Sebastien Issa
Technology strategist and nonprofit advisor with an MBA from NYU Stern and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, Sebastien spent a decade at Accenture leading innovation initiatives for Fortune 500 clients. He now applies that structured, problem-solving approach to mission-driven organizations, supporting fundraising, digital infrastructure, and strategic growth. His commitment to environmental work traces back to a formative semester at The Mountain School in Vermont, where he developed a lasting connection to land stewardship and sustainability.
Douglas Borge
Farm Administration Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Douglas oversees operations, programming, and partnerships at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center. With a background spanning executive leadership, grant development, and program design, he has helped advance educational, environmental, and community-based initiatives across Long Island. He is known for a hands-on leadership style that blends strategic thinking with practical execution — and outside of his professional work, he is an accomplished Ironman athlete.
Brittany Champey
Senior Project Manager at Spadefoot Design and Construction, Brittany manages ecological restoration projects across Long Island, including throughout the Long Island Sound watershed, with a focus on stormwater management, soil stabilization, and native plant habitat restoration. She holds an M.S. in Conservation Medicine from Tufts University and a B.S. in Biology from Ithaca College, and began her field-based career at Dropseed Native Landscapes. Since joining Spadefoot in 2023, she has overseen projects ranging from bioswales and rain gardens to large-scale native habitat restorations.
Jaime Franchi
Director of Communications and Government Relations at the Long Island Contractors’ Association, Jaime brings a professional perspective on the intersection of thoughtful development and environmental stewardship. She has seen firsthand how the construction and infrastructure industries and conservation efforts can work in concert to protect the region’s water, shorelines, and natural resources. Jaime is committed to supporting the balance between environmental preservation and responsible development that will define Long Island’s future.
Jim Quent
Partner at Statewide Public Affairs, Jim brings more than 30 years of experience in state and local government, with expertise spanning legislative and regulatory processes, public policy, communications, and political strategy. He represents clients with a particular focus on sustainability and environmental initiatives, and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross on Long Island, where he also volunteers with the Disaster Action Team. Originally from Queens, Jim spent 15 years working in Albany before settling in Copiague, Long Island.
Kara Jackson
With more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, and stakeholder engagement, Kara helps mission-driven organizations elevate their visibility, deepen trust, and inspire meaningful support. She previously served as Associate Director of Donor Communications & Engagement for The Nature Conservancy in New York, led communications for TNC’s Long Island Chapter, and held media and public relations roles at the National Audubon Society. A lifelong nature enthusiast, Kara holds degrees from Villanova University and New York University and spends her free time birding and exploring the outdoors through photography.
Natalie Ryan
Government Relations and Government Affairs Manager, Natalie brings a strong commitment to protecting the natural landscapes that define Long Island — its beaches, wetlands, forests, and open spaces. She believes that conservation efforts ensure these places remain healthy and accessible for future generations, while giving people meaningful opportunities to reconnect with nature in their everyday lives. Natalie is dedicated to preserving not just the land itself, but the sense of peace, discovery, and community it creates for all of us.
Marie Neilon
(Advisory Board Chair)Community organizer, advocate, and Operations Manager at Spadefoot Design & Construction, Marie brings hands-on civic leadership to her role as chair of LIC’s Advisory Board. She is active in the Huntington Town Democratic Committee, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Long Island Clean Energy Hub, and the Long Island Strong Schools Alliance PAC. A passionate native plant gardener, Marie lives in Huntington and is excited to build a movement of native plant educators and advocates to preserve and restore open space across Long Island.
Bridget Levin
A seasoned conservation leader with board experience at the Minnesota Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Wild Rivers Conservancy, the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Climate Generation, Bridget combines deep institutional knowledge with a career in strategic marketing. She is committed to the durable, collective stewardship of both the land and the mission, channeling her expertise to advance LIC’s brand and long-term impact. Her cross-sector perspective strengthens LIC’s capacity to grow thoughtfully and communicate its work with clarity and purpose.
Michael Flynn
Founding partner of Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, Mike chairs the firm’s real estate department and brings extensive experience in commercial leasing, investment sales, and government affairs for clients in the energy and environmental sectors. He began his career at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP and also serves as broker of record for Flynn Realty Group. Mike holds a J.D., cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Fordham University, and was appointed to the Board of Directors of EAC Network in January 2026.
Amanda Abraham
With more than 20 years of experience in fundraising for arts, education, and land conservation organizations, Amanda has secured multimillion-dollar gifts, led high-performing development teams, and executed successful fundraising strategies across major giving, planned giving, and digital channels. She most recently served as Associate Director of Development at The Nature Conservancy and previously as Director of Development at the Peconic Land Trust, where she managed a program engaging more than 5,000 donors annually. Amanda holds a B.A. in Classics from Connecticut College and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University, and is a regular speaker at the National Land Conservation Conference and AFP Long Island Philanthropy Day.
Sara Gayer
Environmental consultant and nonprofit advisor, Sara brings a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by a B.A. in Psychology, cross-sector experience, and a deep commitment to natural wellness. Her work is grounded in the belief that environmental stewardship and human well-being are inseparable — that long-term health and community vitality depend on the integrity of the natural systems around us. She is especially passionate about advancing conservation models that strengthen ecological resilience and support healthier, more sustainable communities.
Ethan Tolpin
