Ohio Chapter Staff and Leadership

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Robert Shields

Chapter Chair, Ohio Chapter

Bob discovered the outdoors, nature, and conservation as a Boy Scout growing up in New Jersey. As an avid hiker, kayaker, and road cyclist, he has visited locations throughout the Sierras, Rockies, and New England. He attended SUNY College of Forestry & Environmental Science, receiving master’s degrees in Botany and Curriculum and Instruction.

After completing his degrees, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and spent two years stationed on Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands and at Estaca de Bares in northwest Spain.   Subsequently, he received a commission as an officer, with his primary specialty being marine safety and security.

Bob also taught marine and environmental science at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for four years, teaching courses on marine pollution, marine biology, oceanography, and marine and environmental issues.  In addition, he oversaw a summer sailing program for incoming freshmen. He also assisted in research as a volunteer at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (NEER) in Huron, Ohio.

He has been a member of the Sierra Club (Northeast Ohio Group) since 2002.

Email: sierrabob@oh.rr.com

Phone: 440.554.6883

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Jed Thorp

Conservation Program Manager, Ohio Chapter

Jed Thorp recently returned to the Sierra Club after five years at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency where he was involved with a variety of environmental issues including the permitting of new power plants, the cleanup of old hazardous waste sites, the regulation of the state’s largest landfills and the ongoing assessment of watershed quality.  Jed brings a decade of experience in environmental policy and advocacy, having worked for the Sierra Club from 2005-2007.  Jed also worked on energy policy for Clean Water Action in Boston and began his advocacy career with Ohio Citizen Action in Toledo.

Jed has a Master’s degree in political science from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Findlay where he studied political science and international studies.  Jed enjoys camping and hiking with his wife, Sarah, and counts the Grand Canyon, the Smokies and the White Mountains in New Hampshire as some of his favorite destinations.

Email: jed.thorp@sierraclub.org

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Matt Trokan

Conservation Program Coordinator–Clean Water Campaign, Natural Resources Protection

Matt Trokan is a native of Cincinnati but has traveled broadly across the Country, most recently living in western Washington and Juneau, Alaska.  He received a B.A. in history from Xavier University in 2003 and a M.A. in environmental study from The Evergreen State College in 2009.  Matt has over a decade of public service and community development experience.  As an environmentalist Matt has worked hard to develop resource conservation efforts through awareness, action and advocacy, “We must not only educate people about resource conservation but also advocate for the mechanisms that make conservation easier.”  Matt is currently working with the Sierra Club as a Conservation Coordinator.

Email: matt.trokan@sierraclub.org

Phone: 614.461.0734 ext 311

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Natalie Fox

Conservation Program Coordinator–Statewide Energy Campaign

Natalie Fox graduated from Ohio University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Geography. Prior to working for the Sierra Club, Natalie spent two years volunteering with the Ohio University chapter of the Sierra Student Coalition. She is also certified as a home energy inspector. She spent several years as an environmental activist and Sierra Club member in her native Cleveland, Ohio.

Natalie is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Sierra Club promoting energy efficiency and educating people about the power of the choices they make each day. She enjoys making jewelry from recycled and reused materials and doing anything and everything outside. Natalie is ecstatic to be a part of this amazing organization and to continue making a positive impact on our home planet and beyond!

Email: natalie.fox@sierraclub.org

Phone: 614.461.0734 ext. 301

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Benjamin Wickizer

Conservation Program Coordinator–Green Transportation Campaign, Clean Water Campaign

Ben graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Environmental Studies.  Before coming to Sierra Club, he worked for the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Columbus, where he focused on transportation issues and coordinated university outreach.

Ben is originally from Seattle, which explains his affinity for both mountains and water and his love of wild places, but he is eager to experience more of Ohio’s unique natural splendor.  He is excited about the prospect of advancing Ohio’s environmental integrity and sustainability through improving and edifying its transportation and water networks; and also enthusiastic about contributing to Sierra Club’s storied legacy.  He enjoys photography, travel, and all forms of outdoor recreation.

Email: ben.wickizer@sierraclub.org

Phone: 614.461.0734 ext. 316

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Amanda Keith

Conservation Coordinator — Clean Water Campaign

Amanda is a 2011 graduate of the College of Wooster with a Bachelors degree in English and Environmental Studies. Before Sierra Club, Amanda studied Marine Biology in the Galapagos Islands and developed an honors thesis focusing on the relationship between literature and coastal erosion issues in southern Louisiana. She also taught environmental education programs in northern Minnesota and is currently a board member for the non-profit Tinkers Creek Watershed partners in Northeast, Ohio.

She is very excited to advocate clean water protection in northern Ohio and hopes to spend most of her time cleaning up streams and helping others monitor their waterways. She’s also a practicing beekeeper and has an affinity for those fuzzy bugs.

Email: amanda.keith@sierraclub.org

Phone: 614.330.8457

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Ned Ford

Consultant for Statewide Energy Efficiency and Utility Initiatives

Email: ned.ford@fuse.net

Phone: 513.600.4200

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