Ed Potosnak, Executive Director
As the Executive Director of New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, Ed Potosnak ensures the organizations are well staffed, resourced, and focused on advancing our mission to hold elected officials accountable to protect and preserve New Jersey natural resources. Building on his experience on Capitol Hill, he applies his environmental, public policy, and government affairs expertise to advancing bold pro-conservation protections in New Jersey by passing laws and regulations to protect our environment.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Ed grew up fishing, swimming and boating in the waters of the Garden State. As a young man, Ed worked alongside his brothers in his parents’ small business manufacturing life-saving communication devices for first responders.
After a decade in the classroom teaching chemistry, Ed sought out an opportunity to improve education and environmental policy and was awarded a highly competitive Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship to serve on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, where he crafted policies designed to improve our nation’s health and competitiveness. Ed is the Chair of the New Jersey Keep it Green Coalition and New Jersey State Lead for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. He is also a member of the Rutgers Glee Club Alumni Advisory Committee, the Board of Sustainable Jersey, and serves as a local elected Council Member in Franklin Township in Somerset County where he was formerly Franklin Township Board of Education President. Outside of work, Ed enjoys the outdoors and applying his chemistry background to hobbies like soap making.
Ed came to New Jersey League of Conservation Voters because he believes that a healthy environment is essential to all of us. Humans can’t live without clean air to breathe or clean water to drink and he can’t think of a more important way to spend his time than protecting our environment. A healthy environment means we can enjoy life, learn, love, and invent. His favorite part of the job is connecting with the public to guide New Jersey LCV’s work and helping New Jersey families and businesses understand critical environmental issues. In doing this, he hopes to instill the importance of protecting our state’s clean air and water and safeguarding our open space in the minds of every New Jerseyan, both present and future.
Laurie E. McLeod, Chief Operating Officer
As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Chief Operating Officer, Laurie McLeod oversees continued development of New Jersey LCV’s budgetary and financial systems, and manages and directs human resources and operations to support and sustain New Jersey LCV’s growth plans.
Growing up, Laurie lived in several states across the U.S. and in Europe where her father was assigned as a Captain in the Air Force. She attended Boston College, where she received a B.A. in human development and an M.B.A. in marketing and organizational behavior.
Laurie brings more than 25 years of extensive experience in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. She began her career in the insurance and financial fields, then transitioned into entertainment as AVP of Administration at Radio City Music Hall. Subsequently she spent six years as Director of Finance and HR for national consulting firm, Spectrem Group.
Most recently, Laurie served as Director of Finance & Administration at Physicians for Human Rights and prior to that, as Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer at the International Center of Photography in New York, where she oversaw financial and organizational infrastructures and support for both. Laurie initially entered the nonprofit arena at Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region in Philadelphia where, as Chief Operating Officer, she spent 13 years helping grow the small merged agency into one that ultimately served 7,000 children and mentors annually.
Outside of work, she can usually be found spending time with her extended family in New Jersey. She is thrilled to now be working at an organization that fights for the environmental well-being of her home state.
Erika Attanasio, Executive Assistant
As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Executive Assistant, Erika Attanasio helps manage the daily schedule of the Executive Director and serves as liaison between the ED and the other members of the organization.
Erika graduated from Stockton University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. She started her career as a Lab Technician at EMSL Analytical. For the past 9 years, she has served as the Executive Assistant for a County Bar Association.
Erika joined New Jersey LCV to combine her passion for the environment with her skills as an Executive Assistant. She is excited to be more involved in environmental conservation and help make NJ greener for all residents.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and doing crafts.
Kathryn Fisher, Campaigns Manager
Kathryn Fisher is a Campaigns Manager with New Jersey LCV. Within this role, she is responsible for leading, organizing, and growing New Jersey LCV's various campaigns and volunteer initiatives. Kathryn also collaborates with fellow organizers to plan outreach and volunteer engagement events.
She was raised in New Jersey and graduated from Green Mountain College with a degree in environmental studies and English. She started organizing during the 2018 midterms after completing a fellowship on Representative Andy Kim’s campaign, and has since worked on three other congressional and presidential primary campaigns. Before working in politics, she worked as a tour manager and merchandise manager in the music industry across North America and Europe.
A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Kathryn is passionate about sustainable development and addressing the challenges around climate change.
Outside of the office, she can be found reading, traveling, and hiking.
Alissondra Gutierrez, Campaigns Lead Organizer
Alissondra Gutierrez is an enthusiastic Campaigns Lead Organizer with New Jersey LCV, championing the Offshore Wind campaigns. In her dynamic role, she collaborates with fellow organizers to craft impactful outreach and energizing activist events. Hailing from Central New Jersey, Alissondra earned her BA in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy from Rutgers University-New Brunswick. After graduating, she dove headfirst into politics as a Campaign Coordinator for the Middlesex County Democratic Organization, where she made her mark on local elections in Monroe Township and Sayreville. She later took on the role of Campaign Development Manager at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, further honing her skills in advocacy and community engagement.
Alissondra also proudly represents her sorority, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority. With a fervent passion for environmental sustainability, Alissondra joined New Jersey LCV to help propel the state toward its ambitious goal of 100% renewable energy. She believes that a greener future is not just a dream—it's a necessity for New Jersey and the world.
Alissondra loves spending quality time with family and friends, diving into a good book, or hunting for the perfect coffee shop!
Jason Krane, Senior Director of Development
As the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Senior Development Director, Jason Krane is responsible for both the individual and corporate donor programs, including the Sustainable Business Roundtable. He manages New Jersey LCV’s grant program, as well as all PAC fundraising activities. Jason also oversees all of the organization’s fundraising events, including the New Jersey LCV Annual Gala and the League of Municipalities Reception.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Hartford, and a Masters of Public Administration in nonprofit administration from Seton Hall University, Jason worked for a few small nonprofits before spending nearly a decade within the Jewish Federation umbrella on the Financial Resource Development teams.
Jason and his wife and son are lifelong residents of New Jersey, and Jason serves as a Board Trustee of his local JCC. When not working or volunteering, Jason can be found playing or walking outdoors on a local trail with his dog, Kinglsey, or watching a New York Mets or New York Jets game.
Jason was drawn to New Jersey LCV because he believed in its mission to endorse and elect environmental champions, and the benefit this work brought. He cherishes the opportunity to work in the political space and is passionate about helping to preserve our planet for future generations, as well as enjoying the work he does to help sustain the organization and its mission through fundraising.
Allison McLeod, Deputy Director
As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Deputy Director, Allison McLeod directs the organization’s lobbying efforts and campaign plans and works to build relationships with legislative and administrative officials. She also plays a lead role in managing the organization's programs and coalitions.
Allison is a lifelong resident of the Garden State. After getting her bachelor's degree in marine science and psychology from the University of San Diego, Allison began work offshore in the Gulf of Mexico as a Marine Mammal Observer. She then joined the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Government Relations, where she worked for several years assisting New Jersey's diverse range of municipalities with their environmental concerns. Most recently, she served as Director of Personnel and Strategic Operations in local government. Allison is a member of the Aberdeen Township Zoning Board and serves as an elected County Committeewoman.
Allison decided to work in the field of marine science and conservation after reading an article in her sixth-grade class. Since then, her love and appreciation for our natural resources has only grown, as has her determination to protect them for future generations. She is thrilled to be part of the important work New Jersey LCV is doing in climate, clean air, clean water, and environmental justice.
Jasmine Metellus, Manager, Politics & Government Relations
As the Manager, Politics & Government Relations, Jasmine manages, develops, and executes New Jersey LCV’s election work and supports our state and local political program by helping elect strong leaders who champion the environment and our values.
As a proud first-generation born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, and raised in Irvington, New Jersey, she brings a unique perspective to her work. Her impactful journey includes serving as the former Chief of Staff to Senator Renee C. Burgess, representing the 28th district, Legislative Aide to Former Assemblywoman Sadaf F. Jaffer, representing the 16th district, worked on Governor Murphy’s campaign trail in 2021, and currently holds multiple positions in Young Democrats of America including serving as President of the Essex County Young Democrats.
In 2021, she achieved academic success, graduating from Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing, and a minor in International Studies. Jasmine’s dedication extends beyond her professional roles.
Outside of her official responsibilities, she actively contributes as a mentor for high school and college students which includes programs such as America Needs You and Program Coordinator for Jersey Cares. Her vision is to be a catalyst for positive change, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Jasmine enjoys traveling, photography, hiking, and writing.
Hillary Mohaupt, Director of Inclusion
As Director of Inclusion, Hillary Mohaupt oversees all of the organization’s internal equity and inclusion work to ensure that New Jersey LCV continues the ongoing work to incorporate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice principles across our work. This includes overseeing our Justice and Equity committee, coordinating opportunities for staff to explore DEIJ topics, managing our racial justice and equity workplan, and supporting staff in their individual racial justice and equity work.
Coming from a family of environmentalists, Hillary has spent more than a decade helping small non-profit and cultural organizations tell their stories in print and online. Originally from the Midwest, she enjoys exploring natural wonders across the U.S. Hillary studied public history and the French resistance at Macalester College and the University of Delaware, and she holds an MFA in fiction from Pacific University in Oregon.
Hillary came to New Jersey LCV because she saw the importance of creating policies and laws that bring about a cleaner, greener, fairer world for everyone, and holding our elected officials accountable for creating and enforcing those laws. She sees her work as an opportunity to learn about and collaborate with everyone at New Jersey LCV, and to create opportunities to try new things and grow together.
Isabel Molina, Manager, Environmental Justice & Policy
As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Environmental Justice Policy Associate, Isabel Molina is responsible for building relationships with partners through coalition work, event planning and execution, and discussion of administrative programs, budgets, federal and state funding, and pending state legislation. She has been focused on working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Board of Public Utilities to revise rule making, such as the Environmental Justice Rule Proposal or cumulative impacts law. She also works to ensure that equity is infused into all of the organization’s activity, both internally and externally.
Growing up in northern New Jersey, Isabel had the privilege of access to green spaces, from the forest behind her elementary school to State Parks, which developed her love for the outdoors. As an avid environmentalist from a young age, Isabel sought to engage with environmental issues through high school clubs and volunteer work.
Isabel graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, a minor in ecological agriculture and a concentration in ecological design. During her time there, sustainability and equity became central to how she pursued environmental work. Post-graduation, Isabel worked for a start up that created indoor agriculture devices to make growing and consuming fresh produce more accessible. She moved on as a recycling & waste educator in Massachusetts, partnering with local organizations to engage the culturally & linguistically diverse community on key issues and working to make local government more visible in the community.
In her free time, Isabel enjoys cooking, baking, visiting museums, hiking, and making art.
Isabel is passionate about helping those who have historically been at a disadvantage by combating the most pressing environmental justice issues in the Garden State. She hopes that her work at New Jersey LCV will contribute to a more equitable and greener future for all New Jerseyans.
Adam Nolan, Campaigns Organizer
As a Campaigns Organizer with New Jersey LCV, Adam Nolan works with the Offshore Wind and various other campaigns, helping to develop volunteer initiatives, plan events, and carry out community outreach and education.
Adam is from the Pinelands region of South Jersey, spending his childhood fishing, swimming, and hiking the trails. Adam attended Penn State University and graduated with a B.A. in International Politics, with a minor in Energy Business and Finance and a minor in Spanish. He began organizing as an intern on a congressional campaign in 2018, and has since worked as a field organizer on a presidential campaign and as a community organizer for the City of Philadelphia.
Adam joined New Jersey LCV because he wants to be part of a team working towards 100% renewable energy in New Jersey. He is eager to get more people engaged in slowing climate change.
In his spare time, Adam enjoys cooking, reading, and gardening.
Susan Paschkes, Operations Manager
As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Operations Manager, Susan supports the management of New Jersey LCV’s human resources and general operations initiatives. Susan manages the Internship Program, including the College & University Diversity Program initiative.
Susan has a mind for business, a heart for people, and the soul of an artist. After a life-long career in the hospitality industry, she pivoted to work in the non-profit sector to achieve her goal of finding the common ground for good works through cultivating an environment of compassion, collaboration and inclusivity.
She has a deep appreciation of the transformative power of the theatre arts. Her passion hobbies are directing, acting and as a Teaching Artist in providing theatre arts workshops to youth in BIPOC communities. The ocean is her source of energy and inspiration.
Michelle Peal, Director of Communications
As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Director of Communications, Michelle Peal is responsible for creating and implementing media strategies, increasing the media presence of New Jersey LCV statewide, writing key messages, and serving as an internal expert on communications content.
Michelle has worked for various corporations and non-profit organizations. Prior to joining New Jersey LCV she worked as an Outreach and Advocacy Consultant at Educational Testing Service. She previously worked at the New Jersey State Legislature, as the Deputy Director of Communications, responsible for media relations for state senators, and at Bloomberg News where she managed a global team of news producers. Michelle began her career in Indiana as a radio and television news reporter.
Michelle joined New Jersey LCV because of her concerns about the harmful effects of climate change. She wanted to use her communications skills to spread the word that we all must be involved in stopping this global catastrophe. She is also proud of the work New Jersey LCV is doing to address environmental racism.
A firm believer in the adage “to whom much is given, much is required,” Michelle has dedicated her life to volunteerism. She is a member of several community organizations and is Vice Chair of a Public Education group.
Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Indiana University and a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Northwestern University.
Andrea Rojas, Communications Coordinator
As the Communications Coordinator of New Jersey LCV, Andrea Rojas is responsible for creating and implementing media strategies, and ensures that New Jersey LCV’s media represents their advocacy and environmental justice work.
Andrea graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Journalism and earned her Masters Degree from Temple University in Media Studies and Production. Prior to working at New Jersey LCV, Andrea interned at Princeton Hydro where she grew their following, maintained an active social presence, and highlighted their projects using blogs and videos.
Andrea joined New Jersey LCV to combine her passion for media with her love for the environment. She enjoys using her skills in communications to advance New Jersey LCV’s initiatives to address climate change, pollution, and open space preservation and protection.
In her free time you can find Andrea reading, doing crafts, and spending time outside.
Anthony Taddeo, Lead Organizer
Anthony Taddeo is a Campaigns Organizer with New Jersey LCV. Within this role he works with the Offshore Wind and Community Solar campaigns while collaborating with other campaign organizers to plan outreach and activist events.
He grew up near the Jersey Shore and spent his childhood on the water either kayaking the creek, fishing on his family's boat, or crabbing at the local marina. He attended Susquehanna University and graduated with a BA in Political Science. While attending Susquehanna University, Anthony studied abroad in the Galapagos for three weeks. On this trip he worked with their conservation program and helped with their tortoise population where he had the opportunity to weigh and measure tortoises. After graduation he worked on Josh Gottheimer’s congressional campaign as a field organizer.
Anthony chose New Jersey LCV because he is passionate about a greener future for New Jersey. He looks forward to helping New Jersey reach its goal of getting to 100% renewable energy.
In his free time you can find him at the beach, hiking, or having a slice of pizza.
James L. Thompson, Campaigns Director
As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ Campaigns Director, James L. Thompson is responsible for coordinating the organization’s activist program, campaigns team and partner organizations to support policy and legislative initiatives.
Raised in southern New Jersey, James first became involved with community and civic engagement at a young age. He began his strategic campaigning and organizing career at Pennsylvania ACORN as the Political Field Director leading and overseeing the statewide effort to register new voters as well as working as the Legislative Director for Philadelphia ACORN. From there James moved to the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey where he was a field organizer working with community development corporations and non-profit affordable housing developers to tackle the barriers to affordable housing for low and moderate income families.
Later in his career he led union organizing campaigns for the Service Employees International Union as Senior Organizer working with part-time and adjunct faculty members at colleges and universities. From that point, James worked at Free Press New Jersey where he coordinated the efforts working with volunteers, activists, and coalition partners to establish the Civic Information Consortium, a public charity passed by the New Jersey Legislature and signed into law in 2018 dedicated to providing funding for local news initiatives to better inform communities about news, information, and civic activities to foster a stronger democracy.
In his spare time, James enjoys working out, spending time with his family, and gardening. He is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.
James joined the team at New Jersey LCV because he saw it as an opportunity to focus on addressing the challenges we face around climate change, transitioning to renewable energy, and environmental justice. He looks forward to working with the organizing team, activists, and partners to make sure the organization continues to work with lawmakers and communities to tackle issues affecting drinking water, open space, and clean air.
Jay Weisbond, Policy Assistant
As the Policy Assistant at New Jersey LCV, Jay Weisbond focuses on researching state-level policy relating to the environment, public health, and voting rights. Jay supports the Keep it Green Coalition and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, manages relationships with elected officials, and assists in developing environmental and democracy policy priorities that center on racial justice and equity. Additionally, Jay tracks legislation in Trenton, organizes meetings with key individuals, and represents New Jersey LCV at various public events.
Jay graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University in 2022. Inspired by his passion for social justice and policy research, he pursued a Master’s degree in Political Science with a focus on United Nations and Global Policy Studies from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, graduating in 2024.
Jay's previous experience includes interning for New Jersey Assemblyman Sterley Stanley and serving as a Policy and Outreach Intern at New Jersey LCV, where he conducted policy research, organized meetings, and represented the organization at various events.
Jay chose to work at New Jersey LCV because of its leadership in advancing environmental legislation, its strong communication with lawmakers and nonprofits, and the organization’s commitment to environmental justice. He appreciates the organization's impressive record and supportive team, sharing a passion for combating climate change and protecting the environment.
In his free time, Jay enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time in the outdoors.
Kristin Zilcosky, Senior Director of Digital Engagement
As New Jersey League of Conservation Voters’ and Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania’s Senior Director of Digital Engagement, Kristin Zilcosky spearheads the Delaware River Watershed Capacity Building and Mobilization program, which cultivates leaders to advocate for watershed protection and helps to build local watershed partners' ability to effectively communicate and advocate for critical watershed protections. She also oversees the organization’s digital team, which works to grow and engage online followers in support of New Jersey LCV’s organizational political and policy priorities.
In her work with the Delaware River Watershed program, Kristin is building a digital “megaphone,” a list of 80,000 email activists who will be educated and mobilized, to support the work of the Watershed partner organizations. Before launching this project, Kristin served as the Digital Director for NARAL Pro-Choice America in Washington, DC. Kristin joined NARAL Pro-Choice America in 1999 and led the organization’s online campaigns, including email marketing, mobile advocacy, and social media. Before joining the world of progressive politics, Kristin did historical research. Kristin hails from upstate New York and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Trinity College in Hartford, CT with a degree in American studies.
After two decades working with the pro-choice movement in Washington, Kristin knew that she had a passion for digital advocacy for a cause, and joined New Jersey LCV. Now a mother of two, she is passionate about ensuring clean water for all and combating the climate crisis, so that her children and all of New Jersey’s children have a brighter future and a greener world to look forward to.