Sebastien Issa
Sebastien Issa is a technology strategist and nonprofit advisor with a background in engineering, business, and digital transformation. He holds an MBA from NYU Stern, where he specialized in technology and entrepreneurship, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Sebastien spent a decade at Accenture leading development and innovation initiatives for Fortune 500 clients, where he worked closely with executive teams to translate complex ideas into actionable strategies. Today, he brings that same structured, problem-solving approach to mission-driven organizations, supporting initiatives across fundraising, digital infrastructure, and strategic growth.
Sebastien’s interest in environmental work began in 11th grade, when he spent six months living and studying on a farm in Vermont at The Mountain School, an experience that grounded him in sustainability, land stewardship, and the importance of connecting people to the natural world. That early exposure continues to inform his work today, including his involvement with nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, education, and public engagement. He is particularly interested in projects that blend environmental impact with innovative experiences, helping organizations build awareness, inspire action, and create lasting connections between people and place.
Douglas Borge
Douglas Borge is a nonprofit leader and operations strategist focused on building mission-driven organizations that create measurable community impact. With a background spanning executive leadership, grant development, partnerships, 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 for building strong relationships that help organizations grow in thoughtful, sustainable ways.
Currently serving as Farm Administration Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Douglas oversees operations, programming, and partnerships at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center. His work centers on expanding public access to educational programming, strengthening agricultural initiatives, and connecting institutions more deeply to the communities they serve. Outside of his professional work, Douglas is also an Ironman athlete, reflecting the same discipline, endurance, and commitment that define his leadership approach.
Brittany Champey
Brittany Champey, MS, is a Senior Project Manager at Spadefoot Design and Construction, where she manages the design and installation of ecological restoration projects across Long Island, including throughout the Long Island Sound watershed. Her work focuses on stormwater management, soil stabilization, and habitat restoration using native plant communities to improve water quality and strengthen ecological resilience.
With a background in conservation biology, Brittany moved into landscape restoration as a natural extension of her academic training and interest in land stewardship. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she discovered permaculture, which helped bridge conservation theory with hands-on restoration work. She began her field-based career at Dropseed Native Landscapes, designing and installing native gardens and managing invasive species, before joining Spadefoot Design and Construction. Since spring 2023, she has served as Senior Project Manager, overseeing projects such as native habitat restorations, bioswales and rain gardens, and other nature-based stormwater installations from early planning through installation and establishment.
Brittany holds a Master of Science in Conservation Medicine from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with Honors, from Ithaca College.
Jaime Franchi
Jaime Franchi, Director of Communications and Government Relations, Long Island Contractors’ Association:
“Protecting Long Island’s environment and infrastructure is deeply connected. The work of the Long Island Conservancy matters because our water, shorelines, and natural resources are part of what makes this region home.
In my professional life, I work closely with the construction and infrastructure industry, and I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. Serving with the Long Island Conservancy allows me to stay connected to that mission and support efforts that preserve the landscapes and waterways that define this region.
Being part of this organization is one way I can help contribute to the balance between environmental preservation and thoughtful construction for Long Island’s future.”
Jim Quent
Jim Quent is a Partner at Statewide Public Affairs with more than 30 years of experience navigating the mechanics of state and local government. His expertise spans legislative and regulatory processes, procurement, public policy, communications, and political strategy. Jim represents a diverse portfolio of clients, including Resource Environmental Solutions, Lifecycle Renewables, and Generate Capital, with a particular focus on sustainability and environmental initiatives. Other clients include Coalition for the Homeless, Home Depot, IBM, Starbucks, and TikTok, just to name a few.
As a passionate supporter of civic engagement, Jim has volunteered with multiple organizations to encourage young professionals to get involved in advocacy. Jim serves on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross on Long Island, and is an active member of the Red Cross of Long Island Disaster Action Team, assisting communities impacted by fires, storms, and flooding.
Originally from Queens, Jim spent 15 years working in Albany before settling on Long Island. He currently resides in Copiague with his fiancée, Jaime Franchi, of the Long Island Contractors Association, who is also a member of the Long Island Conservancy Advisory Board.
Kara Jackson
Kara Jackson has more than 25 years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. She helps mission‑driven organizations elevate their visibility, deepen trust, and inspire meaningful support. Kara recently served as Associate Director of Donor Communications & Engagement for The Nature Conservancy in New York, connecting diverse audiences to conservation priorities. Previously, she led communications for The Nature Conservancy’s Long Island Chapter, and held media and public relations roles at National Audubon Society. A lifelong nature enthusiast, Kara spends her free time birding and exploring the outdoors through photography. She holds degrees from Villanova University and New York University.
Natalie Ryan
“Joining the advisory board of the Long Island Conservancy is meaningful to me because Long Island is home to extraordinary natural landscapes that deserve to be protected and preserved. Our beaches, wetlands, forests, and open spaces are part of what makes this region so special.
Supporting conservation efforts ensures these places remain healthy and accessible for future generations. I believe protecting these environments also gives people the chance to reconnect with nature in their everyday lives.
Helping preserve these spaces means protecting not just the land itself, but the sense of peace, discovery, and community they create for all of us.”
Marie Neilon
Marie currently chairs the Long Island Conservancy’s Advisory Board, drawing on her experience as a community organizer and advocate. With a background in corporate recruiting and sales operations, she also serves as Operations Manager at Spadefoot Design & Construction.
She remains active in several civic and community organizations, including the Huntington Town Democratic Committee and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Long Island Clean Energy Hub, and she is also a public school advocate with the Long Island Strong Schools Alliance PAC.
Marie is excited to build a movement of native plant educators, advocates, and enthusiasts and to preserve and restore open space with the Long Island Conservancy. She lives in Huntington with her blended family, three teenagers, mini-Goldendoodle, and her native plant gardens.
“Native plant gardeners are the voice of the voiceless. It’s up to us to reverse the mass extinction event we’re living through by transcending traditional gardening methods and planting for wildlife.”
Bridget Levin
Bridget Levin values the importance of conserving vital and connected lands. Her leadership experience on boards such as the Minnesota Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Wild Rivers Conservancy, University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum,
Climate Generation and other conservation organizations combined with a career in strategic marketing allow her to channel her energy and expertise into advancing the collective and durable stewardship of the brand and the mission.
Michael Flynn
Michael Flynn is a founding partner of Bergstein Flynn Knowlton & Pollina PLLC, a Manhattan-based law firm, where he chairs the real estate department. He brings extensive experience in transactional real estate, with a focus on commercial leasing and investment sales representing landlords and tenants across the New York City metropolitan area and nationwide.
Mike began his career at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, where he worked on sophisticated commercial and residential real estate transactions in New York City and on Long Island. He has since expanded his practice to include government affairs work for clients in the energy and environmental sectors, helping them navigate Long Island’s regulatory and political landscape. He also serves as broker of record for Flynn Realty Group, a family-owned brokerage. In January 2026, Mike was appointed to the Board of Directors of EAC Network.
Mike holds a J.D., cum laude, from Fordham University School of Law and a B.A., summa cum laude, from Fordham University. He is a member of the New York State and Nassau County Bar Associations and is active in several Long Island business and real estate organizations. He lives in North Bellmore with his wife and two children.
Amanda Abraham
With over 20 years of experience in fundraising, Amanda Abraham brings a deep passion and proven results to the missions of arts, education, and land conservation organizations. She builds authentic donor relationships that drive impact and has secured multimillion-dollar gifts, led high-performing teams, and executed successful fundraising strategies across direct mail, social media, and major/planned giving.
Most recently, Amanda served as Associate Director of Development at The Nature Conservancy, concentrating fundraising on the East End—cultivating regional donor relationships, stewarding major and planned gifts, and advancing conservation priorities through targeted engagement strategies. Prior to that, she was Director of Development at the Peconic Land Trust, where she led a multi-channel fundraising program engaging 5,000+ donors annually. She managed a robust portfolio of major and planned gift donors, mentored a strong development team, and oversaw a critical database transition—her third such project. Her data-informed, strategic approach consistently improved donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.
Amanda has also held leadership roles at Stony Brook University & Medicine, East End Arts, the Parrish Art Museum, and the Fayetteville Museum of Art. She has launched innovative campaigns, grown revenue through digital and direct mail, and expanded membership and corporate giving programs.
Amanda holds a B.A. in Classics from Connecticut College and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. She’s a regular speaker at conferences like the National Land Conservation Conference and AFP Long Island Philanthropy Day, sharing her insights on sustainable fundraising and small-shop development.
Outside of work, Amanda has served on the Board of Peconic Community School and volunteers as a fundraising and event consultant. A proud Long Island native, she lives on the north shore in Baiting Hollow, NY, with her husband and two children. She enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and exploring the East End’s natural beauty, especially its beaches.
Ethan Tolpin
