DANIELLE BUTCHER Franz, CHIEF Executive OFFICER
Danielle Butcher Franz serves as CEO of the American Conservation Coalition, where she has played an instrumental role in the organization's vision and strategy. As a founding member of ACC, Danielle has dedicated her career to building bridges between traditional conservative values and environmental advocacy.
Danielle's passion and expertise have earned her fellowships with the Independent Women’s Forum and the Foundation for Economic Education. She is also a member of the American Enterprise Institute’s Millennial Leadership Network and served on the British Conservation Alliance’s advisory board for a three-year term.
Danielle's leadership has been recognized by some of the most prestigious organizations in the country. She has been named a Forbes 30 Under 30, a MavPac Future 40, and a Clean Energy News Network 40 Under 40 lister.
As an international speaker and frequent guest on national radio and television, Danielle brings her dynamic perspective on culture, conservatism, and environmental policy to audiences around the world. Her writing has been featured in publications including Fox News, The Times, National Review, Washington Examiner, and more.
Contact: danielle@acc.eco
CHRIS BARNARD, President
Christopher Barnard is President of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC).
Chris has dual American and Belgian citizenship. Having grown up in Belgium, he speaks Dutch, French, and English fluently. He received a Master's degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics, and currently resides in Washington, DC, with his wife, Hayley. While in the UK, he founded the British Conservation Alliance and was active in UK politics for several years. He also co-published the book Green Market Revolution, which has been read in 100+ countries, translated into 5 languages, and has a foreword by Lord Daniel Hannan.
At ACC, Chris runs the Grasstops Department, where he manages ACC's government affairs, external partnerships, and corporate relations. He also frequently writes for national outlets and appears in mainstream media. His writing often focuses on how America can win the clean energy arms race and compete with China in the 21st century. He has been published in the Wall Street Journal, The Independent, the Daily Telegraph, National Review, the Washington Examiner, and more. Chris has also spoken at conferences in more than 10 countries.
Rocky Mountain National Park is his favorite National Park.
Contact: chris@acc.eco
STEPHEN N. PERKINS, Chief operating officer
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.
Contact: stephen@acc.eco
Leadership
KARLY MATTHEWS, Vice PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
Karly Matthews is the Vice President of Communications at the American Conservation Coalition. In this role, she oversees the organization's Communications Team and works with ACC’s Senior Leadership Team to set high-level messaging.
As a spokesperson for the organization, Karly has appeared on BBC World News and Fox & Friends. Since assuming her role in 2020, Karly has facilitated the publication of more than 500 ACC-affiliated op-eds, including pieces in The Hill, The Washington Examiner, and RealClear. She was named one of Maverick PAC's Future 40 in 2023.
Karly, a Pennsylvania native now living in Washington D.C., graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science. She's currently pursuing her Master's degree in Strategic Communication, Advocacy, and Social Impact at American University.
When she’s not at work, Karly can be found watching a golf tournament, walking her beloved corgi, or squeezing in a quick run at the gym.
Contact Karly: karly@acc.eco
CAMERON GAMBINI, VICE PRESIDENT OF GRASSROOTS
Cameron Gambini is a conservative strategist and commentator, currently serving as the Vice President of Grassroots at the American Conservation Coalition. Cameron's experience spans from republican campaigns, committees, agencies, and the nonprofit sector to further policy agendas, organizational relationships, and political objectives. Recently, Cameron was the inaugural National Engagement Director at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, DC.
Cameron's passion and skills have earned him an induction into the 2022 Class of the 1856 Society, which recognizes the 30 most influential republican operatives, nominees, and elected officials across the country under the age of 40.
An avid athlete and outdoorsman, Cameron played NCAA Division 1 men’s golf at New Mexico State University, before transferring to Liberty University to finish his undergraduate degree in political science. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Cameron currently resides in Pinellas County, Florida.
Contact: cameron@acc.eco
LUCERO CANTU, Creative DIRECTOR
Lucero Cantu proudly serves as ACC’s Creative Director, where she thrives in the intersection between communications, culture, art, new media, and political science. Her journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Texas, coupled with a volunteer role at ACC that ignited her passion.
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Lucero dedicated herself to refining her communication and content strategy skills across a spectrum of industries, ranging from artificial intelligence and interactive design to workforce solutions. Her diverse experiences have been invaluable in shaping her unique perspective.
Today, Lucero stands at the helm of ACC's renowned brand. Her leadership has led to the successful orchestration of creative campaigns that have left a lasting imprint with millions of impressions. With a relentless commitment to creating meaningful connections to diverse target audiences, Lucero Cantu continues to be a driving force in the ever-evolving landscape of non-profit communication strategy.
Contact: lucero@acc.eco
Alex Joyce, development director
Alex is an experienced development strategist with a background in political and non-profit fundraising. As Director of Development, he leads our development efforts and works with senior leadership to chart a successful fundraising strategy and expand ACC’s capacity.
Prior to joining ACC, he spent four years with a Washington, D.C.-based political and business consulting firm advising US Senators, Governors, non-profits, and national business coalitions and managing their fundraising strategies.
Alex graduated from Georgetown University in 2017 with a degree in Government. Although now based in New York City, he was born and raised in the D.C. area and is a die-hard Capitals fan, loves world travel and watching European soccer.
Contact: Alex@acc.eco
Morgan Brummund, Government Affairs Director
Morgan Brummund is the Government Affairs Director for ACC. In this role, she leads ACC's efforts to advance common-sense environmental and climate solutions on Capitol Hill. Morgan joined ACC from the energy policy world and has spent most of her professional career supporting the U.S. Department of Energy. Morgan was also selected for the 2022-2023 cohort of the Women Leaders in Energy and Climate Fellowship through the Atlantic Council.
Before joining DOE, Morgan worked as an energy policy analyst at the Idaho Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Morgan graduated summa cum laude from Boise State University, where her studies and co-curricular activities focused on the environment, the energy transition, and public policy. While at Boise State, she was selected as the Inaugural Cecil D. Andrus Center Scholar and given the opportunity to support the Idaho Bureau of Land Management's public lands and NEPA portfolio.
Morgan grew up in rural Northern California but now calls Idaho her home when away from Washington, DC. In her free time, Morgan enjoys being outside with her dog, playing and watching basketball, and trying out new recipes.
Contact: Morgan@ACC.eco
MADISON LINK-REES, Administrative affairs director
Madison serves as the Director of Administrative Affairs at the American Conservation Coalition. In this role, she oversees the administrative functions of the organization including HR, finance operations, scheduling, and executive support. She joined the organization in 2020 as the Executive Assistant to the President and leadership team.
Her previous professional experiences include serving as a marketing and events coordinator for a Fortune 500 company and working in communications, grassroots, and operations for several non-profit organizations.
Madison graduated from Liberty University in 2017 with degrees in Communication Studies and Government. During her final year, she was selected to participate in the university's Washington D.C. fellowship program.
After spending almost a decade in Virginia and Washington, D.C., she has returned to her home state of North Carolina and currently resides in Charlotte.
Contact: madison@acc.eco
Michael esposito, chief of staff
Michael Esposito is the American Conservation Coalition’s Chief of Staff and has experience building business, nonprofit, and political organizations through strategic planning, implementation, and networking.
Prior to joining ACC, Michael spent 5 years as a project manager with a medical supply startup that focused on secure overseas importing and played a key role as an early leader in domestic manufacturing at the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Michael graduated from High Point University in 2017 with a degree in Business Administration. He is based in Charlotte, NC and enjoys spending time with friends, playing with his dog, and supporting veteran nonprofit organizations.
LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter: @MHEsposito
Hanna van loon, Grassroots Operations Director
Hanna is a native of north Texas and a graduate of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to joining TCC, Hanna worked as a Legislative Aide in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Her respect for the great outdoors was inherited early in life from her parents, and has only grown with time. She is passionate about helping new leaders and activists find their niche in the environmental movement, and empowering them to make a lasting and positive impact.
Outside of work, Hanna enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring the endless natural and historical treasures found throughout the eastern U.S.
Contact: hanna@tcc.eco
LILY MOLL, grassroots programming director
Lily Moll currently serves as ACC’s Grassroots Programming Director, where she facilitates the ACC membership program and executes the department's strategy. Prior to joining ACC, Lily worked at a lobbying firm in Nashville, Tennessee, that specializes in healthcare policy, broadband accessibility, and property rights. She has also worked on a variety of campaigns throughout the State of Tennessee.
Lily graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University, where she studied history and public policy. Outside of work, Lily enjoys graphic design, traveling to visit new places, and spending time outside with her dog, Max.
Contact: lily@acc.eco
Amy mastrine, social media director
Amy Mastrine is a native of Western Pennsylvania and a graduate of Penn State University. She is currently serving as Social Media Director for the American Conservation Coalition. Amy brings 10 years of digital marketing experience for right-leaning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
Amy began her career at the Institute for Humane Studies and later spent 6.5 years as a Web and Email Marketing Associate for MAPS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conducting research for post-traumatic stress disorder. At Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, Inc. (VETS), she created social media campaigns to garner support for cutting-edge TBI and PTSD treatments for Special Forces veterans. She then developed the social media strategy for Fundfly, a tech startup offering private market solutions for student loan debt. Amy has used her creative marketing expertise to launch and grow many conservative brands, including Evie Magazine and The Mystic Sisters, a joint project with her twin sister focusing on cultural commentary.
Amy brings a visionary spirit and multidimensional perspective on culture, conservatism, and social media marketing to her role at ACC. She aims for a higher third position beyond the limitations of the left-right dialectic.
Amy is also an artist specializing in oil painting, iconography, and trick hula hooping. She spends as much time as possible outside.
Contact: Amy@ACC.eco
Team
Will Galloway, South Carolina State Director
Will Galloway is a senior at Clemson University, where he is studying political science and military science. His passion for the environment began growing up farming, hunting, fishing, and hiking in South Carolina, where he learned the importance of taking care of our land. He is the former chair of the South Carolina College Republicans and has extensive grassroots and campaign experience in South Carolina. When he isn't working or in school, he's probably reading philosophy, hiking, playing above-average guitar, or below average golf.
BRIAN MARTINEZ, Eastern REGIONAL Director
Brian Martinez is an experienced political communicator dedicated to bipartisan collaboration and changing the narrative on climate action.
As the American Conservation Coalition’s (ACC) Eastern Regional Director, Brian helps develop the leadership skills of students and young professionals working in the grassroots environmental sector and advocates for their climate-driven ideas in our nation’s capital.
Born in Puerto Rico, but raised in Wisconsin, Brian attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he studied political science and legal studies. Prior to joining ACC, Brian worked on the Republican National Committee’s get-out-the-vote digital operations in Washington, DC, and was a legislative aide in the Wisconsin State Senate in Madison, WI.
When not crisscrossing the East Coast, you can find Brian in Washington, DC cheering on his favorite sports teams from afar: the Chicago Cubs and Bears, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Wisconsin Badgers.
Contact: Brian@ACC.eco
Luke Dretske, Finance and Administration Manager
Luke graduated from Ripon College in 2020 with degrees in Finance, and Politics and Government. In college, Luke served as the Student Senate President, President of the Ripon College Republicans, and the Treasurer of the Wisconsin Federation of College Republicans. In addition, Luke interned for the Republican Party of Wisconsin as well as in the United States Senate.
Prior to joining ACC, Luke served as a Legislative Aide in the Wisconsin State Assembly.
Outside of work, Luke serves on the City Council in Berlin, WI, and on the County Board for Green Lake County. He likes to travel, golf, and watch America's football team the Green Bay Packers.
Zack Abnet, Texas State DIRECTOR
Zack Abnet is a native North Texan who has lived in the United States for 18 years. Zack was born in the east African nation of Ethiopia, immigrating to the U.S at the age of seven. This unique background has informed his decision to pursue a career in public service in order to give back to a nation that has given so much to him. With this in heart, Zack graduated from Texas State University with his bachelor's degree in political science in 2020. During his time in school, he interned with the Texas State legislature's 86th session.
Prior to becoming Texas State director, Zack was president of the ACC Dallas branch, working to engage with local partners to address climate issues specific to Texas.
Outside of work, Zack is an avid but constantly disappointed fan of the Dallas Cowboys and other Dallas teams. He enjoys history, political debate, and any nature of work that expands humanity's reach into space. While attending Texas State in San Marcos Zack fell in love with the outdoors life. He’s a regular kayaker and hiker of the many beautiful trails of the Texas hill country. Zack has a goal of visiting all 7 continents before the age of 30.
Contact: zack@acc.eco | Twitter
SARIYAH KHALDI, design associate
Sariyah is currently a design associate on the team. She graduated from Oakland University with a degree in Media and communications and a minor in digital media production.
She loves to find creative solutions to help the environment in any way possible. Sariyah is an activist for environmentalism and helping animals. Her unique passion for animals started at a young age rescuing injured animals. This later grew into her love for the environment and all things living. Anything that she can create to raise awareness for the environment and animals, she is already on it.
When she’s not working, she is working out, hiking, watching sports, or playing with her bulldog. Although the Detroit Lions are her favorite team, she does have a winning spirit and will do anything to help the environment.
BROOKE THIGPEN, communications associate
Brooke Thigpen is a native of Dacula, Georgia, and currently resides in East Tennessee. She grew up on her family’s farm, where she established an early appreciation and respect for animals and nature. She graduated from Brenau University in 2021 with a degree in History/Political Science. While in college, she completed two consecutive terms as the state secretary of the Georgia Association of College Republicans, volunteered and managed local campaigns, and served as her sorority’s president.
Prior to joining ACC, she served as the Deputy Communications Director for the Georgia Secretary of State. Outside of work, Brooke enjoys cooking, volunteering at her church and her alma mater, and researching historic architecture and interior design.
Contact: Brooke@ACC.eco
Hattie Hobart, Western Regional Director
Hattie is ACC’s Western Regional Director. She works with branches in her region to help them facilitate growth and development, as well as event planning and coordination. Her main goal is for everyone to enjoy every step of the branch development process, from leaders to activists.
Hattie was born and raised in the Midwest, but growing up, she spent as much time as possible in the mountains. She believes that conservation provides a path to keep these spaces enjoyable and accessible for generations, but to do that, everyone needs to be a part of the conversation.
Hattie’s background is in politics; she was part of two different Congressional campaigns as part of a field team and then as a finance director. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas and majored in Environmental Studies with minors in English and Political Science. After finishing her academic and political careers in Kansas, she earned a Masters of Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in June of 2022. Outside work, Hattie loves to hike, ski, paddleboard, and spend time with her friends and family.
Contact: Hattie@ACC.eco
Sarah Jensen, Policy Associate
Sarah Jensen is a Policy Associate for the American Conservation Coalition. Sarah recently received a master’s in Environmental and Natural Resources Policy from the University of Colorado-Boulder. She received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from San Jose State University, specializing in Rehabilitation Science for Physical Therapy.
Prior to working with ACC, Sarah spent over three years as an active ACC member, starting and leading local branches and becoming the organization’s first Ambassador. She has published articles in Colorado Politics, Daily Camera, and Western Tribune and testified before the Colorado Senate.
Sarah grew up in California, where she spent her summers camping and winters skiing in the Sierra Nevadas with her family. Today, she enjoys those same activities just in the Rocky Mountains instead! Her motivation comes from a deep desire to protect these beautiful places for future generations.
Most importantly, despite living in Colorado and declaring that she will not leave, she is faithful to her Bay Area sports teams: Warriors, Niners, Sharks, Giants, and Earthquakes!
Contact: Sarah.Jensen@ACC.eco
Danielle Lindsay, Florida State director
Danielle M. Lindsay is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in activism, government, and financial expertise. As the newly appointed Florida State Director for the American Conservation Coalition, Danielle has overseen multi-million-dollar budgets for critical military training programs in her previous role as an analyst for Raytheon.
Danielle's commitment to advocacy and conservation is exemplified through her involvement as a Member, Activist, and Volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition- Florida. She has spearheaded bi-weekly beach cleanups, removing substantial amounts of trash and microplastics from Central Florida's endangered environment. Her dedication extends to engaging local communities, collaborating with National Park Service rangers, and learning more about Florida's unique wildlife,
In addition to her professional and environmental pursuits, Danielle's educational background includes e Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Montevallo. Dani was also an intern in the Office of Presidential Correspondence in the Executive Office of the President of the United States.
Outside of work, Danielle spends as much time outside as possible, kayaking, surfing, swimming, hiking, camping, and enjoying all Florida has to offer.
Contact: danielle.lindsay@acc.eco
Aidan Shank, Midwest regional director
Aidan Shank possesses a broad range of knowledge in political messaging, campaigning, digital marketing, and grassroots mobilization. At the American Conservation Coalition, he leverages this experience to expand ACC’s presence across the Midwest.
Aidan is motivated by an ongoing desire to organize activists around practical solutions to pressing issues. Environmentalism and conservation are what he believes can help unite an increasingly divided country.
Outside of work, Aidan serves as a board member of the Republican Party of Ozaukee County and as the Vice Chair of Wisconsin’s newest Young Republicans chapter. Growing up playing hockey, he still tries to remain competitive (despite varying results). Additionally, he enjoys skiing, golfing, and running.
Contact: aidan@acc.eco | Instagram | LinkedIn
Philip Reichert, southern regional director
Philip Reichert serves as the Southern Regional Director for ACC, where he manages grassroots operations across the Southern United States. He is a veteran of Army and Space Force intelligence and has worked as a Producer at Fox News.
Philip is also a recognized voice in political commentary, with publications in Newsweek, the American Spectator, the Washington Examiner, and other notable outlets. In addition, he currently sits on the City of Austin Commission on Veterans Affairs.
Outside of work, Philip enjoys astronomy, skiing, and spending time with his toddler and two pugs. He is a native of Tallahassee and has a deep passion for the American South.
Contact: philip@acc.eco | Twitter | LinkedIn