Bentley Johnson Bentley Johnson, Chair of the Board

Bentley is the Michigan League of Conservation Voters' Federal Government Affairs Director. In this role, he tracks all relevant activity in Washington, D.C., surrounding Michigan LCV’s issues. He engages with Michigan’s federal delegation to communicate MLCV’s position and ensure the protection of our land, air, and water throughout the decision-making process.

Tom Porter Tom Porter, Treasurer

Tom is President of the Porter Family Foundation and an integral founder of MiCAN. He is a retired venture capitalist and executive-in-residence at the Ross School at the University of Michigan. He supports big ideas that can make a meaningful difference for the environment. He co-founded the Council of Michigan Foundation’s Green & Blue Network and Voices for Carbon Neutrality at the University of Michigan. Tom resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the winter and Empire, Michigan, in the summers.

Conan Smith

Conan Smith, Secretary

Conan is an experienced nonprofit leader, policy innovator, and respected public official. He has long advocated for the environment, public health, and equity in Michigan. Starting as a volunteer and working his way up to leadership positions such as program director, executive director, and board member, he knows nonprofits' internal organization and external efforts from the ground up. The Ann Arbor native was appointed the Michigan Environmental Council’s first BIPOC president and CEO in May 2019.

Dr. Brandy Brown Dr. Brandy Brown

Dr. Brown is the Chief Innovation Officer at Walker-Miller Energy Services, where she blends research and emerging technology to deliver innovative energy solutions to historically marginalized communities. Additionally, she serves on the School for Sustainability and Environmental Studies faculty at the University of Michigan.

Before joining Walker Miller, Dr. Brown served as Climate & Energy Advisor and led the Office of Climate and Energy created by Governor Whitmer in 2019 to coordinate the state’s climate action efforts.

Frank Houston Frank Houston

Frank is the Regional Program Manager for the BlueGreen Alliance. Since joining the Alliance in 2018, Frank has been a leader in its work to address climate change, protect strong fuel economy standards, promote electric vehicles and good manufacturing jobs, and encourage investing in good jobs and fair economic policies as part of a just transition for workers and communities as we move to a cleaner economy. Frank was also recently appointed to Governor Whitmer’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council.

Marnese Jackson Marnese Jackson

Marnese is Co-Director at the Midwest Building Decarbonization Coalition, where she heads Community Engagement & Equity. She is an Environmental and Climate Justice activist, advocate, trainer, and educator from Pontiac, Michigan, where she is the mother of two children, London and Dawson.

Marnese serves as a board member of the U.S. Climate Action Network, membership chairperson of the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, and Environmental & Climate Justice chairperson of the NAACP Northern Oakland County Branch. She is a 2020 Michigan Clean Energy Leaders Cohort member and a 350.org BIPOC Cohort member. Marnese was appointed in 2021 to Governor Whitmer’s Michigan Council on Climate Solutions and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Building Performance Institute.

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