U.S. Conservation

myrah rafi’ah beverly (who does not use capitalization in the spelling of her name) engages with local and Indigenous communities to protect natural and cultural resources within the United States’ public landscapes. She joined Pew as part of the RAY Fellowship Program, a two-year fellowship designed to cultivate leaders of color in conservation and clean energy. Before joining Pew, beverly was a research assistant for the Mekong Culture WELL Project, an interdisciplinary research and education effort that aims to better understand the effects of political volatility, development, and climate change on the Lower Mekong River Basin in Cambodia. beverly holds a bachelor’s degree in comparative cultures and politics from Michigan State University.

Jake Burns partners with local experts and on-the-ground organizers to provide advocacy, outreach, engagement, and strategic and communications support to projects across Pew’s environment portfolio at the state, federal, and international levels. Before joining Pew, Burns worked as an organizer and manager on political and advocacy campaigns nationwide, including in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, Illinois, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Georgia. Burns’ work has included historic electoral victories as well as coalition building and advocacy outreach campaigns related to investments in infrastructure and clean energy, the environment, equitable economic policies, and tax fairness. Burns holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Pittsburgh.

Blake Busse leads Pew’s work to improve the management of National Forest System lands to benefit wildlife and people. He collaborates with local stakeholders in planning efforts, as well as with U.S. Forest Service and Department of Agriculture leadership on national policy initiatives. Before joining Pew, Busse worked as an environmental planner and project manager for a consulting firm that specialized in assisting federal land management agencies in developing land management plans; conducted environmental analyses; and helped state and federal political campaigns with policy development. Busse earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and international affairs and a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado Boulder. Busse is based in Denver.

Nic Callero works with elected officials, agencies, Tribes, and other stakeholders throughout the Western United States to enact state and federal policies that connect wildlife habitat and protect biodiversity. Before joining Pew, Callero spent a decade as a sportsman organizer with the National Wildlife Federation and managed a variety of political and advocacy campaigns. Callero serves on multiple boards of directors of fish and wildlife conservation organizations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and sociology from the University of Oregon.

Brenda Campbell supports Pew’s work to conserve biodiversity and improve community and ecosystem resilience in the United States’ Pacific Northwest. She integrates social and natural science methodologies while taking into account Western and Indigenous worldviews. Campbell also has helped to advance Indigenous-led conservation, improve management of nearshore habitats, and conserve kelp forests and eelgrass meadows. Before joining Pew, she was an Arizona State University researcher and faculty associate focused on human-environment interactions, a Washington State Department of Natural Resources threatened and endangered species conservation planner, and a private land conservation specialist. Campbell holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning and policy from Western Washington University and a master’s degree in community resources and development from Arizona State University. She is based in Washington state.

Lora Clarke focuses on Pew’s efforts to improve adaptation and resilience of coastal ecosystems and human communities in the Southeast United States. Previously, Clarke worked to advance sustainable fishing policies in the U.S. south Atlantic. Before joining Pew, Clarke worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where she advised the administrator on climate issues and was involved with the Comparative Analysis of Marine Ecosystem Organization grant program and the National Ocean Policy. Clarke holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Christopher Newport University, a master’s in wildlife and fisheries conservation from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a doctorate in marine and atmospheric sciences from Stony Brook University. She is based in Charleston, South Carolina.

Jazmin Dagostino works to advance state and federal natural climate solutions. She focuses primarily on state efforts to incorporate coastal blue carbon and peatland management strategies into climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Before joining Pew, Dagostino coordinated Our Project in Hawaii’s Intertidal, a citizen science program dedicated to promoting stewardship through the intersection of science, community, and cultural knowledge. Earlier in her career, she worked on marine algal research and studied host-bacterial interactions in Hawaiian bobtail squid. Dagostino earned a bachelor’s degree in marine science from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Dagostino is based in Portland, Oregon.

Erin Denman provides internal coordination and cross-cutting collaboration for Pew’s United States conservation work. Previously, she supported members of Pew’s environment leadership, managed a team of administrative assistants, and worked on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Before coming to Pew, Denman worked as an administrator and office manager for LexisNexis Risk Solutions and was artistic director of Little Lifeboats, a nonprofit theater company in Minneapolis. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theater and English from the University of Minnesota and a master's in classical acting from The George Washington University.

Natasha Dulin manages executive level support and coordination services for Pew’s environment work. She also has provided support for other Pew programs including government performance and modernizing civil legal systems. Before coming to Pew, Dulin worked as an operations manager at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and as an executive assistant, specializing in commercial real estate projects that serve as catalysts for vibrant, inclusive neighborhood development. Dulin attended Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia.

Zack Greenberg leads Pew’s development and implementation of initiatives to build a stronger and more adaptable environment for people and nature in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast United States, and to foster conservation and economic opportunities for shellfish farming and restoration. Previously, his work focused on protecting valuable marine and nearshore habitats. Before joining Pew, Greenberg was a campaign manager with a national consulting firm, where he worked on federal, state, and local electoral races and on issues including the environment, energy, health care, and education. Greenberg holds a dual bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and history from Northeastern University and a master’s in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law School.

Justin Grubich leads Pew’s work to develop and implement science-based policy and management goals that promote resilience of coastal and freshwater habitats in the Southeast United States. Previously, Grubich led efforts to improve management of Florida forage fish and protect the Gulf of Mexico’s largest seagrass meadow. Before joining Pew, he was an assistant professor of marine biology at the American University in Cairo; an American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow; and a National Geographic explorer who led Nile and Amazon river documentary expeditions. Grubich holds two International Game Fish Association world records and earned a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of Miami and a doctorate in fish ecomorphology and biomechanics from Florida State University. He is based in Stuart, Florida.

Chad Hanson leads Pew’s work to develop and implement science-based conservation policies and plans in the Southeast United States. Previously, Hanson focused on conserving and restoring coastal habitat, including oyster reefs, along the Gulf of Mexico coast. He also led regional efforts to advance ecosystem-based fisheries management and protect deep-water corals. Before joining Pew, Hanson monitored fish populations and fishing activity for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, where he also served as a biologist and analyst. Hanson holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a master’s degree in biological oceanography from Florida State University. He is based near Tallahassee, Florida.

Bobby Hayden coordinates policy and outreach for Pew’s efforts to ensure clean water, abundant wildlife, and healthy working lands that support the many ways people see and live their lives on the United States’ West Coast, primarily in California. Before joining Pew, Hayden worked in community organizing, in communications, and on projects to identify and engage new audiences for climate and clean energy campaigns throughout the Northwest. He also worked at the Save Our Wild Salmon coalition, mobilizing support to restore the Columbia-Snake River Basin, which has some of the world’s best habitat for wild and steelhead salmon. Hayden holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Oregon. He is based in Portland, Oregon.

Kristiane Huber focuses on Pew’s efforts to improve state climate resilience planning and policy. She also manages the State Resilience Planning Group, a forum for collaboration among government officials involved in the development and implementation of resilience plans. Before joining Pew, Huber led the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions’ resilience program, supporting business and community collaboration on climate preparedness. She also consulted on flood risk management for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Huber holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and government from Connecticut College and a master’s degree in natural resources and environment from the University of Michigan.

Cameron Jaggard works to protect biodiversity, advance habitat connectivity, and improve adaptation and resilience of ecosystems and human communities in the United States’ Southeast coastal states. He previously led Pew’s efforts to protect the Gulf of Mexico’s largest seagrass meadow and advance ecosystem-based fishery management in the Atlantic and Gulf coast states. Before joining Pew, Jaggard focused on protecting and restoring marine species in California and was an environmental consultant responsible for natural resource permitting, wildlife relocations, and habitat monitoring projects in some of Florida’s east coast counties. Jaggard holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy from Rollins College. He is based in North Palm Beach, Florida.

Patrick Lane works with key stakeholders throughout the Western United States to protect and reconnect rivers and wetlands, conserve key wildlife migration routes, and preserve areas of critical importance to biodiversity. His background includes advocating for healthier school environments; consulting on energy for the U.S. government and with businesses on strategies to achieve their environmental, social, and governance goals; assisting local, state, and national electoral campaigns; and working at the U.S. Department of Energy. Lane is a volunteer firefighter and EMS first responder. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Fort Lewis College and a master’s degree in business administration from Georgetown University. Lane is based in Evergreen, Colorado.

Caitlin Lang develops and implements strategies for local campaigns. In this role, she works to generate advocacy, outreach, and engagement from community stakeholders in support of Pew’s environment portfolio. She also serves on Pew’s environmental justice working group. Before coming to Pew, she served as a campaign director and field operative for the National Environmental Trust. Her background ranges from working for a chamber of commerce and a downtown development association to running South Carolina’s Lowcountry Campaign for the Democratic Party. Lang holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Carolina.

Andy Maggi works to safeguard and reconnect freshwater systems and terrestrial landscapes in California. Before joining Pew, Maggi led the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council, coordinating restoration efforts to improve stream function and habitat. He served as executive director of the Nevada Conservation League, director of the Oregon chapter of the Sierra Club, and political director of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. Maggi holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental ethics and policy from the University of Portland. He is based in Portland, Oregon.

Alex Clayton Moya works to advance state and federal natural climate solutions. She focuses primarily on state efforts to incorporate coastal blue carbon and peatland management strategies into climate mitigation efforts. Before joining Pew, Moya worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on nonpoint source pollution and Columbia River salmon issues in the Pacific Northwest. Earlier in her career, she focused on international environmental policy and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal. Moya holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Bucknell University and master’s degrees in public policy and in natural resources and environment from the University of Michigan. 

Cathy Mull provides comprehensive administrative support to Pew’s United States’ Western region conservation staff. Before joining Pew, Mull worked as an executive assistant and office manager and in other support roles at organizations including an Oregon forensic epidemiology firm, a Washington state health care system, the San Diego Humane Society, and a Manhattan advertising firm. Mull, who speaks Spanish and Ukrainian in addition to English, holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Fordham University.

Nichele Carter-Peterson leads a team of administrative professionals in the environment portfolio and serves as a member of Pew’s environmental justice working group. Prior to coming to Pew, she directed the Peace and Conflict Transformation program at Anderson University, served as the pastor of an AME church in Fishers, Indiana where she advocated for the equitable and fair treatment of marginalized community members; and co-founded CPT, Inc., a strategy consulting firm in Maryland working to dismantle oppressive religious, organizational, and societal systems. Carter-Peterson holds a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree from Anderson University in Indiana and is pursuing a Ph.D. in sociology at Howard University.

Elizabeth Ruther works in Washington state and Oregon to protect lands and waters, advance freshwater connectivity, and promote climate-ready state and local policy and management. She also has worked to conserve coastal habitats, including estuaries and kelp forests, on the United States’ West Coast and helped lead efforts to elevate the importance of coastal habitats in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. Before coming to Pew, Ruther was state-federal relations coordinator for Oregon’s Coastal Management Program and an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist, and she worked in stream and wetlands restoration. Ruther holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and environmental studies from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in environmental science and policy from Northern Arizona University. She is based in Portland, Oregon.

Yasmin Vélez-Sánchez leads Pew’s work to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into conservation efforts in the United States to benefit people and nature. She also guides Pew’s work to build a culture of trust, transparency, collaboration, and inclusion in its environment work. Vélez-Sánchez has helped conserve U.S. Caribbean coastal and ocean resources and promoted sustainable fishing practices through ecosystem-based fisheries management. She is a trained facilitator of culture change, change management, and leadership models including adaptive leadership and participatory dialogue. Vélez-Sánchez holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s in public relations from the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in Puerto Rico. She is based in Fort Worth, Texas.

Carrie Sandstedt oversees development and implementation of initiatives to advance freshwater protection and connectivity and conserve areas of critical importance for biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in the Southeastern United States. Sandstedt previously led Pew’s campaigns to protect and reconnect rivers in the Western U.S. She also worked to designate wilderness and national monuments, initiated efforts to defend against environmental policy rollbacks, and conducted numerous trainings for grassroots advocates. Before coming to Pew, she led conservation, labor, and electoral campaigns throughout the Western U.S. Sandstedt holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is based in Durango, Colorado.