse human resources and benefits administration experience to the team. Her areas of subject matter include benefit administration, payroll, employee relations, HR compliance, policy, and handbook development. Contact Tami at: tami@envirovoters.org
Shanil Jiwani is EnviroVoters’ Senior Philanthropy Officer. Prior to joining EnviroVoters, Shanil worked for the Democratic Governors Association, where he cultivated the organization’s fundraising and new donor programs while raising millions of dollars during the 2020 election cycle. Shanil’s political fundraising experience stems from his work with Hillary for America, Center for American Progress, and the GW Annual Giving Program. In addition, Shanil volunteered to organize Muslim and Asian American & Pacific Islander voters with Ismailis Rise Up and Texas AAPIs for Biden. Shanil graduated from The George Washington University with a BA in Political Communication and a minor in Sociology. Contact Shanil at: shanil@envirovoters.org
Ameen Khan is EnviroVoters’ Regulatory Affairs Advocate. He has worked for three members of Congress, including serving as Senator Barbara Boxer’s Director for Central & Eastern California for a decade. He has also worked for NextGen America. He is a graduate of UC Davis, where he earned B.A.s in Political Science and Sociology. Outside of work, he enjoys the company of family and friends, reading, hiking, and supporting his favorite sports teams. Contact Ameen at: ameen@envirovoters.org
Jonathan Kuperberg is EnviroVoters’ Email and Web Manager. He has extensive experience running email programs, websites, digital strategy, and messaging for nonprofits and political campaigns. He previously served as Email Director for the Jon Ossoff for Senate campaign, raising tens of millions of dollars to flip the Senate in 2020, and also ran the expansive email program at Need to Impeach. He has worked on dozens of ballot measure campaigns in California and throughout the country, including passing Ranked Choice Voting in New York City in 2019. Jonathan grew up in California and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. He enjoys cooking, reading, and writing. Contact Jonathan at: Jonathan@envirovoters.org
Annquenetta Lawrence is EnviroVoters’ Administration & HR Senior Manager. She brings with her experience in both the corporate and non-profit worlds. Annquenetta has over 25 years of experience in providing comprehensive executive support and has particular strengths in office organization, project management, and computer proficiency. Previously, Annquenetta served as Executive Assistant to the President/CEO of Partnership for Children & Youth and was later promoted to the Administrative Manager. A native of California, Annquenetta resides in the City of Oakland with her daughter, grandson, and poodle. Contact Annquenetta at: annquenetta@envirovoters.org
Lucas Lineback is EnviroVoters’ Data Services Manager. He’s worked at EnviroVoters since 2008. His work focuses on database administration; data management and analysis; grassroots fundraising program management, with a focus on phone canvassing, direct mail and online fundraising; coding and targeting for communications; general data support for the organization, and copyediting. Lucas grew up in Indiana and graduated from Indiana University with a degree in journalism. Outside of EnviroVoters, he enjoys teaching and training Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. Contact Lucas at: Lucas@envirovoters.org
Sarah Lyons is EnviroVoters’ Development Associate, making sure donor info is up-to-date and where it should be, and helping with any questions or queries our members have. Sarah has been at EnviroVoters since 2011, and working in the nonprofit world since graduating from Radford University in 2005. Contact Sarah at: slyons@envirovoters.org
Aaron McCall is EnviroVoters’ Federal Advocacy Coordinator. For the first time in a decade, we have a chance to pass strong federal climate legislation; and Aaron will be EnviroVoters’ primary climate and clean energy advocate to congressmembers and will ensure we do everything we can to meet this moment with California leading the way. Aaron got his start as a young grassroots activist based out of Orange County, California serving as the chairman of Indivisible OC 48 in California’s 48th congressional district! Aaron works actively in Orange County to advance conservation and climate action and was the 2019 OC League of Conservation Voters Activist of the Year. Before becoming an “accidental activist” Aaron was a cognitive psychology student, earning a BA in Psychology from UC Irvine, and an MSc in Psychiatric Research from King’s College London in the UK. When Aaron isn’t building power with young people as the OCYD Political Director, he is tweeting about Star Trek and Grey’s Anatomy. Contact Aaron at: aaron@envirovoters.org
Sean McManus is EnviroVoters’ Director of Philanthropy. He has spent his professional career working and volunteering within causes that he is passionate about—the arts, the LGBTQ+ community, education and, most recently, the environment. Prior to joining EnviroVoters, Sean dedicated more than two decades to supporting independent filmmakers and building the audience for their work as the Director of External Affairs at the New York-based Independent Filmmaker Project, as the Development Director, Senior Director and Co-President of Film Independent and as the Director of Major Gifts at the American Film Institute. He has also served in various development roles at the USC School of Engineering, as a Board Member of The Trevor Project, including two terms as Chairman of the Board, and as a fundraising volunteer for the Point Foundation. Sean is a graduate of the USC Marshall School of Business where he earned BSBA and MBA degrees. Contact Sean at: Sean@envirovoters.org or 323.939.6797
Mattea Pechter is EnviroVoters’ Campaigns and Organizing Manager. Mattea works to connect grassroots energy to climate champions and build power in communities that have been historically excluded from the process of policy making and the opportunity to hold their legislators accountable. Mattea is a former Field Director working on electoral races at the local, state, and national level. She graduated from Ursinus College with a bachelors in Environmental Studies, with a focus on the social and political dynamics that have brought us where we are today. Mattea is passionate about storytelling and the arts and studying the way our culture and values are messaged to us from within that space. Contact Mattea at: mattea@envirovoters.org.
Santiago M. Rodriguez is the Legislative Affairs Assistant at EnviroVoters and one of the first people to go through our new internship process. In this role, Santiago conducts policy research and supports the legislative staff by tracking bills, representing the organization in committee hearings, and drafting official position letters for legislation. Santiago graduated from the University of Redlands with a degree in public policy and has dedicated his career to better understanding injustice and how the legislative process can be leveraged for change. In their free time Santiago enjoys practicing new skills, meeting new people, and learning more about the world. Contact Santiago at: Santiago@envirovoters.org
Melissa Romero is EnviroVoters’ Senior Legislative Manager. In this role, Melissa represents the organization in the state’s capitol, lobbying for strong environmental policies and working with partner organizations on advancing priority legislation. Her work includes tracking and prioritizing legislation, representing EnviroVoters on a variety of coalitions and networks, working with state legislators and their staff, and being the organization’s voice in the capitol. Prior to EnviroVoters, Melissa worked with Californians Against Waste on advancing waste reduction and recycling legislation and at Cal State Long Beach, Associated Students Inc. advocating for sustainability and zero waste policies and practices on campus. Melissa’s interest in policy began with an interest in environmental sciences and developed with strong sense of urgency to address the need to shift away from fossil fuel use and other extractive industry practices. Contact Melissa at: Melissa@envirovoters.org
Jason Smith is EnviroVoters’ Digital Content Producer, where he produces infographics, videos, animations, and everything in between. Since graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts in 2015, Jason has freelanced as an animator and commercial director, creating content that featured fruit, underwear, and microphones. He is beyond thrilled to finally put his visual talents to use for his greatest passion: fighting climate change and promoting green technology/legislation. Contact Jason at: Jason@envirovoters.org
Gina Stovall is EnviroVoters’ Grants Manager. In this role she works across the organization to develop a portfolio of grants, manage reporting, and compliance, and support the development of EnviroVoters’ programs and initiatives. Over the past decade working on climate change, Gina has become particularly cognizant of the importance of sustainable funding to power movements and finance innovative solutions. Prior to joining EnviroVoters, Gina worked on climate resilience planning and implementation in New York State’s Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery where she led strategic managed retreat and resilience efforts after Hurricane Sandy devastated the region. Gina also has a background in coalition building and cross-sector climate action, bringing together cities, states, academia, NGOs, and other decisionmakers to build data-driven, justice-oriented climate programs. Gina holds a Master’s from Columbia University in Climate & Society and a Bachelor’s in Geology from The City College of New York – CUNY. In her free time, she loves reading on the beach, traveling, and putting together Wysocki puzzles. Contact Gina at: Gina@envirovoters.org
Samuel Sukaton (he/they) is EnviroVoters’ State Advocacy Coordinator. Sam organizes campaigns across the state for fair redistricting, climate investments in state and local government, and building California’s political will for systems change (not climate change!) Sam returned to EnviroVoters after campaigning with PICO California and the Million Voters Project in the 2020 election, and managing Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2020 primary victory in Orange County and the Inland Empire. Previously, he worked with EnviroVoters on safe drinking water, the Sierra Club on fracking bans, and Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes’ 2016 campaign. He sits on the board of the Inland Empire League of Environmental Justice Voters, a partner to EnviroVoters’ work in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Born in Pennsylvania and raised in San Bernardino, Sam holds a B.A. in history from UCLA. Off the clock, Sam writes, plays saxophone, sings, and dances. Contact Sam at: samuel@envirovoters.org
Mike Young is EnviroVoters’ Political and Organizing Director. He has been with the organization since 2005. He has served as Political & Organizing Director since 2018. He has extensive experience working with key political and grassroots community partners to build strategic relationships that have helped both identify and support environmental leaders, as well as hold legislators accountable to their community’s concerns. Heavily engaged with EnviroVoters’ sister local leagues, Mike served as a board member and officer of the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, and is currently a board member on the League of Conservation Voters San Diego. He also played a key role in the development of a new Central Coast League of Conservation Voters. Mike is a graduate of Pepperdine University, and he earned B.A.s in Political Science and Philosophy, as well as an Undergraduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution. Contact Mike at: myoung@envirovoters.org