Chapter and Group Executive Committee Elections

VOTE NOW!

Thank you for participating in our Executive Committee (ExCom) elections! The voting deadline is Dec. 6, 2024. Before voting, be sure to read the candidates' statements and the ballot instructions below

Candidate Statements

Please read the statements of candidates for the Executive Committees of the Maryland Chapter and your local Group by clicking the relevant links below. (Note that the candidates are listed in randomized order. The statements are also available as a PDF.)

Candidates were asked to address three questions: 1) What would you like to accomplish as an ExCom member? 2) What skills, experience and/or new ideas will you bring to the ExCom? 3) How will your role on the ExCom reflect diversity? (Diversity can include ethnicity, age, regions within Maryland, affiliations with underrepresented groups, etc.)

All members can vote for Maryland Chapter at-large ExCom candidates:

Additionally, members can vote for Group ExCom candidates representing their respective Group. The number of open seats up for election is noted for each Group.

The Ballot

  1. If you have a Sierra Club account, log in to your account using the "Vote Now" button below. This should take you directly to the voter portal. Go to Step 4 below.
  2. If you do not yet have a Sierra Club account, click this "Create your account" link and follow the instructions. You will need your membership number.  This guide can help if you have trouble.
  3. Once you have logged into your new account, click on a button at the top of the dashboard called “Vote in your local Chapter/Group election” or on "Sierra Club Elections Portal".
  4. Next, click on the orange vote button for the Maryland Chapter's ExCom election, and complete the ballot.
  5. Important: If you are a member of a local Group, please be sure to vote in their ExCom election as well by clicking the orange button for their election after you submit the Chapter ballot.
  6. If you have any trouble, here is a more detailed walkthrough that can help you. Alternatively, you can print and mail your ballot.
VOTE NOW!

The voting period runs from November 1 to December 6, 2024.

  • If you are in a joint membership, both members are entitled to vote; please submit separate electronic ballots for each member of the joint membership, using the same membership ID number.
  • To be eligible to vote in the elections, your Sierra Club membership must have been active approximately 1 week before the election's start date.
  • If you have any questions or technical difficulties with your electronic ballot, please contact ElecCom@mdsierra.org.

Candidate Statements

(Note that candidates' photos are not included this year, as it would have been challenging to comply with the Sierra Club's image use policies. We apologize to voters who find the photos helpful, and we plan to explore this issue further next year.)

Maryland Chapter ExCom Candidates

(Vote for up to 3)

Randy Lyon

I first became a Sierra Club member as a student years ago. More recently, I have served as the Chapter Legislative Chair, Treasurer, and Vice Chair, and on the Montgomery Group ExCom. Throughout this time, I have participated in many meaningful policy, electoral, and Chapter development efforts, and outings. These experiences have given me a sense of our great opportunities and people.

My professional background (federal, academic, and NGO) is also in the areas of environmental economics and financial management. If elected to the ExCom, I would like to continue that dual focus on environmental policy development and implementation and on our Chapter’s organizational development.

As Legislative Chair I have worked with our Issue Teams, other volunteers, and staff to develop and advocate our policy positions. I care deeply about the change our Chapter is driving on climate and clean energy, sustainable transportation, ecosystem protection, zero waste, and environmental justice. I would like to help achieve and, where we have the membership interest, build upon the goals our Chapter has recently articulated in these areas.

Building our membership strength – both our numbers and the depth of engagement of our current members – is central to our organizational success. I would like to work within the ExCom on building this engagement, particularly in underrepresented areas. Strengthening our opportunities for students and young adults is one such area. We have tremendous opportunities for participation – including civic activism, policy work, and outings – and I would like to help us realize this potential.

Carlo Sanchez

I am running to be on the Maryland Executive Committee for another term. I currently serve as the Chair of the Maryland State Chapter, and hope to continue in this role. I have served on the Executive Committee for 4 years, and as Chair for almost 1 year. During that time I have worked closely with our Legislative Committee and Political Committee to endorse strong environmental candidates for Local, State and Federal Offices as well as advancing legislation that will further our environmental goals. I hope to have an opportunity to continue the work that I am doing for another 2 years.

Louise A. Taylor

A. I. Fight global warming. Help clarify and further goals including Sierra Club’s traditional core mission of protecting natural places and re-connecting separated habitats. Further Generational Equity policy of ensuring that natural places are transmitted to future generations intact, to the best of our ability. Build dynamic leadership based on volunteers’ motivation. Re-focus on Jemez principles of inclusiveness, bottom-up organizing, community conservation priorities, mutuality, solidarity, fair relationships, and self-transformation. Promote composting and replacement of invasive species with natives. Support state and national training initiatives by helping develop curriculum on policy, recruitment, and how to use rules and norms to further our conservation goals.

A.2. Experience: 30+ years Sierra Club activism: Anne Arundel Group (MD); re-activated NJ group, served in multiple offices focused on fighting over-development and toxic clean-up; Canvassed for SC memberships in NY Tri-state (often top Canvasser); Knowledge of Club norms, history. Former college professor, investigator of employment discrimination cases, municipal councilwoman, shop steward, currently paralegal.
Skills: Increasing knowledge of zoning; legal analysis; organizational dynamics.
Ideas: See A.1. above.

A. 3. Ally; Life member NAACP; Promoted coalition between NOW and NAACP-Pittsburgh: civil rights; Helped start “Eliminating Racism in NOW” Task Force (PA). Hudson shoreline: fought to make urban shoreline accessible to everyone; Trustee, Hudson River Walkway (now enjoyed by diverse urban population).

Jose Coronado-Flores

First and foremost, thank you for the opportunity to be considered for nomination. My name is Jose Coronado-Flores, and I am a Guatemalan immigrant who has spent extensive time in Maryland. I am a DACA recipient and have close ties to the immigrant community in Maryland. In my professional career, I am a Climate Research and Policy Analyst for the organization CASA, which provides services and advocates for the immigrant community in Maryland. For two years, I have been an environmental and climate justice policy analyst representing the needs of the immigrant community.

I have developed extensive knowledge on pollution burden, building decarbonization, climate resilience, and fossil fuel reliance. I would like to be part of the MD chapter of the Sierra Club’s Executive Committee to share what I’ve learned in my profession and share valuable insight from frontline communities.

I appreciate the opportunity to be considered.

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Anne Arundel Group ExCom Candidates

(Group members vote for up to 5)

Martin Schroeder

Today, we as Sierra Club members need to pull together like never before as we face many challenges to our environment. As an executive committee member, I personally want to lead efforts that roll out the welcome mat to those interested in environmental causes and those wanting to partner with friends of the Sierra Club working on exciting new opportunities.

I want to advance campaigns that build better cities by preserving open space and urban forests; our greatest asset of smart city design - doing this through support and influence of town-center master plans that make saving urban forests and open space a top priority, not an afterthought. I want to see significant growth of integrated public transportation systems and renewable energy use in commercial buildings through innovative stakeholder win-win strategies.

I bring extensive leadership experience in public transportation initiatives as former Director and Chief Engineer for the American Public Transportation Association in Washington, DC.; vice-chair of the Odenton Town Center Advisory Council; manager of renewable energy programs with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado; leader of new zero-emission passenger trains to meet state climate change goals; and contributor to Sierra Club programs building awareness of our natural environment and preservation of national wilderness areas.

Throughout my career I have led diverse teams of varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds, while valuing everyone’s contributions, and promoting a team where all have a voice. I am committed to promoting environmental justice and connecting communities to our natural world.

JoAnne Zoller

I would like to support the Executive Committee in its mission to explore, enjoy, and protect the environment through working together with the group and engaging in active environmental advocacy, networking, effective communication, and energizing leadership. I would like to grow our membership among young adults and inspire our large membership base to become more active.

I am a strong writer and public speaker. I also speak Spanish. I have served as secretary for the Anne Arundel Group since September 2019. I also serve as Anne Arundel Group treasurer. We need to expand our outreach beyond weekly emails to more frequent tabling events, a stronger social media presence, and at least two all-member events a year.

During my 16 years as an ESOL teacher in Anne Arundel County, I engaged with Hispanic families in the county on a regular basis. I am aware of the historical African American experience in the U.S., especially in our county. There are many LGBTQ+ people in my social circles. I would like to continue advocating for marginalized communities, who too often bear the brunt of our shameful neglect and abuse of our natural environment.

Effie Gentry

I would like to mobilize young people to take an active role in preserving and defending our precious and threatened local ecological communities. I would like to hold our county to a higher level of environmental stewardship that isn’t limited in scope to the water, but also the shrinking, fragmented habitats and light pollution.

I hold an Associate’s of Business and a Level one Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certificate. I am working on an Associate’s of Landscape Architecture, and training to become an Anne Arundel County Watershed Steward. I am the Vice President of the Science Club at AACC and coordinate/recruit service-learning students and volunteers for the Pollinator Garden. I work as an Orchid Propagation technician at AACC’s Environmental center for the Smithsonian Environmental Center’s Classroom Cultivation program. I also collect and process submerged aquatic vegetation with the AACC Environmental Center, DNR, and Arundel Rivers Federation. I believe in active participation in environmental stewardship and love encouraging others to engage with our natural world. I can reach an audience that has energy to take action. I strive to cultivate a network of individuals and organizations who steward our ecosystem.

I am involved with college students and faculty from a variety of economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, and am a woman working to promote STEM in educational environments with a focus on inclusion. I am also a strong advocate for equity of learning environments, sharing my struggles with learning disabilities and helping others navigate equitable access to education.

Bill Mitchell

To facilitate the organizational / social paradigm shift that must take place if we are to live in a balanced and peaceful world from ‘Pollution & Waste’ to ‘Conservation & Recycling’. I began this journey in 1969 at the beginning of the Environmental awakening. I thought it would be an easy sell but it is not! Restoring Environmental balance requires voluntary lifestyle change. This change needs to be accelerated. Individual environmental actions, facilitated through entrepreneurial enterprise, can be initiated with common sense solutions marketed as sustainable lifestyle changes.

Overcoming Environmental Movement Inertia and Apathy are marketing problems that offer opportunity. I Authored and published a book ‘A Minimalist’s Garden – Social, Political and Climate Change Solutions’. Additional Continuing Education: Watershed Stewards Certification 2018; Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional 2019; UM WIMBY 2019. Government, Corporate and Institutional environmental programs. Assisted data gathering for plastic bag use. Wrote representative in support of leaf blower bill. BA – Government & MS Community Development at Southern Illinois University. Research: Recycling Behavior Trends (1976 EPA Environmental Quality Award)

I understand ‘Bias’ in my own life. Ethnicity is an asset and a liability as I navigate a diverse and biased political landscape. I try to overcome bias whenever I can. My family is bi-racial.

The Environmental movement has stagnated and needs a new approach. This is how we secure our viability. ‘A Minimalist’s Garden’ describes a philosophy that can put a new face on Environmental activism. I can lead a team to develop and implement this initiative.

Bernie Robinson

My passions are connecting people with nature and protecting the environment. I will continue my efforts to keep our land and water clean by shutting down coal power plant operations and supporting passage of the Maryland beverage container recycling bill. I will strengthen our environmental coalitions through effective networking and active engagement of our Group members. I will continue growing membership and engaging members to take an active role.

As a member of the Sierra Club for over 35 years, I’ve been active on our Group Executive Committee since 2020, serving the past two years as Group Chair and Zero Waste Lead. I spearheaded the introduction and passage of the plastic bag ban in Anne Arundel County. I’ve interviewed and endorsed candidates for the Political Committee, and conducted outreach tabling for the Membership Committee and coordinated the annual member picnic. I have served as Team leader on Lobby Night, when we share our annual priority bills with legislators. I regularly provide public and written testimony at both the County and City councils. To connect members with nature, I’ve led several outings in the past year.

I will continue engaging with Sierrans from all backgrounds, ages and regions within the county as well as outside of the county. My North County residence reflects regional diversity on the Executive Committee.

Robert Greve

I will be an advocate for local environmental issues, like land use and stormwater management, ensuring that the voice of ordinary citizens are heard by both local and state legislators. Since moving to the County, 20+ years, first as a board member for ARPOA (Annapolis Roads Property Association) and as a member of GAN (Growth Action Network), I have been a leader in bringing together diverse communities on the Annapolis Neck Peninsula to advocate for protecting our natural resources.

Starting with land development issues and stormwater management policies, impacting us on the Annapolis Neck Peninsula, my knowledge of zoning, county departments and procedures have helped me advocate for our communities and build local coalitions among Annapolis Neck communities building awareness and engagement. As an HOA Board member, I understand the priorities of HOAs and have been asked by other HOAs to share best practices around community engagement.

Throughout the county and especially, in the Annapolis Neck Peninsula, we have a growing senior citizen presence. I have worked with the County Parks and Rec to ensure that we spend the community resources wisely to create “Parks for All Ages.” Also, as a sailor and member of Eastport Yacht Club, I have been involved in the EYC Foundation STEM on the Water program where we have brought kids from the local communities out on the Bay. The future of Bay is in the hands of our children.

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Catoctin Group ExCom Candidates

(Group members vote for up to 3)

Ronald (Ron) Kaltenbaugh

As a member of the ExCom, I would like to see the Sierra Club’s impact on climate change and other environmental concerns grow and reach more people. To do this, I strongly believe that as an environmental leader, Sierra Club needs to speak as loudly for positive change as we do against negative impacts. Climate change impacts intersect with almost every issue facing us today including health, inequity, energy, waste, and our economy. In all these areas, there are positive changes we need to fight for as well as negative impacts we need to fight against. Without plans for solutions and better options, we cannot be effective in the fights that are before us.

My IT background plus training with the Climate Reality Project give me real world experience related to addressing climate change. Since 2017, I have given over 200 presentations on climate change, electric vehicles, and related topics. Other related technical experience includes work on the YouTube channel for the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter and as the Energy, Buildings, and Transportation subgroup chair for Frederick’s Climate Emergency Mobilization Workgroup.

Diversity is one of the strengths of America. As a middle-aged white guy, I don’t bring obvious added diversity to the Sierra Club ExCom. However, I grew up in a low-income household, and I have some understanding how one’s circumstances have impacts. It is of utmost importance that environmental justice be part of Sierra Club goals and actions.

Patty O’Malley

When I moved to Frederick County, I looked for active organizations that work to protect nature and the overall environment. The Sierra Club-Catoctin Group has provided an avenue for me to be involved and to learn about the County. Since joining the Group, I have been appointed the Treasurer for the Group, taken part in the interviewing of Frederick County candidates for State and local offices for endorsement purposes, recruited speakers for the monthly meetings and helped ensure there is proper staffing at the Group’s booths at events.

My relevant experience mirrors the activities of the Group and includes: Board service, most notably Nature Forward (formerly Audubon Naturalist Society) and GWSCPA, recruitment of speakers for meetings, tabling at events and founding the Task Force that developed nonprofitaccountingbasics.org. I am also a CPA and a Master Naturalist.

As a Board member, I plan to help with the effort to revitalize and grow the membership of the Group by adapting to changing methods of communication and identifying ways and opportunities to become relevant to diverse segments of the population with the help of feedback from those we wish to engage.

Vanessa Gress

My name is Vanessa Gress and I am from Adamstown, Maryland. As an Executive Committee member I would like to volunteer for the Sierra Club and help to get the long-term goals passed, such as the county bag ban and the state bottle bill. I am skilled at research and writing, and I also like to do volunteer work such as tabling, trash pick-ups, and participating in county/city workshops and bill hearings. I would like the Catoctin Group to be more streamlined and organized so we can work towards specific goals. I'm a millennial woman, which isn't really diverse but it might be considered diverse in the Catoctin Group!

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Greater Baltimore Group ExCom Candidates

(Group members vote for up to 4)

Rob Frier

I joined the Sierra Club over 25 years ago and have been a member of the Greater Baltimore Group ExCom since 2021. My environmental passions are electrification, renewable energy, and zero-waste. I am an active member of the chapter zero-waste team. I have been personally involved with the successful “bring your own bag campaigns” in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. More recently, I have gotten involved with the “Electrify Baltimore” campaigns in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. I am actively involved with several other local and national environmental non-profits. These include: CCAN, Civic Works, Beyond Plastics and Greenpeace. In some cases, I have represented Sierra Club as part of a coalition of environmental groups. I am currently leading the coalition of groups promoting Electrify Baltimore City.

I live in Baltimore City. I run several days a week around the harbor and cycle several times a month in Baltimore County. I am observing the very slow process of cleaning up the harbor and road sides though the zero waste efforts. But there is much more work to do and I look forward to working with the Greater Baltimore group to promote these efforts.

Rich Reis

As Greater Baltimore Group (GBG) ExCom Member and Transportation Chair, I have and plan to work to make walking and bicycling safer and more pleasant. I advocate for transit and for the electrification of buses and private vehicles.

I joined the Sierra Club in 1968. I was a member of the Maryland Chapter’s executive committee from 2011 to 2016. For three years, I served as the Maryland Chapter’s delegate to the national Council of Club Leaders. I introduced the successful 2016 resolution to include better walking, bicycling, and transit infrastructure in the Club’s 100% Clean Energy Vision Statement.

I moved to Baltimore City in 2020 and was elected to the GBG ExCom, serving as advocate for greener transportation choices. I personally bicycle for errands and for fun and take transit at other times.

That advocacy encouraged Baltimore City to transition many school buses from diesel to electric. I recently worked to get the same for Baltimore County.

As GBG ExCom member, I attended most Baltimore Group ExCom meetings and events. I tabled for our group at many public events. I look forward to helping the Baltimore group advance its goals while attracting a broad and diverse community for participation and support.

Paul D. Dongarra

During my first term, I have become a certified outings leader and have spearheaded restarting our outings program. Starting this year, we will be conducting a hike every third Sunday of the month, from September through May. Arranging for carpooling and mass transit options will always be part of my planning. I look forward to sharing my love of the outdoors, foraging and environmentalism with Sierra members and friends in this important part of Sierra’s mission. I am also assisting with BICO, Sierra’s branch that works to connect city youth to the outdoors, am a district Captain for Sierra’s annual lobby night and have continued to be a Smart Growth advocate.

I’ve a broad skill set derived from owning a small business and involvement in three political campaigns, one of which, I was the candidate once. Branding/messaging, managing volunteers, soliciting donations, researching issues, writing and providing testimony are all things that I am very comfortable with. My business skill set and network evolves around food systems and best practices for sustainable events. I’d look forward to helping Sierra with any of their event needs. My childhood working-class rural background along with my residency for 30 years in an inner tier suburb give me unique insights into the mindset of numerous demographics.

Deborah “Spice” Kleinmann

I am currently the Chair of the Greater Baltimore Group of Sierra Club. I bring diversity to the group because I am a Jewish Lesbian Grandmother involved with Education and the Arts community in Baltimore. I would love to continue for another term because I believe we are at the tipping point of the climate crisis and I want to help stave this off for as long as possible with all the energy I have.

I have taken leadership roles in interviewing candidates for endorsements who have good environmental records, testified for bills, and helped bring back the Greater Baltimore Group after a period of dormancy. I have led singing at the Club’s Jamborees and picnics utilizing songs I learned while sailing on the Environmental Educational boat, the Clearwater in the Hudson River. My degrees are in Biology Education and Natural Resource Management and I have a passion for teaching in the “Great Outdoors”. In the Peace Corps I wrote environmental education curricula, teaching it in the primary schools. I have been involved with Farm and Wilderness Camps in Vermont since 1987 leading outdoor journeys with children of all ages. I am hoping to do this with some children from Baltimore this year with our Baltimore Inspiring Connections Outdoors (BICO) program. For all of these reasons, and many more I would like to continue as a member of the Greater Baltimore Group ExCom.

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Howard Group ExCom Candidates

(Group members vote for up to 3)

Crystal Konny

I serve on the Howard County Executive Committee currently. I established the Howard County Sierra Club Zero Waste team that has been working the past year on reducing plastic bag usage, banning new synthetic turf fields, and enforcing the Plastic Reduction Law. I hope to continue to work with the County to make significant progress towards zero waste goals. I’ve worked to increase tabling at events where diverse populations are attending, and I hope to continue that outreach. I’m working to set up monthly informational presentations with the Howard County library to help inform, educate, and activate citizens about environmental issues. And as a member of the Maryland Zero Waste team, I will work to get the bottle bill passed in the Maryland legislature this session by getting other Howard County groups involved, organizing information sessions, and gaining support of County restaurant owners and managers, citizens, and the Howard County government.

Carolyn Parsa

As an ExCom member I have seen how working with local leadership creates valuable partners in conservation and environmental policy and behavior changes. The Howard County Group has supported programs like curbside composting, recycling, waste reduction, clean energy usage and conservation. There is more work to be done in forest and land conservation, increasing clean energy and reducing pesticides and single use plastic. The Sierra Club supports these goals while bringing people together with educational programs and social activities where people can explore the outdoors.

I want to continue on the ExCom so I can actively promote all of these programs and more. I have a bachelor’s degree in Plant Science and a master’s degree in Environmental Science, both from Rutgers University in NJ. I am always working on new ideas for outreach into the community as well as better ways to encourage environmental policy changes. The key to success is to stay connected and stay positive. Working with various partners increases our collective experience, knowledge and skill sets so that we put forth a well-rounded and effective grassroots conservation effort.

Carl Latkin

My primary motivation for seeking reelection to the Howard County Sierra Club Executive Committee is to contribute to the fight against climate change. To enact the sweeping changes required for a carbon-neutral society, we must leverage the Sierra Club's influence on policymakers to enact policies to increase renewable energy and restore natural environments. Currently, I serve on the Maryland Sierra Club chapter’s political committee and am the Howard County Sierra Club’s representative to the State Chapter.

To foster a more inclusive environment within the Sierra Club, we must work to eliminate financial obstacles that inhibit participation. Collaborating with organizations with diverse memberships will enable more individuals to become acquainted with the Sierra Club and its initiatives. As a senior faculty member at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, one of my responsibilities includes promoting diversity and mentoring in diversity.

My academic training also equips me to advocate for the electrification of new buildings in Howard County. Electrification will contribute to sustainability and reduce illness from methane gas pollution. Moreover, methane gas exposure disproportionately affects lower-income communities and people of color, further emphasizing the need for policy interventions to subsidize household electrification.

Previously, the Howard County Sierra Club group did not endorse candidates for school board positions. This year, I have been working with the Howard County Sierra Club Group to survey and interview the candidates for the Howard County Public School System Board of Education. We hope that this activity will result in endorsements by the Maryland Chapter.

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Lower Eastern Shore Group ExCom Candidates

(Group members vote for up to 6)

Kathy Hardy

Member of Democratic Club of Worcester Co.

I'd like to become more involved in my community to advance environmental causes.

I have 35 years experience in healthcare with the last 11 years managing IT systems.

I live in Public Landing.

Christina S. Hulslander

As a former environmental educator, I have a passion for informing citizens about methods to reduce our impact on the natural environment. I have strong public speaking and diplomacy skills. I am skilled at facilitating group discussions, synthesizing information and am comfortable in leadership roles. I am a creative thinker and enjoy exploring new ideas and considering diverse viewpoints. I am passionate about ecological systems and the interconnectedness of life forms.

My favorite place to be is outside. I hope to facilitate opportunities for our members to convene together in person in natural settings. (The LES group was founded shortly before Covid and has had limited experiences with our membership in nature together. ) I look forward to adding new membership activities that enable us to enjoy, explore and protect the natural resources of the Lower Eastern Shore. There are many hidden natural gems in our area that will be fun to explore together.

I look forward to reaching out to underrepresented groups to diversify our membership base. I desire to fortify relationships with like minded environmental organizations. I have served as Chair and Secretary and enjoy working with a team of like- minded persons to advocate for the natural world.

My hobbies include birdwatching, gardening, hiking, cooking and reading.

I am a middle aged white female.

Cynthia Dillon

I initially volunteered to serve as an ExCom member to facilitate the chartering of the Lower Eastern Shore (LES) Group. I served as Group Treasurer for one year and as Group Chair the next three years. I am currently Group Zero Waste Lead and part of the Chapter’s Zero Waste Leadership Team. I am excited about our progress and would appreciate the opportunity to further our efforts to protect our beautiful Lower Eastern Shore environment. To do this, I will champion:

  • outreach to expand our membership
  • educational offerings, i.e., webinars, informational presentations, tabling events
  • promotion of environmental, climate, and racial justice
  • support of environmental legislation
  • active outings programs
  • goals of the Chapter’s Zero Waste Leadership Team, especially decreasing plastic pollution by promoting Maryland’s Bottle Bill.

As a nurse and psychotherapist, I honed strong skills in communication, delegation, problem solving, and teamwork. My experience as Group Chair and as LES representative to the Chapter’s Zero Waste Leadership Team, lobbying legislators, and providing oral testimony to the Maryland General Assembly have further improved the skills needed in our work to save our planet.

I have lived in Montgomery, Cecil, and Worcester Counties. I have become very familiar with the challenges of promoting positive environmental measures in Worcester, which has such a diverse population. I am a member of the Democratic Women’s Club of Worcester County, the Democratic Club of Worcester County, Indivisible WorcesterMD, Worcester County NAACP, Lower Shore Progressive Caucus, and Sentinels of Eastern Shore Health.

Joseph Jankowski

I strive to initiate actions to protect and preserve the environment. I hope as Treasurer of the Lower Eastern Shore Group to keep accurate records of the group’s income and expenses, complete all reports required by the MD chapter and national Sierra club in a timely manner and help guide the LES group to maximize the benefits of it’s fundraising and spending.

I have been treasurer for the last three years and am familiar with the duties. I always try to think outside the box when discussing issues and explore the possibilities.

I am an old white male.

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Montgomery Group ExCom Candidates

(Group members vote for up to 4)

Darian Unger

I ask my fellow Sierra Club members to re-elect me to the Executive Committee so that we can continue strengthening our environmental efforts. I have learned over my years of Sierra Club participation how difficult environmental advocacy can be, especially with so many well-meaning stakeholders. Even within our environmental movement, we have often failed to bridge differences that prevent us from being more effective.

I offer leadership experience, environmental expertise, an ability to bridge gaps, and an urgent enthusiasm to our cause:

  • MIT-trained environmental engineer and award-winning professor at Howard University
  • Chair of the Montgomery County Sierra Club ExCom
  • Former chair of the Maryland Sierra Club’s Energy Committee
  • Experienced advocate for environmental causes in Montgomery County and Annapolis
  • Former chair of several other organizations (MoCo ACLU, Silver Spring Advisory Board) where I expanded both our stakeholder outreach and our advocacy for causes ranging from public transit to civil rights.

I also want to help the Sierra Club expand its diversity. When I first joined SC, I was unfortunately among its youngest members, and (although less young) I still want to help infuse the organization with greater energy. As a Howard University professor, I have spent years helping my students succeed and be enthusiastically recruited to organizations where they have been historically under-represented.

Together, we can make Montgomery County an environmental model for the country by pushing our local government, state delegation, and planning board to supplement new federal laws with even stronger local environmental action.

Alex Stavitsky-Zeineddin

I am running to serve for a second term on the Sierra Club MoCo executive committee and I hope you will vote for me!

I have worked on communicating the local issues this committee and Maryland State Sierra Club have been involved in via monthly newsletters and social media.

My hope is to continue to improve our communications by growing the social media and newsletter content. I also have helped restart hikes and events that went dormant due to Covid and look forward to growing our outdoor hikes and events.

I recently advocated to have the M/83 Highway taken out of the Montgomery County Master Plan by working with other local county organizations on this issue. We created an action alert for Montgomery County residents to write to the Montgomery Council.

My career as an Associate Press (AP) news editor for Latin America and conflict producer/reporter has been invaluable in knowing how to implement communication campaigns. I have also worked with local non-profits and small businesses to support them in achieving their communication goals.

Fluent in Spanish and French, I’ve worked and volunteered with Latino and French speakers in Montgomery County. I bring diversity of thought having lived and worked for years in Central Europe, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

I continue to be the chair of a Green Team in my neighborhood, which is supported by Sustainable Maryland. I work on grants, and organize activities to promote sustainability in the Kentlands, Gaithersburg.

Al Carr

I’ve served on the Executive Committee for 2 years. I am proud of our work and wish to continue. Professionally I do policy work on renewable energy and clean transportation for the DC Government. I also bring 15 years of experience as a Maryland state legislator. In that role I wrote and successfully negotiated passage of over 60 bills on environmental protection, transportation, utilities, healthcare, housing, economic fairness and open government. I served as House Chair for the Joint Committee on Federal Relations, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County delegation and chair of its committee with jurisdiction over WSSC and MNCPPC. I was also active in the Black, Latino and Transit Caucuses. The Speaker appointed me to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Climate, Environment and Energy Policy Committee.

As an electrical engineer with utility issue experience, I've testified before the PSC.
As an African American I bring the perspective of someone from an underrepresented group.
As an ExCom member, I promise to continue advancing and implementing:

  • Better transportation, environmental and land use policies through improvement of transit, and stronger forest conservation and street tree laws;
  • Smarter infrastructure to address climate change through improved coordination of County response to stormwater infrastructure needs, electrification and energy efficiency;
  • Efficient, transparent and ethical government, particularly for land use decisions
  • A strong climate policy, implemented with economic fairness and equity

I will continue to advocate for effective participation of members, improved communication and transparency of decisions within the Group.

Marion Edey

I’ve been an environmental activist all my life. In 1970 I was founder of the national league of Conservation voters, the first political action committee supporting environmental candidates. Nature and politics are my passions.

Sierra does lots to promote wind and solar, but we need to do more to address skyrocketing energy demand, especially in telecommunications. We also need a broader focus on other threats to the natural world. At Sierra I work to reform storm water policies, which rely too much on stream “restorations” which bulldoze stream valleys, rather than controlling runoff at its source. I recently joined a team to address the light pollution which is killing off beneficial insects. Other important Sierra priorities should be forests, farmland, and saying No to single use plastics and artificial turf.

As co-founder and board member of Taxpayers for Common Sense, and as a Sierra volunteer, I have worked to stop subsidies for false climate “solutions” which hurt the environment, like burning forests and trash for energy.

At the Threshold Foundation, I steer money to climate activists and to groups working to protect voting rights for people of color, and to achieve fair, transparent elections.

The Sierra Club process is complex, which can slow reaction time. We need to become more nimble, while remaining democratic, open and volunteer friendly. Decisions should be based more on the merits of the issue than on political relationships. I’m happy to talk with anyone about any issue.

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Prince George's Group ExCom Candidates

(Group members vote for up to 4)

Jeanette Louise Spangle

I am a life member of the Sierra Club.

As a new member of the Prince George Executive Committee, my first objective would be to focus on learning more about our current plans and goals. Then, I want to help carry out these plans. I am eager to work on promoting the Bottle Bill, making use of my experience with the existing bottle bill in Suffolk County where I previously lived.

I am an outings leader for PG Sierra Club. I will bring to the Executive Committee my extensive experiences working for Cornell Cooperative Extension in Nassau County (on Long Island) doing public speaking, writing, and training about food safety and nutrition, tailored to a variety of audiences (seniors, low-income adults, summer youth program staff, elementary and high school teachers). I will apply these skills to sharing our Sierra Club key environmental topics with different groups of residents of Prince George County. Since moving to Greenbelt Maryland in 2022, I have spent much time learning how to ID the invasive plants that overwhelmed my GHI yards and replacing them with shade-loving native plants.

My diversity role: I am a member of Mishkan Torah Synagogue in Greenbelt and serve on the Social Action Committee. It is affiliated with the Reconstructionist and the Conservative movements. Repairing the world (Tikkun Olam) and social justice are two of our key values.

Megan Crigger

I am a lifelong Marylander. I was born in PG County and I have lived in southern PG County for over 8 years. I am a Chesapeake Bay Steward (CBF), and an Anacostia Watershed Steward (AWS). My professional background is in visual communication and I have experience in working in journalism/media and government. My roles have focused on various topics such as election coverage, data transparency, digital accessibility (a11y).

Since purchasing our first home here in southern PG County, it has become abundantly clear that stormwater and the way our waterways are being treated has much to be improved upon. Over the years I have created videos, websites, and documents that showcase the issues we're seeing in our community and I've been in communication with state, county, and federal agencies on these issues. If I was elected I would continue to advocate for protecting our waterways as well as the other environmental issues I have seen firsthand.

Nicole ”N'cki” Jackson

I aim to build inclusive bridges between the environmental movement and underrepresented communities. My focus will be on advancing environmental justice by addressing racial, social, economic, and environmental inequities. Key priorities include:

  • Strengthening community engagement by partnering with local organizations in underserved areas.
  • Promoting green workforce development through collaboration with colleges and businesses to create sustainable career pathways.
  • Advocating for climate and environmental justice policies to reduce the disproportionate burdens on communities of color.

I will work to ensure that our advocacy is equitable, inclusive, and impactful.

As a candidate for the Executive Committee, I bring a strong background in climate action, environmental justice, and community engagement. I co-led the 10th UMD CEEJH Environmental Justice Symposium, organizing diverse stakeholders to address key environmental challenges. I also launched the first-ever Power in the Park event for District Heights, helping residents access resources to reduce energy bills and promoting fossil fuel alternatives. Additionally, I’ve led initiatives like tree planting projects and surveys on shopping habits tied to local environmental policies. My work focuses on empowering BIPOC communities and advancing sustainable solutions that align with the Sierra Club’s mission.

As a Black woman and advocate for climate action and environmental justice, I bring a valuable perspective shaped by lived experiences within underrepresented communities. My leadership in the AME Church and other programs demonstrates my commitment to ensuring climate policies uplift all communities, especially BIPOC. I aim to advance equity and amplify diverse voices within the Sierra Club.

Geoffrey Collins

I’m passionate about environmental conservation and community service.

Goals as an Executive Committee Member:

  • Champion policies that safeguard and conserve the natural resources of Prince George's County and Maryland.
  • Foster environmental education and outreach initiatives to engage and empower local communities.
  • Partner with environmental organizations and stakeholders to amplify our impact and advocate for meaningful change.

 

Skills and Experience:

  • More than 25 years of experience in community organizing, political action, and environmental advocacy.
  • Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and coalitions.
  • Created the Rt. 202 Neighborhood Coalition, organizing residents and neighborhoods from Rt. 202/Rt.193 to the town of Upper Marlboro, to halt Total Civil Construction’s environmentally adverse 33-acre industrial expansion plan.
  • Working member of PG Civic Green, advocating for smart growth initiatives and fighting ill-advised, rampant development in Prince George’s County.
  • A petitioner in the judicial review of the decision of the Prince George’s County Council, seeking to overturn developer-backed CB-15-2024.
  • Exceptional communication and public speaking skills.

 

Diversity:

  • As an African American, baby boomer, and 34-year resident of Prince George’s County, I bring a unique perspective to the Executive Committee.
  • I am dedicated to ensuring that all communities, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, have equitable access to environmental resources and benefits.

 

My background and commitment to environmental justice make me an ideal candidate for the Executive Committee. Together, we can positively impact the environment and our communities.

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Southern Maryland Group ExCom Candidates

(Group members vote for up to 5)

Bob Boxwell

Hello everyone, my name is Bob Boxwell. I live in Lusby and work for a local land trust. As a long-term resident of Southern Maryland, I have looked locally for my activism. The Southern Maryland group is a great venue for that. We have been fortunate in having excellent leadership and an active excom. I have been a club member for decades and I offer years of experience with local governments and non-profits. After living in Southern Maryland for nearly fifty years, I have a good grasp on the natural world here and like to share that knowledge. One way to do this is through our outings. I will work with our local outings leader to support this program. Our group wants to see a more sustainable future. Our tree planting and garden builds are a great concrete example of our dedication. Being one of the older excom members, I enjoy the energy that this group brings and their dedication to a better future for us all.

Shawna Marks

Build community gardens in lower/medium income communities, community gatherings that promote protecting and preserving forest, wetlands, and native ecosystems, and partnering up with other counties in southern Maryland to do community clean ups. New ideas would be working with local schools that have agriculture programs do farm to schools bringing locally produced foods into school cafeterias.

The presence of leaders from various backgrounds and experiences ensures a well-rounded decision-making process that considers multiple perspectives. In fact, studies show how diverse teams are better equipped to analyze situations holistically, preventing oversight and bias. Diversity is not just Black/white/Latino etc. diversity is also making sure we have people from all ages, backgrounds, and regions. Also reaching out to those that are under-represented ensuring no one is left behind and everyone is represented and heard.

Rosa Hance

I would like to serve my local group by helping to keep the local tree planting program going strong and meet the goal of 1000 trees planted by 2026. I would also like to be a mentor to new volunteer leaders.

I hope to bring my skills and experience back to refocus on local Southern Maryland needs as an Executive Committee member. I am currently teaching students at St Mary’s College of Maryland a course on environmental advocacy. Over the course of my volunteer tenure with the Sierra Club, I have mentored dozens of volunteer leaders and have hosted over 150 Sierra Club public events from family-friendly nature walks to service outings and virtual volunteer orientations. I have extensive experience in facilitating, launching campaigns, coalition building and testimony at public hearings advocating for clean water, clean air and healthy, sustainable communities.

I’ve led efforts to increase the diversity of the Club by personally recruiting members and leaders, engaging with underrepresented groups, co-hosting outings and community events, increasing Spanish language translation, and encouraging equity and inclusion at the forefront of coalition-building efforts. In 2021, I worked on a grant to build Maryland Sierra Club Student Coalitions and in 2022 helped mentor a student leader to run a Youth Leadership Council for high school students. I hope to continue using my voice to support and uplift others so that the next generation of diverse leaders is ready to take on the challenges of an actively warming planet.

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Washington Group ExCom Candidates

(Group members vote for up to 2)

Peggy Mothershed

As one of the newer groups in Maryland, we have been slowly growing. However, engagement has been low recently which is reflected in our quarterly meetings and events. As an Executive Committee member, I would like to grow membership, specifically focusing on young members. As a 22-year-old who has served on the Executive Committee since I was 19, I know there are many young people in the county who are passionate about the environment and looking for outlets for their energy.

I would like to take this growth in membership and reflect it in our involvement with the state chapter. There are many wonderful initiatives that the state chapter heads up that Washington County could benefit from if we had more hands-on deck.

I have served on the Executive Committee for approximately 3 years, serving as the Political Chair most recently. In this position, I assist with local and state endorsements of candidates and tracking of various political actions across the state. I also graduated from the University of Maryland in May with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy and currently attend Georgetown University, pursuing a Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Management.

As a college student, I am in tune with younger generations and their environmental concerns. I will use my age and experience to assist the chapter in recruiting younger members and getting them involved at the local and state level.

Dr. Eric Schwartz

I would like to increase the engagement of the Sierra Club of Washington County in the local community. We have been successful in building alliances with other local advocacy groups such as the NAACP and ACWA. I think we need to continue this approach. We also should aim to increase the involvement of our local membership in club activities and events. Finally, I would like to especially focus on building our connection with young residents of Washington County, showing them that the Sierra Club is a place where they can use their energies to address concerns about the environment.

I have more than three decades of experience working with non-profit advocacy organizations, so I am familiar with the assets and liabilities that are inherent in such efforts. Over the years, I have put together volunteer boards and organized events. In terms of environmental issues, I have a lifetime of interest in the environment and I have taught environmental policy at Hagerstown Community College for the better part of ten years. I am constantly getting new ideas about how we can improve the Sierra Club’s operations in Washington County.

I am a white man, but the issue of diversity is very important to me. I sit on Washington County’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I also sit the HCC Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I think it is essential that the Sierra Club act in ways that recognize and encourage diversity in all its activities and efforts.

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Print and Mail a Ballot

If you do not wish to vote online, you can print and mail a ballot. Choose your ballot below according to your Group membership:

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