Ed Potosnak, Executive Director

Ed Potosnak

As the Executive Director of New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, Ed Potosnak ensures the organizations are well staffed, resourced, and focused on advancing our mission to hold elected officials accountable to protect and preserve New Jersey natural resources.  Building on his experience on Capitol Hill, he applies his environmental, public policy, and government affairs expertise to advancing bold pro-conservation protections in New Jersey by passing laws and regulations to protect our environment.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Ed grew up fishing, swimming and boating in the waters of the Garden State. As a young man, Ed worked alongside his brothers in his parents’ small business manufacturing life-saving communication devices for first responders.

After a decade in the classroom teaching Chemistry, Ed sought out an opportunity to improve education and environmental policy and was awarded a highly competitive Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship to serve on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, where he crafted policies designed to improve our nation’s health and competitiveness. Ed is the Chair of the New Jersey Keep it Green Coalition and New Jersey State Lead for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. He is also a member of the Rutgers Glee Club Alumni Advisory Committee, the Board of Sustainable Jersey, and serves as a local elected official, Councilmember in Franklin Township in Somerset County where he was formerly Franklin Township Board of Education President. Outside of work, Ed enjoys the outdoors and applying his chemistry background to hobbies like soap making.

Ed came to New Jersey League of Conservation Voters because he believes that a healthy environment is essential to all of us. Humans can’t live without clean air to breathe or clean water to drink and he can’t think of a more important way to spend his time than protecting our environment.  A healthy environment means we can enjoy life, learn, love, and invent. His favorite part of the job is connecting with the public to guide New Jersey LCV’s work and helping New Jersey families and businesses understand critical environmental issues. In doing this, he hopes to instill the importance of protecting our state’s clean air and water and safeguarding our open space in the minds of every New Jerseyan, both present and future.
 

Laurie E. McLeod, Chief Operating Officer

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As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Chief Operating Officer, Laurie McLeod oversees continued development of New Jersey LCV’s budgetary and financial systems, and manages and directs human resources and operations to support and sustain New Jersey LCV’s growth plans.

Growing up, Laurie lived in several states across the U.S. and in Europe where her father was assigned as a Captain in the Air Force. She attended Boston College, where she received a B.A. in human development and an M.B.A. in marketing and organizational behavior.

Laurie brings more than 25 years of extensive experience in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. She began her career in the insurance and financial fields, then transitioned into entertainment as AVP of Administration at Radio City Music Hall. Subsequently she spent six years as Director of Finance and HR for national consulting firm, Spectrem Group.

Most recently, Laurie served as Director of Finance & Administration at Physicians for Human Rights and prior to that, as Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer at the International Center of Photography in New York, where she oversaw financial and organizational infrastructures and support for both. Laurie initially entered the nonprofit arena at Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region in Philadelphia where, as Chief Operating Officer, she spent 13 years helping grow the small merged agency into one that ultimately served 7,000 children and mentors annually. 

Outside of work, she can usually be found spending time with her extended family in Monmouth County. She is thrilled to now be working at an organization that fights for the environmental well-being of her home state.

Erika Attanasio, Executive Assistant

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As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Executive Assistant, Erika Attanasio helps manage the daily schedule of the Executive Director and serves as liaison between the ED and the other members of the organization.

Erika graduated from Stockton University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science.  She started her career as a Lab Technician at EMSL Analytical.  For the past 9 years, she has served as the Executive Assistant for the Burlington County Bar Association.

Erika joined New Jersey LCV to combine her passion for the environment with her skills as an Executive Assistant. She is excited to be more involved in environmental conservation and help make NJ greener for all residents.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and doing crafts.
 

Kathryn Fisher, Campaigns Organizer

Kathryn Fisher

Kathryn Fisher is a Campaigns Organizer with New Jersey LCV. Within this role, she is responsible for leading, organizing, and growing New Jersey LCV's various campaigns and volunteer initiatives. Kathryn also collaborates with fellow organizers to plan outreach and volunteer engagement events. 

She was raised in New Jersey and graduated from Green Mountain College with a degree in environmental studies and English. She started organizing during the 2018 midterms after completing a fellowship on Representative Andy Kim’s campaign, and has since worked on three other congressional and presidential primary campaigns. Before working in politics, she worked as a tour manager and merchandise manager in the music industry across North America and Europe.

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Kathryn is passionate about sustainable development and addressing the challenges around climate change. 

Outside of the office, she can be found reading, traveling, and hiking.

Jen Giovanniello, Development Assistant

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As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Development Assistant, Jen Giovaniello helps manage digital and direct mail fundraising appeals, and cultivates New Jersey LCV’s network of donors. She also is involved in grant applications and a wide range of other development and fundraising activity for the organization.


Jen graduated from Lafayette College with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and English. During her time at Lafayette, Jen worked on a number of environmental initiatives such as interning for her school’s Office of Sustainability, serving as president of the Lafayette Food and Farm Co-Operative, and working on an initiative to address food insecurity in her college town.


After graduation, Jen served as an Americorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) for the Pittsburgh Food Policy Council, where she worked on a campaign to pass a values-based institutional food purchasing policy in Pittsburgh schools and assisted with grants.

Jen is thankful to be working in the environmental conservation space in New Jersey, and is especially passionate about helping the organization secure the funding that keeps them going in their mission to be New Jersey’s voice for the environment.

Outside of the office, Jen can be found gardening, reading, or hiking.

 

Rebecca Hilbert, Senior Policy Manager

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As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Senior Policy Manager, Rebecca Hilbert helps the organization push its legislative and executive goals forward, and develop and maintain relationships as the environmental convenor in New Jersey. She is responsible for managing New Jersey LCV’s Environmental Scorecard program, which helps to hold elected leaders accountable, as well as the endorsement and election programs.

Growing up in Pennsauken, an urban area right across the bridge from Philadelphia, Rebecca wasn’t exposed to how important the environment was until she went away to a school right in the middle of the Pinelands. At Stockton University, she earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, and being a part of the school’s Model United Nations conference in the Galapagos Islands cemented the idea that environmental policy was where she wanted to pursue a career.

After graduating, Rebecca spent a year gaining experience through various positions, first with the Fairfax County Park Authority working with their Natural Resource Department. Soon after, she was fortunate enough to work with two fantastic nonprofits. One was with the Pinelands Preservation Alliance coordinating their coastal restoration project along the Jersey Shore, and the second at Cooper’s Ferry Partnership working on projects to improve the City of Camden. Rebecca hopes to continue exploring ways to protect and improve the environment in New Jersey.

Rebecca joined New Jersey LCV because of the respect its work has garnered over the years, and appreciates working for an organization with an honest and transparent environmental mission. She is passionate about collaborating with a wide range of talented team members and partners on initiatives that benefit everyone who calls New Jersey home.
 

Jason Krane, Senior Director of Development

Jason Krane

As the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Senior Development Director, Jason Krane is responsible for both the individual and corporate donor programs, including the Sustainable Business Roundtable. He manages New Jersey LCV’s grant program, as well as all PAC fundraising activities. Jason also oversees all of the organization’s fundraising events, including the New Jersey LCV Annual Gala and the League of Municipalities Reception.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Hartford, and a Masters of Public Administration in nonprofit administration from Seton Hall University, Jason worked for a few small nonprofits before spending nearly a decade within the Jewish Federation umbrella on the Financial Resource Development teams.   

A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Jason and his wife and son currently live in East Windsor, NJ. Jason serves as a Board Trustee of the JCC of Princeton Mercer Bucks. When not working or volunteering, Jason can be found playing or walking outdoors on a local trail with his dog, Kinglsey, or watching a New York Met or New York Jet game.

Jason was drawn to New Jersey LCV because he believed in its mission to endorse and elect environmental champions, and the benefit this work brought. He cherishes the opportunity to work in the political space, and is passionate about helping to preserve our planet for future generations, and enjoys the work he does to help sustain the organization and its mission through fundraising.

Allison McLeod, Public Policy Director

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As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Public Policy Director, Allison McLeod directs the organization’s lobbying efforts and campaign plans and works to build relationships with legislative and administrative officials. She also plays a lead role in managing the organization's programs and coalitions.

Allison is a lifelong resident of the Garden State. After getting her bachelor's degree in marine science and psychology from the University of San Diego, Allison began work offshore in the Gulf of Mexico as a Marine Mammal Observer. She then joined the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Government Relations, where she worked for several years assisting New Jersey's diverse range of municipalities with their environmental concerns. Most recently, she served as Director of Personnel and Strategic Operations in local government. Allison is a member of the Aberdeen Township Zoning Board and serves as an elected County Committeewoman. 

Allison decided to work in the field of marine science and conservation after reading an article in her sixth grade class. Since then, her love and appreciation for our resources has only grown, as has her determination to protect them for future generations. She is thrilled to be part of the important work New Jersey LCV is doing in climate, clean air, clean water, and environmental justice.

When she is not working, Allison can be found reading, exploring local coffee shops, and hiking with her dog.

Hillary Mohaupt, Director of Inclusion

Hillary Mohaupt

As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters and Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania Social Media and Inclusion Director, Hillary Mohaupt oversees all organization social media accounts and campaigns, including joint projects and campaigns with partners. This involves crafting posts, creating graphics, coordinating Instagram Lives and other special social media projects, and working with all staff to ensure that organizational priorities are reflected on New Jersey LCV social media channels. She also manages all of the organization’s internal equity and inclusion work to ensure that New Jersey LCV continues the ongoing work to incorporate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice principles across our work. This includes overseeing our Justice and Equity committee and coordinating opportunities for staff to explore DEIJ topics.

Coming from a family of environmentalists, Hillary has spent over a decade helping small non-profit and cultural organizations tell their stories in print and online. Originally from the Midwest, she enjoys exploring natural wonders across the U.S. Hillary studied public history and the French resistance at Macalester College and the University of Delaware, and she holds an MFA in fiction from Pacific University in Oregon.

Hillary came to New Jersey LCV because she saw the importance of creating policies and laws that bring about a cleaner, greener, fairer world for everyone, and holding our elected officials accountable for creating and enforcing those laws. She sees her work as an opportunity to learn about and collaborate with everyone at New Jersey LCV, and to create opportunities to try new things and grow together.

Isabel Molina, Environmental Justice Policy Associate

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As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Environmental Justice Policy Associate, Isabel Molina is responsible for building relationships with partners through coalition work, event planning and execution, and discussion of administrative programs, budgets, federal and state funding, and pending state legislation. She has been focused on working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Board of Public Utilities to revise rule making, such as the Environmental Justice Rule Proposal or cumulative impacts law. She also works to ensure that equity is infused into all of the organization’s activity, both internally and externally.


Growing up in northern New Jersey, Isabel had the privilege of access to green spaces, from the forest behind her elementary school to Ramapo State Park, which developed her love for the outdoors. As an avid environmentalist from a young age, Isabel sought to engage with environmental issues through high school clubs and volunteer work. 


Isabel graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, a minor in ecological agriculture and a concentration in ecological design. During her time there, sustainability and equity became central to how she pursued environmental work. Post-graduation, Isabel worked for a start up that created indoor agriculture devices to make growing and consuming fresh produce more accessible. She moved on as a recycling & waste educator in Massachusetts, partnering with local organizations to engage the culturally & linguistically diverse community on key issues and working to make local government more visible in the community.

 

In her free time, Isabel enjoys cooking, baking, visiting museums, hiking, and making art. 


Isabel is passionate about helping those who have historically been at a disadvantage by combating the most pressing environmental justice issues in the Garden State. She hopes that her work at New Jersey LCV will contribute to a more equitable and greener future for all New Jerseyans.

 

Michelle Peal, Director of Communications

Michelle Peal

As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Director of Communications, Michelle Peal is responsible for creating and implementing media strategies, increasing the media presence of New Jersey LCV statewide, writing key messages, and serving as an internal expert on communications content.

Michelle has worked for various corporations and non-profit organizations. Prior to joining New Jersey LCV she worked as an Outreach and Advocacy Consultant at Educational Testing Service. She previously worked at the New Jersey State Legislature, as the Deputy Director of Communications, responsible for media relations for state senators, and at Bloomberg News where she managed a global team of news producers. Michelle began her career in Indiana as a radio and television news reporter.

Michelle joined New Jersey LCV because of her concerns about the harmful effects of climate change. She wanted to use her communications skills to spread the word that we all must be involved in stopping this global catastrophe.  She is also proud of the work New Jersey LCV is doing to address environmental racism.

A firm believer in the adage “to whom much is given, much is required,” Michelle has dedicated her life to volunteerism. She is a member of several community organizations and is Vice Chair of the Trenton Public Education. 

Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Indiana University and a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Northwestern University.
 

Cassiel Ramirez, Digital Communications Coordinator

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As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Digital Communications Coordinator, Cassiel Ramirez is responsible for drafting, designing, and developing compelling social media and digital content to engage New Jersey LCV’s activist base. In this position, Cassiel is also responsible for working with teams across the organization to amplify important activities, events, and organizational goals. 

Growing up in the urban city of Elizabeth, Cassiel faced several environmental justice challenges, including noise pollution, higher temperatures due to the area being an urban heat island, and extreme flooding due to a lack of stormwater management. These experiences inspired Cassiel to invoke change. 

Cassiel attended Rutgers University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental policy. While earning her degree, she also interned and worked with several environmental organizations. Cassiel served as a Green Team Member with GroundWork Elizabeth, an organization that educates people on and addresses quality of life issues brought on by environmental injustice. She also acted as a Community Outreach Intern with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and, most recently, worked with New Jersey LCV as the previous Fundraising and Events intern. 

For Cassiel, New Jersey LCV is a part of her journey toward becoming a well-rounded environmentalist, which began with her working outdoors on restoration projects and led to her becoming a part of the statewide political voice for the environment. 

In her free time, Cassiel enjoys PC gaming, journaling, and eating desserts. 

Anthony Taddeo, Campaigns Organizer

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Anthony Taddeo is a Campaigns Organizer with New Jersey LCV. Within this role he works with the Offshore Wind and Community Solar campaigns while collaborating with other campaign organizers to plan outreach and activist events.  

He grew up on the Raritan Bayshore living in Hazlet. His childhood was spent on the water either kayaking the creek, fishing on his family's boat, or crabbing at the local marina. From 2014- 2021 Anthony worked summers at Keansburg Amusement Park like most teenagers on the bay shore. He attended Susquehanna University and graduated with a BA in Political Science. While attending Susquehanna University, Anthony studied abroad in the Galapagos for three weeks. On this trip he worked with their conservation program and helped with their tortoise population where he had the opportunity to weigh and measure the tortoises. After graduation he worked on Josh Gottheimer’s congressional campaign as a field organizer.       

Anthony chose New Jersey LCV because he is passionate about a greener future for New Jersey. He looks forward to helping New Jersey reach its goal of getting to 100% renewable energy. 

In his free time you can find him at the beach, hiking, or having a slice of pizza.  

James L. Thompson, Campaigns Director

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As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Campaigns Director, James L. Thompson is responsible for coordinating the organization’s activist program, campaigns team and partner organizations to support policy and legislative initiatives. 

Raised in southern New Jersey, James first became involved with community and civic engagement at a young age. He began his strategic campaigning and organizing career at Pennsylvania ACORN as the Political Field Director leading and overseeing the statewide effort to register new voters as well as working as the Legislative Director for Philadelphia ACORN.  From there James moved to the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey where he was a field organizer working with community development corporations and non-profit affordable housing developers to tackle the barriers to affordable housing for low and moderate income families.  

Later in his career he led union organizing campaigns for the Service Employees International Union as Senior Organizer working with part-time and adjunct faculty members at colleges and universities.  From that point, James worked at Free Press New Jersey where he coordinated the efforts working with volunteers, activists, and coalition partners to establish the Civic Information Consortium, a public charity passed by the New Jersey Legislature and signed into law in 2018 dedicated to providing funding for local news initiatives to better inform communities about news, information, and civic activities to foster a stronger democracy.

In his spare time, James enjoys working out, spending time with his family, and gardening. He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.

James joined the team at New Jersey LCV because he saw it as an opportunity to focus on addressing the challenges we face around climate change, transitioning to renewable energy, and environmental justice. He looks forward to working with the organizing team, activists, and partners to make sure the organization continues to work with lawmakers and communities to tackle issues affecting drinking water, open space, and clean air.

 

Sunni Vargas, Offshore Wind Campaigns Organizer

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As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Campaigns Organizer, Sunni Vargas, is responsible for leading, organizing and growing New Jersey LCV’s offshore wind and Activist Leads campaigns. She also works to collaborate with other staff organizers and allies to plan education, advocacy, and outreach events within the organization. Sunni also has assumed a significant role in New Jersey LCV’s growing volunteer initiative, working to recruit, train, and manage volunteers for effective collective action. 

Coming from a long line of New Jerseyans, Sunni was born in Rahway, New Jersey and lived in Essex County until her early adolescence, when her family moved to Forked River in Ocean County. Sunni is also the oldest of three siblings, and is proud of her Puerto Rican and Italian heritage. She credits her move from the city to living between the Pine Barrens and the Jersey Shore, as well as near the Oyster Creek power plant, for instilling in her a passion for environmental protection. 

Sunni attended Monmouth University as a first generation college student, where she received a bachelor’s in political science with a concentration in international relations and also got involved with the university’s policy debate team and completed an independent study on Palestinian-Israeli multi-state sustainable and equitable policy solutions. A Washington Center alumna, Sunni is passionate about policy research and analysis, democracy, social justice, grassroots organizing, and has worked in a number of campaigns doing organizing and advocacy. 

Sunni is very involved as an elected Democratic County Committeewoman and is a member in her local democratic organizations. In her free time she enjoys reading books, gardening with her mother, listening to podcasts, sitting on the beach, and walking her dog. 

Sunni joined New Jersey LCV because she was eager to be a part of a growing organization with a welcoming culture, and hopes to contribute a unique perspective with her background in political science and international relations. She is passionate about helping others understand the intricacies of offshore wind power, green energy and environmental policy, and helping to get more people involved in the fight against climate change. She hopes to help build community power, and is dedicated to an agenda of expanding environmental justice in all spaces.

Indigo Williams, Operations Associate

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As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Operations Associate, Indigo Williams manages the organization’s human resource practices which include equitable recruitment and policies. She also handles any administrative needs as well as coordinates internal trainings and meetings that are essential to the organization’s strategic goals. 

Indigo received her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a marketing concentration from Montclair State University. She has always been passionate about racial justice and equity in our communities and wants to put an end to environmental racism.

Over the past few years, Indigo has been helping build bridges in her community through local organizations in her county. As an adventurer and self-care advocate, Indigo enjoys hiking in national and state parks, traveling, reading, and playing musical instruments.

Indigo was drawn to New Jersey LCV because of its commitment to environmental justice and its commitment to educating communities about New Jersey’s environmental issues. She appreciates the opportunity to work internally with the organization and is excited to see all the ways the organization will grow. 

Kristin Zilcosky, Senior Director of Digital Engagement

Kristin Zilcosky

As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ and Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania’s Senior Director of Digital Engagement, Kristin Zilcosky spearheads the Delaware River Watershed Capacity Building and Mobilization program, which cultivates leaders to advocate for watershed protection and helps to build local watershed partners' ability to effectively communicate and advocate for critical watershed protections. She also oversees the organization’s digital team, which works to grow and engage online followers in support of New Jersey LCV’s organizational political and policy priorities. 

In her work with the Delaware River Watershed program, Kristin is building a digital “megaphone,” a list of 80,000 email activists who will be educated and mobilized, to support the work of the Watershed partner organizations. Before launching this project, Kristin served as the Digital Director for NARAL Pro-Choice America in Washington, DC. Kristin joined NARAL Pro-Choice America in 1999 and led the organization’s online campaigns, including email marketing, mobile advocacy, and social media. Before joining the world of progressive politics, Kristin did historical research. Kristin hails from upstate New York and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity College in Hartford, CT with a degree in American studies. 

After two decades working with the pro-choice movement in Washington, Kristin knew that she had a passion for digital advocacy for a cause, and joined New Jersey LCV. Now a mother of two, she is passionate about ensuring clean water for all and combating the climate crisis, so that her children and all of New Jersey’s children have a brighter future and a greener world to look forward to.