Coming Clean
Join the American Conservation Coalition for candid chats with all sorts of influential conservationists, from scientists and researchers to sportsmen, pop culture icons, and young activists, about conserving the planet! No matter where we land on the political spectrum, we’re all about keeping our air, water, and land clean. Coming Clean is wiping away the partisan, generational, and social dirt blocking us from coming together around lasting environmental action!
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The Voices Behind Coming Clean
Stephen Perkins, interim host
Stephen Perkins is a conservative strategist and activist who develops movements and the leaders that advance them.
As the American Conservation Coalition’s Chief Operating Officer, he oversees the organization’s grassroots programming, strategy, and growth. In this role, he empowers the field team, staff, and local activists to grow as leaders in the conservative environmental movement. Stephen also oversees the annual ACC Summit, which brings together 300 students and young professionals for a weekend of education, training, and motivation.
Prior to joining ACC, Stephen helped more than 50 local, statewide, and federal campaigns and advocacy organizations grow their online communities over three campaign cycles. Other previous work includes marketing consulting, advocacy training, and leadership coaching to national political and education organizations.
His work and writings has been featured in numerous publications, including The Hill, Real Clear Energy, Washington Examiner, and The Dallas Morning News.
Stephen earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Texas at Arlington, where he studied political leadership and civic engagement. Originally from Houston, he currently resides in Fort Worth, TX with his dog, Hudson. He is a passionate traveler and enjoys exploring America’s natural beauty through camping and hiking.
Benji Backer, host
Benji Backer is the Executive Chairman and Founder of the American Conservation Coalition, the largest right-of-center environmental organization in the country. For his work with the ACC, he has been awarded the Fortune 40 Under 40, Forbes 30 Under 30, GreenBiz 30 Under 30, and Grist 50. He serves as a Board member for the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum and Mainstream Republicans of Washington. A frequent contributor to multiple national media outlets, Benji is one of the leading youth environmental voices in the country.
Benji grew up in Wisconsin and is an avid Wisconsin sports fan. He spends his free time hiking, skiing, and drinking unsweetened iced tea in his current home city of Seattle.
Through ACC, Benji is excited to be uniting Americans on pro-environmental reforms and changing the narrative when it comes to the environment.