Our Team

"Growing up in Michigan, we spent a lot of time in the Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Superior. When I was a child, it seemed so vast and unchanging. Today, we know that this lake is vulnerable to pollution, invasive species, and climate change. I love that Lake Superior is a unifying factor between the state where I grew up, and the state I call home today. I want my two children to grow up in a world with clean air, clean water, and a stable climate. I want them to grow up in a world where Lake Superior and all lakes and rivers are honored and protected as the life-sustaining systems that they are."

Kathryn graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2006 magna cum laude, and earned a Masters in Public Policy from the Humphrey Institute at the same time. After working in complex litigation in Zelle LLP in Minneapolis for four years, she joined MCEA as a staff attorney in 2010. She stepped into the CEO role in 2017, and she is proud of the way the organization has grown and changed since then. She has worked as adjunct faculty at the University of Minnesota Law School, and is also a former Chair of the Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Law Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association. Kathryn is celebrating 10 years at MCEA in 2020.

"I was lucky to spend summers on a lake in the woods "up north" as a kid, and that continued through college and my early twenties when I was a camp counselor taking students on canoe and camping trips and developing environmental programs. The Northwoods -- the smells, sounds, solitude -- have always offered a simple, calming gift. Years later I realized that I'd been experiencing what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku ('forest bathing'). It's a privilege for me to get to work for an organization dedicated to protecting these special places and resources."

Kevin joined MCEA in 2005. He has a B.A. from Concordia College - Moorhead (German/Political Science), an M.A. from UW - Madison (Political Science) and a J.D. from Harvard. Kevin has been adjunct faculty at the University of Minnesota and Mitchell Hamline and in 2016 spent the year as a Fulbright Scholar at the Namibia University of Science and Technology in Windhoek, Namibia. Prior to joining MCEA, Kevin was a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis.

"When I was in elementary school, I did a book report on Love Canal, which had surged into the news even here in the Midwest. When I learned that a chemical company had dumped their toxic waste into an old canal, and then given the land to build a school and a neighborhood on, I was angry. How could they do that? And how could I stop them? From an early age, I've been passionate about standing up to bullies and defending people whose lives have been threatened by pollution. At MCEA, I'm thrilled to be able to do that every day."

Aaron holds two Masters degrees, one in Communications, the other in Advocacy and Political Leadership. He has over a decade of experience teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in policy and communications. Prior to working at MCEA, Aaron was the Advocacy Director at Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness.

"My seven year old will tell you that I work to save the planet for him and his friends. He’s right. At my core, I am driven by a love of children and the desire to help create the world they deserve. I love my job at MCEA, every day I get to give people the opportunity to change the world by investing in work that is improving the world for our kiddos. "

Chris began as a reluctant fundraiser nearly twenty years ago because to get paid to do the work she believed in, she had to raise the money. Now, she is clear that all of us are hungry for opportunities to change the world and she provides Minnesotans that opportunity by investing in the powerful work of her colleagues at MCEA. A lifelong Minnesotan, Chris is proud to have raised tens of millions of dollars that fueled work that has concretely improved Minnesota.

"Growing up, I experienced a lot of injustice in my society and around the world, especially social injustice and for the past 15 years I have worked mostly with marginalized communities to fight to restore social and environmental justice. We have won some battles, but the war is not over yet. The war will only be over when environmental burdens will be evenly distributed in all communities and not just in predominantly low income and communities of color."

Eric Ini graduated from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon with an LL.M in Environmental Law and policy. Eric has had the opportunity to work, live and/or study in four continents. He worked as a senior campaigner for Greenpeace where he was based in the Congo Basin but travelled regularly to other countries around the world fighting for environmental and climate justice. Before joining MCEA, Eric worked as the director of environmental justice at Michigan United- the largest statewide grassroot organization in Michigan. Eric speaks multiple languages and enjoys playing tennis when he is not at work.

"I grew up during the time of the first Earth Day and solar panels on the White House, which inspired my love affair with renewable energy. My favorite childhood memories were tent camping with my large family all over the U.S. and Canada. My parents also inspired me towards civil rights and social justice, and that motivated me to go to law school, work on political campaigns, and then run for political office. As a Minnesota State Senator for 18 years, I learned that making real environmental and clean energy progress is difficult and faces multiple obstacles, but that persistence, positive persuasion, following the facts and the voices of good people can prevail - and the stars align for bipartisan victories that make the future better. This happened in 2007 with the Renewable Energy Standard and the Next Generation Energy Act, and I believe it will happen again. MCEA has the expertise and tools that can drive that change and that's why I'm thrilled to be in the Climate Director position, at a time of urgency for equitable climate solutions. My special place is the St. Croix River." 

Ellen clerked for the MN Court of Appeals, was a Hennepin County Public Defender, served as Chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Energy/Environmental Advisor to Governor Dayton, and led the Energy Transition Lab at the University of MN. Ellen grew up in New Jersey, came to MN for college and never left. Graduated from Carleton College, and UMN Law School cum laude.

"For me, environmental advocacy flows from a strong commitment to working collectively for the public good. As a lawyer, I realize I have training and advantages that many others don’t have. When I work with people from underprivileged communities, I can see the difference it makes that I know how to use the laws and the court system to protect people and the environment. I feel so fortunate to be able to dedicate my skills as an attorney to work with the team at MCEA to preserve a livable future for all of us."

Before joining MCEA, Joy was a shareholder at Minneapolis law firm Gray Plant Mooty, where she litigated cases and headed the firm’s pro bono program. Joy has provided more than 1,200 hours of pro bono service and was named a 2018 Minnesota Attorney of the Year for her work on a pro bono case. She earned her law degree at William Mitchell College of Law and her B.A. in English and print journalism from the University of St. Thomas.

"I grew up in with a paddle in my hand, and hiking boots on my feet, and the Ozark Mountains in my view. Why would people want to degrade and ruin this beautiful wild place? But they did: with dams, development, and uncontrolled industrial discharges and dumping. I always knew I would work to save our environment, the question was how? Would I be a reporter, a scientist, or a lawyer? After trying the first two careers, I settled on the law as my tool, and represented our state environmental agencies as an Assistant Attorney General for 32 years to help them acheive their mission to protect the environment of this state. I am happy now to bring my knowledge of administrative law and litigation to MCEA."

Ann graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in Political Science in 1981, and obtained a J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1985. From 1985 until 2018, she worked for the Minnesota Attorney General's Office.

"What drove me to pursue a career in environmental law was my passion for environmental justice. I believe that the right to live in a clean and healthy environment is a human right belonging to everybody. Unfortunately, I see my own community disproportionately impacted by the impacts of pollution and climate change. This frustration from witnessing these injustices firsthand is what drove me to the legal profession, as I feel that this is where I can make the biggest impact. I hope to amplify those voices that are too often ignored as well as lead my own effort for a clean environment for everyone."

Michael was born and raised in California, the son of two Mexican immigrants. Michael received his J.D. from the University of California, Irvine. He holds a B.A. in political science with a minor in environmental systems from the University of California, Los Angeles. During his time in law school, Michael volunteered and interned at numerous nonprofits and government agencies such as the Surfrider Foundation, the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment, and the California Attorney General's Office Environmental Section.

We are honored to announce, through the generous contribution of John Clark Pegg, the dedication of MCEA's Legal Fellowship to his father John W. Pegg. Click here to learn more.

"I have always been happiest exploring the curiosities of untamed landscapes. For me, the beautiful chaos of nature is the tonic for the inevitable maladies affecting modern life. Sadly, increasing threats to these wild places forecasts a future bereft of the wonder of unspoiled wilderness. Preventing a bleak tomorrow demands a vigorous and inspired response today. As an attorney with MCEA, I am committed to wielding my talent and experience as a skilled litigator in the fight for clean air, water, and soil."

Jay holds a B.A. in communication and biology from St. John’s University and a J.D. from Vermont Law School. Prior to joining MCEA, Jay litigated wage theft cases on behalf of employees striving for proper wages and clerked for Judge Ann D. Montgomery in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. Jay serves on the board of SPAM FC - a local non-profit dedicated to offsetting rising college expenses - is a member of the Hennepin County Bicycle Advisory Committee, and co-owns an eco-tourism kayak guiding company on the Mississippi River.

"Facing the climate crisis takes all types of people. I'm not 'outdoorsy.' Given the choice, I would probably walk the urban core of a city before hiking a beautiful trail. I can't identify tree species. I don't really feel a spiritual connection with nature or bugs or dirt. My interest in the environment stems from an interest in reducing human suffering. I am motivated because I don't want my fellow man to suffer from catastrophic climate change. If I can work toward the goal of reducing suffering, I will consider my career successful."

Stephanie received her J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Arizona State University. Stephanie worked and volunteered with various environmental nonprofits before joining MCEA first as a Legal Fellow and now as a Staff Attorney.

"In the mid-1990s, I found myself litigating the science of climate change against coal industry witnesses who argued it was nothing to worry about.  I was an environmental attorney for the state of Minnesota who had always been fascinated by how humanity confronts its mega-problems. I quickly realized that climate change was the mega-problem that would define our era and my own career.  Since then I’ve worked in various ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, accelerate the transition to clean energy, and promote science-based decision-making.  I’m delighted to be working with MCEA on all these fronts."

Barbara earned a J.D. in 1986 from New York University School of Law (where she was a Root-Tilden scholar) and a B.A. from the University of Minnesota in 1982.  She spent a dozen years working in the Environmental Protection Division of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, mostly focusing on air quality.  Later, she represented a variety of nonprofit clients, working to promote climate protection policies and oppose coal plants, and spent three years as a coal policy analyst/advocate with the Union of Concerned Scientists.  She has also written two books, Coal: A Human History (2003) and Industrial-Strength Denial: Eight Stories of Corporations Defending the Indefensible, from the Slave Trade to Climate Change (2020). 

Growing up on Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range meant living on the edge between heavy industry and boundless beauty. To this day I recall my awe at sun-warmed taconite pellets on the tracks, strawberries and blueberries in the wild, and the wonder of northern lakes. Now I hail from Duluth, where the "Big Lake" also provokes the imagination and sustains the community. Unfortunately, our sensitive landscape is under threat, and we have not adequately respected the treaty rights of native nations. At our best, Northern Minnesota instills in each of us a love of place and a deep understanding of what is required to protect it.

JT holds a JD from the University of Virginia, MPP University of Minnesota, and BA from Northwestern University. He was formerly an attorney in Minneapolis and public-sector union representative in Duluth. JT is also the Co-founder of the grassroots advocacy group Duluth for Clean Water.

I grew up in Makato (a.k.a. Mankato, Minnesota), named for a place where the Dakota harvested "blue earth" used in adoption and reconciliation ceremonies. This special place on the bend of the Minnesota River became the site of the largest mass execution in U.S. history, with settlers cheering the death of 38 Dakota men. As a descendant of European immigrants, I ultimately benefited from mass land theft that led to horrific events in my hometown. Yet, I was privileged to witness reconciliation efforts between Dakota and non-Native Minnesotans, which continue to this day. My hope is that these lessons can be replicated on a larger scale. Our world increasingly needs common ground - perhaps it can be found beneath our feet. The land can divide us, but it can also connect us.

Mel holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and graduated summa cum laude from William Mitchell College of Law. Before joining MCEA, Mel clerked at all three levels of Minnesota's judicial system, represented tribal nations in complex federal litigation, and was an Indian law fellow at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. 

"What motivates me is the opportunity to be a counterweight to the influence of money and corporate interests in our democracy. I believe that most people really want policies that will drive down carbon emissions, eliminate toxic chemical pollution, and protect our ecosystems, but their voices are often disregarded and their requests dismissed as impractical. As an attorney for MCEA, I'm proud to amplify those voices and to be an advocate for science and ecological protection.

I've always felt a deep connection with wild places and with nature. As a kid, I spent hours lifting rocks in the yard to check in on the beetles and centipedes. And my early experiences camping, canoeing, and, one summer, canoe trekking in the Temagami in Ontario led me to dedicate my career as a lawyer to protecting the environment. I'm happiest when I'm outdoors, in the woods, and living simply. "

Evan holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Brandeis University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and an LL.M. in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School. - Prior to working at MCEA, Evan was a Assistant Attorney General at the New Hampshire Department of Justice and served as Compliance Bureau Chief of the Air Resources Division at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services

"My fifth grade science teacher showed our class a video about global warming. Before that, I had never heard of the greenhouse effect. Suddenly, I was ten years old and learning that if we failed to make big changes, the planet would be forever altered—in my lifetime. The issue was obvious, but surprisingly, the solution was too. I felt sorrow, but also, hope. I wondered, what were we waiting for? Decades later, I’ve made it my profession to keep asking."

Amelia holds a B.A. in English from Coe College and graduated magna cum laude from Valparaiso University School of Law. Prior to joining MCEA, Amelia worked on water policy and litigated factory farm and RCRA cases for the Hoosier Environmental Council.

“Growing up in Minnesota, I’ve always been passionate about our natural landscape, and I’ve been lucky enough to explore that passion throughout my education and professional development. I’ve found joy, both in the field and in the office, by being a part of collaborative initiatives to protect our environment and our water. I’m proud to be part of an organization that values our water resources, environmental health, and justice for Minnesotans.”

Nadia has her M.S. in Natural Resources Science and Management from the University of Minnesota where she focused on Hydrology and Watershed Management, and a B.S. in Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management.

"I was raised with a strong ethic for environmental stewardship and a love for Minnesota. Learning about the climate crisis made me resentful of humans and our role in environmental destruction. By developing tools for environmental advocacy, I have been able to overcome this climate anxiety and convert the anguish into motivation for action. I’m dedicated to protecting Minnesota and its people, waters, lands and wildlife and I’m grateful to be advancing this mission with the MCEA team."

Katie holds a BA in Geography from McGill University and an MSc in Urban Management from Technical University Berlin. Prior to joining MCEA, Katie worked as an urban planning consultant with UN-Habitat in Nairobi, Kenya and as the Director of Climate Action with the 2811 Platform for Social Change. With 2811, Katie co-founded the Climate Action Academy, an international climate awareness program.

"I have always had a passion for public health and through my graduate studies realized quite quickly just how consequential the environment is on public health. I am honored to be part of an organization that's mission is to promote environmental causes and the rippling positive effects on the health of all Minnesotans. Also, with a background in the legal field I am continuously intrigued by the various remedies available to impact the environment through the courts and other agencies." 

Aaron holds a Masters of Public Health from Benedictine University-Lisle, IL, a B.A. from Winona State University, and an American Bar Association approved certificate in paralegal studies.

“I have been interested in environmental issues since I was very young, when I wore out my copy of “50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth” from repeated readings. Frequent camping trips with my Girl Scout troop gave me an appreciation for nature. One of my favorite things about working for MCEA is the way it has expanded my understanding of environmentalism – it not just about preserving wild spaces, but encompasses the need to ensure that our planet is a healthy home for all people.”

Steph joined MCEA in August 2018 as Data Manager. Originally from Lancaster, PA, she is a graduate of Boston University with a B.A. in American History and Political Science. She spent more than 8 years with the Public Charities Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office before relocating to the Twin Cities in July 2016. Before coming to MCEA, she worked as the Fund Development Assistant at Aeon, a non-profit affordable housing provider based in Minneapolis.

"I love the outdoors: camping with family and friends, hiking through new terrain, jumping in lakes, marveling at the vastness of Lake Superior, paddling through morning mist in the Boundary Waters. I’ll never forget my first trip into the BWCA alongside my two sisters now almost a decade ago. There were unexpected beaver dams and rain and aching muscles and power-struggles over steering, but there were also unforgettable sunrises and towering trees reflecting off glass lakes and newfound grit and a kind of quiet none of us had known before. It was a life-changing experience, and one that cemented in my soul the need to preserve wild places and protect our increasingly threatened natural world. It’s a privilege to bring my storytelling and media background to an organization working to do that everyday."

Sarah has over 15 years of experience working as a journalist in Minnesota. She landed her first job in the field just out of college at a daily newspaper in Fergus Falls, Minn., where she covered all facets of life and government in a small town. From there, she moved to the Duluth News Tribune, where she fell madly in love with the North Shore while reporting on the city’s education system. Before joining MCEA, she spent a decade covering government, education, crime and legal affairs for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, which also happens to be her hometown paper. Sarah is a fierce believer in the vital role journalism plays in maintaining a healthy democracy and global community. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005 from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.

"As a kid, I grew up next to 'the woods'. It was a wonderful place to play and observe nature. I was able to catch tadpoles and salamanders, watch muskrats swim across the pond, and watch the red winged blackbirds that made it their summer home. Nothing says summer to me more than hearing their song. Years later, I learned it was an abandoned city dump. The cars that were partially submerged in the pond should have been a clue, but the ducks didn't seem to mind. When I decided to pursue a legal education (after years as a cost-accountant and later pursuing a horticulture degree), I hoped I could make a difference somewhere. I was interviewed as a non-traditional paralegal student at Inver Hills Community College (as an adult learner) and was asked what type of law I was interested in, I could only think of two areas, Elder Law or Environmental Law. A cousin, who worked as a district attorney, gave me the following advice: Be careful of pursuing work in an area of law you have a passion for, you might end up working for the other side. I worked in complex litigation for 12 years and found it rewarding but joining MCEA feels like my dream has finally come true."

Eric joined MCEA in 2016. Previously a Complex Litigation Paralegal in the areas of Antitrust Class Actions, Securities Lending, Title Insurance, and Reinsurance. A graduate of Inver Hills Community College’s Paralegal Program which is American Bar Association approved and a member of that Program's Advisory Committee since 2003. Eric also holds an AS degree in Horticulture Business and a Certificate in Accounting.

“I grew up in poverty in the Twin Cities, living mostly in areas surrounded by industry polluters and in communities that were predominately people of color. I have experienced first hand the ways in which pollution disproportionately affects people in poverty and people of color, and am proud to be working for an organization that tries to bring environmental justice to these communities. Every Minnesotan should have the right to enjoy the natural beauty of un-polluted lakes, streams, and rivers, and have safe drinking water at home, no matter where they live or who they are. MCEA gets us closer to living that reality.”

Andrea has spent several years working in politics and various grassroots advocacy organizations. She spent over a decade teaching argumentation, policy, and debate to high school and college students. She holds two master’s degrees, one in Advocacy and Political Leadership from Metro State, and one in Communication Studies from the University of North Texas.

"I am blessed with grandchildren who love the outdoors and spend weeks every year enjoying the family cabin in central Minnesota. Working at MCEA allows me to support important efforts to protect our environment and ensure our future generations can continue to appreciate our abundant natural resources." 

Karen brings to MCEA more than 25 years of experience providing office management and administrative support in nonprofit organizations. She graduated Phi Theta Kappa from Inver Hills Community College with a major in Human Resource Management.

"It’s always been important to me that the work I do has the potential to make a broad positive impact on society.  For many years I satisfied that itch conducting research to improve public health and optimize healthcare services, but that work began to feel relatively insignificant as I became more aware of the threats imposed by climate change. So a couple of years ago, pulled by a drive to do more to combat the climate crisis, I decided to back away from my health research roles in order to apply my skills and experience to advancing ambitious climate policy. I’m thrilled to join the talented and rigorous staff at MCEA in that effort."

Melissa graduated magna cum laude from the University of California-Santa Barbara with a BA in Sociology and has a MS in Epidemiology and a PhD in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to joining MCEA, she provided independent research consulting for various environmental advocacy non-profits, including Fresh Energy, Sierra Club, and MN350.  She maintains a part-time position as Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota and worked for many years as an Investigator and Associate Director at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System’s Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research.

"I am a transplant from the Chicagoland area, and proud to now call myself a Minnesotan. We have a wonderful home; a place we need to protect, and a place we need to continue fighting to make safer and healthier for our overburdened community members.

Lake Superior is my special place. I went to college in Duluth and was able to soak in many of the amazing things that city offers -- easy access to the outdoors, live music, and great people and community. I am so proud to be able to be part of MCEA's mission and to now be playing a role in protecting those special places and building a more thriving future for our state."

Adam graduated cum laude with a BA in Environment and Sustainability Studies and a minor in Economics from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Prior to joining MCEA, Adam worked in the solar industry and held various roles at KUMD 103.3FM Duluth Public Radio, where he continues to volunteer as Producer of KUMD's environmental segment, Green Visions. While in college, he spent a semester studying Germany's renewable energy transition in Freiburg, Germany.

“While in college, I was gifted a copy of A Sand County Almanac, and I proceeded to highlight half the book--Aldo Leopold’s land ethic resonated with me. Inspired by Leopold’s legacy in my own backyard, I spent the next summer restoring oak savannah and learning about the concepts of restoration ecology he pioneered. Since that summer trudging through wet prairie grasses, getting tangled in patches of multiflora rose, I’ve lost a bit of environmental romanticism, but none of my passion. At MCEA, I strive to find creative ways to put my passion into action, working towards a future in which we see land as community to which we belong.’”

Abby holds a BS in Environmental Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Masters of Marine & Environmental Affairs from the University of Washington–Seattle. 

"Like a lot of Minnesotans, I feel a strong connection to lakes, my favorite being Lake Superior. I’ve lived on her shores for most of my adult life and have worked for environmental nonprofits since 2005, fueled by a desperate need to protect this amazing resource, this gift of 10% of the world’s freshwater, so massive, and yet so fragile. Working for MCEA doesn’t feel like a job: I simply share what I’m passionate about. I let folks who care about clean water, breathable air, and a livable world for the next generation know they can make a difference by supporting MCEA."

Carrie has a B.A in English from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and a Certificate in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Superior.

“Throughout the last couple of years, I have sought to express my passion and commitment to global health, environmental justice, and health justice. I have learned a lot about how dynamics in the world limit the full realization of health. I am interested in optimizing the leverage points to increase environmental and health equity in some of the most difficult places to sustain it. My purpose going forward is to continue to advocate, educate, and to build the next generation of health leaders from impacted communities.”

Mainhia joined MCEA as our 2021 Capitol Pathways Intern and is now MCEA's Healthy Communities Advocate. She graduated with a BS in Public Health: Public Policy and is currently in her last year of the Master of Public Health: Global Health program at St. Catherine University.

"Growing up in Minnesota, winter was my favorite season. But as I grew older, winters became shorter and snowfall became less. While others enjoyed this change, I knew that this was not normal. Since becoming aware of the climate crisis, I knew that I wanted to be part of positive change for both Minnesota and the world."

Hailey graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Mass Communications and a minor in Creative Writing from St. Cloud State University in 2021. In 2020, she served in the AmeriCorps as part of Minnesota’s Emergency Response Initiative. She has also completed marketing internships at numerous nonprofits including the YMCA, Bountifield International, and Catholic Charities.