Alumni Advisory Council

Alumni Advisory Council

We have an Advisory Council composed of 26 alumni from the private and public sectors. We convene two meetings per year to host scoping discussions on fundraising needs, program initiatives, and objectives. PEEL hosts Advisory Council meetings each semester, bringing together alumni and faculty to discuss program development, student support, and future initiatives. These meetings provide a platform for alumni to contribute their expertise and perspectives, ensuring that the program remains responsive to the evolving needs of the field and its graduates.

Recognizing the value of alumni perspectives, PEEL frequently invites alumni to serve as speakers for program events. We also have several alumni as Adjunct Professors. Their industry knowledge and experiences enrich the learning environment and provide valuable insights into the practical aspects of environmental and energy law.

Moreover, PEEL actively involves alumni in its mentorship program, connecting them with current students seeking guidance and support. This mentorship program offers a platform for meaningful engagement, where alumni can share their professional experiences, provide career advice, and steer students toward their professional goals. This engagement creates a sense of continuity and mentorship within the PEEL community, as alumni serve as role models and provide guidance to the next generation of environmental and energy law professionals.

The Alumni Advisory council is jointly led by Jesica Lindgren (WCL 94), General Counsel at Blue Star Strategies, and Elizabeth Lewis (WCL 17), Senior Associate Attorney at Eubanks & Associates, PLLC, the Council is composed of twenty alumni from diverse legal sectors that meet every semester. These individuals contribute invaluable insights to shape the curriculum and programming, facilitating the ongoing expansion and advancement of the program.

Council Members

  • Joan Bondareff (WCL 75), Counsel (maritime, enviro, govt relations, etc) at Blank Rome
  • Paul Hagen (WCL 90), Principal at Beveridge & Diamond
  • Sarah Stewart (WCL 02), CEO & Executive Director at Silverado Policy Accelerator
  • Jessica Lindgren (WCL 94), General Counsel at Blue Star Strategies
  • Claudia de Windt (WCL 01), CEO/Directora Ejecutiva at Inter-American Institute on Justice and Sustainability
  • Erika Lennon (WCL 08), Senior Attorney, Climate & Energy Program at CIEL
  • Karim Marshall (WCL 08), Senior Advisor at Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lewis (WCL 15), Senior Attorney at Meyer, Glitzenstein & Eubanks
  • Chelsea Tu (WCL 13), Executive Director at Monterey Waterkeeper
  • Alan Rukin (WCL 09), Attorney-Advisor, OGC at DOE
  • Sean Schecter (WCL 08), PartnerCommercial Litigation/White Collar and Government Investigations at Lewis Brisbois.
  • Sara Sass (WCL 18), Licensing Associate at ATCC
  • Emmett Pepper (WCL 12), Attorney at Pepper & Nason
  • Veronica Bradley (WCL 14), Director of Environmental Science at Clean Fuels Alliance America
  • Frank Walcizek (WCL 20), Counsel at Law Offices of Peter C. Hansen, LLC
  • Phillip Killeen (WCL 21), Associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates
  • Casey Crandell (WCL 22), Director of Federal Fleet Sustainability, Office of the Chief Sustainability Officer at White House Council on Environmental Quality
  • Russell Armstrong (WCL 22), Policy Director for Climate and Environment at Hip Hop Caucus
  • Samina Bharmal (WCL 14), Senior Sustainability Counsel at Hewlett Packard
  • Jessica Maloney (WCL 19), Associate, Environment & Natural Resources, Litigation, Due Diligence, and Regulatory Counseling at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
  • Negin Mostaghim (WCL LLM), Attorney at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Meghen Sullivan (WCL 22), Attorney at Nixon Peabody LL
  • Alex Hsu (WCL 22), Manager, State Energy and Regulatory Policy at Edison Electric Institute
  • Carson Hicks (WCL 23)
  • Jesse Levine (WCL 10), Senior Director, Energy and Environmental Policy at American Forest & Paper Association