Founded by a small group of dedicated volunteers in 1979, we have since grown to a fully staffed nonprofit organization in Annapolis, Maryland.

KIM COBLE

Executive Director

Kim Coble joined Maryland LCV in 2019 after two years as the chief operating officer at US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment. Prior to her role at US SIF, Kim worked at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, including eight years as the Maryland executive director and then six years as vice president of environmental protection and restoration, where she oversaw CBF’s policy, outreach and restoration work throughout the watershed.

Kim holds a master’s of science in public health. She currently is co-chair of the Maryland Commission on Climate Change. Kim was selected as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women in 2015, appointed as an Admiral of the Chesapeake Bay, served as the valedictorian of her Leadership Maryland class, and was a member of the State Ethics Commission from 2015 to 2019. Kim lives in Annapolis with her husband and two dogs and enjoys spending time at her 120-year-old cabin in the Adirondacks.
kcoble@mdlcv.org

RAMON PALENCIA-CALVO

Deputy Director

Ramón Palencia-Calvo is Maryland LCV’s deputy executive director and director of Chispa Maryland, a Latino outreach and grassroots organizing program that he launched shortly after joining Maryland LCV in 2014.

Ramón has developed and implemented issue organizing campaigns that led to local and statewide victories and developed new Latino leaders who can take grassroots and legislative action on environmental justice issues. He works with community groups, faith-based and grassroots organizations, legislators, and trusted influential partners to identify unique environmental issues facing Maryland’s Latinos and to increase their political participation in favor of a pro-conservation agenda.

Ramón obtained his master’s degree in environmental sciences and policy from Johns Hopkins University.
rpcalvo@mdlcv.org

SHIVAUGN AHERN

Director of Operations

Shivaugn Ahern joined Maryland LCV in 2022 to organize and direct the growing operations of Maryland LCV, Maryland LCV Education Fund, and Maryland LCV’s associated political action committees.

Shivaugn’s previous experience in nonprofit management and operations spans 15 years, including various roles of increasing responsibility in Michigan, North Carolina, and Costa Rica. Shivaugn received her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Michigan State University and later earned her law degree at the Michigan State University College of Law. Shivaugn lives in Annapolis, on Weems Creek, with her husband and two dogs.
sahern@mdlcv.org

JASON AUL

Director of Strategic Communications

Jason Aul joined Maryland LCV in 2023 to lead the organization’s internal and external communications, and supports Maryland LCV’s mission by sharing stories that educate, empower, and create meaningful connections between Maryland’s residents and the environment. With a career spanning 12 years, Jason has lent his expertise in communications and outreach to various initiatives including global human and digital rights, small business growth and sustainability, and local tourism in southern Maryland.

Jason graduated from Northwestern University with an MA in Public Administration and Public Policy, and from George Washington University with a BA in Political Science. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife, and enjoys exploring the city’s burgeoning restaurant scene. He is also known to make irregular appearances at DC Improv’s “Pun DMV” competition where he free-styles puns against a diverse group of competitors.
jaul@mdlcv.org

Kyle Bryant

KYLE BRYANT

Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Intern

Kyle Bryant joined Maryland LCV in 2023 through the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate
Corps; his primary job is to help MDLCV form strong connections with like-minded organizations
working within the Baltimore area and the state of Maryland. He recently graduated from the
University of Maryland, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and policy with a
concentration in environmental politics and policy, and plans to go to graduate school next year
to further his studies. He has previously interned with the UMD Center For Environmental
Science and Western Washington University’s Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes, WA.

kbryant@mdlcv.org

Alexandra Grayson

ALEXANDRA GRAYSON

Climate Policy and Justice Fellow

Alexandra Grayson joined Maryland LCV in 2023 as the organization’s Climate Policy and
Justice Fellow. Alexandra has a background in natural and social science research on justice in
energy systems, urban climate, and extreme weather. Her previous experience also includes
environmental policy and advocating for a just and sustainable future both in her hometown of
Baltimore and the State of Maryland.

Alexandra is a current Master of Science candidate in Energy and Resources Group at the
University of California Berkeley, and she holds a bachelor’s degree from Howard University.

agrayson@mdlcv.org

KRISTEN HARBESON

Political Director

Kristen Harbeson joined Maryland LCV in 2015 after five years as senior staff to Chairman Maggie McIntosh. During her tenure with the legislature, she worked for the Environmental Matters Committee. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Hampshire College in 1996, Kristen spent a year in Paris before graduating with a master’s degree in history and museum studies from the University of Delaware in 2000. Her lifelong passion for politics and policy, however, led her to shift to advocacy work, first at Preservation Maryland and then the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers.

Kristen is a devoted resident of Baltimore City where she has lived for over 20 years and where she dedicates her time to her other great passions: traveling, dancing, cats, history, baking, and spreadsheets.
kharbeson@mdlcv.org

Melanie Kincaid Donor Engagement Manager

MELANIE KINCAID

Donor Engagement Manager

Melanie Kincaid joined Maryland LCV in 2023 with more than 15 years of service to nonprofit organizations. Melanie focused her career on communications and fund development, and supported a broad spectrum of missions including workforce development, affordable housing, the arts, environmental education and stewardship, and child care advocacy.

Melanie received her BA in Business Administration from Baldwin-Wallace University and Master of Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College. She has a passion for serving her community and exploring the natural wonders of the world. She lives in Cape Saint Claire with her husband and their high school sophomore, and you will find them outdoors each weekend hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, climbing, skiing, or assisting the Broadneck Marching Band.
mkincaid@mdlcv.org

DANNIELLE LIPINSKI

Membership and Digital Engagement Director

Dannielle Lipinski began her tenure at Maryland LCV as an intern and volunteer and was subsequently hired in early 2010 as the Baltimore County community organizer. Dannielle currently manages our communications, media relations, membership, digital engagement, internship and volunteer programs, and outreach activities. 

A native of Maryland, Dannielle graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a degree in environmental studies and minors in legal policy and economics. She lives in Catonsville with her husband, their three young sons, tortoise, and dog, and enjoys hiking throughout the many parks in our state, gardening, and trying different canning recipes. 
dlipinski@mdlcv.org

ELÍSEO MAGOS GONZÁLEZ

Community Organizer

Elíseo Magos González joined  Maryland  LCV in 2021 after almost five years as a community organizer at CASA, where he worked closely with Latinx families and communities to ensure their voices were heard.

Elíseo has also worked on immigration and education issues and is particularly skilled at identifying community members with leadership potential and helping them become powerful forces for their community. A native of Mexico, Eliseo lives in District Heights Maryland where he enjoys hiking and planting. emagos@mdlcv.org

MARISA OLSZEWSKI

Environmental Policy Manager

Marisa Olszewski joined Maryland LCV in 2022 to serve as an organizational expert on policies, regulations, and proposed legislation, as well as community education and outreach programs. Marisa’s experience in Maryland environmental science and public education and outreach spans 15 years, through roles with the Maryland Environmental Service, the Dundalk Renaissance Corporation, and the Robinson Nature Center in Howard County.

Marisa has a passion for empowering people with science and advocating for a healthy environment for all Marylanders. Marisa earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Goucher College and a master’s degree in environmental biology from Hood College. She lives in Sparrows Point with her husband and daughter.
molszewski@mdlcv.org

REBECCA REHR

Director of Climate Policy and Justice

Rebecca Rehr joined Maryland LCV in 2022 to shape the organization’s climate policy efforts with a focus on communities that are overburdened by a history of environmental injustice. Rebecca was previously director of ecoAmerica’s Climate for Health Program, where she worked to build the health voice on climate action. Before that, she served as the public policy and advocacy manager at the Maryland Environmental Health Network.

Rebecca deeply believes that health equity is the foundation of strong and just climate solutions. Rebecca lives in Silver Spring with her husband. She earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and public policy at Franklin and Marshall College and a master’s degree in public health in environmental health sciences from the University of Maryland School of Public Health.
rrehr@mdlcv.org

MATT SALTON

Federal Campaigns Manager

Joining As Federal Campaigns Manager in 2022, Matt is responsible for coordinating federal campaign efforts between the New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland League of Conservation Voters organizations.He grew up caring about the environment and became an Eagle Scout.

He is a graduate of Gettysburg College with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Political Science. Prior to his work at League of Conservation Voters, Matt was the Environmental Action Associate at Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and a political organizer, working on several electoral campaigns in New York and Pennsylvania to get environmental champions elected to office.

msalton@nylcv.org

LAURA WOOD

Development Director

Laura Wood joined Maryland LCV in 2020 to develop and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy. She brings 15 years of fundraising experience from her career at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, including expertise in major grants and gifts, securing event sponsorships, and managing fundraising campaigns.

Laura holds a master’s degree in environmental policy from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in biology and environmental studies from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She lives on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis with her husband, daughter, and dog and, together, they enjoy exploring all of Maryland’s unique natural resources.
lwood@mdlcv.org 

MORENA ZELAYA

Organizing Manager for Chispa Maryland

Morena Zelaya joined Maryland LCV in 2022 as the Organizing Manager for Chispa Maryland. She is a proud immigrant from El Salvador, where she spent many years working as a psychologist, helping women who were victims of domestic violence with therapy and connecting them to supportive services. She immigrated to the United States in 2010 and soon began working as a CASA organizer, spending ten years passionately supporting her community.

Morena holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which combined with her years of community-based work, allows her to motivate and empower individuals and communities to organize around environmental issues. She is delighted to join the fight for climate and social justice for Latinos and all communities in Maryland.
mzelaya@mdlcv.org