Howell Conservation Fund (HCF) was created by founder Brett Howell, a lifelong environmentalist with 15 years’ experience in conservation, nonprofit management, and philanthropic giving. Having worked in nonprofits, corporations, and philanthropies, Brett noted that there were inefficiencies in each market segment that could be rectified by drawing best practices from the other segments.
In 2019, Brett created HCF as a way to bridge the gaps between each area in order to achieve breakthrough solutions through collaboration and market-driven approaches to environmental projects.
Hanna’s research has focused on understanding the societal and business case for sustainable plastic management. She has studied new technologies, business models, policies and public perceptions around marine plastic pollution. Within HCF, she guides scientific projects to advance knowledge through our conservation work.
Meredith is a freelance writer and marketing specialist whose work spans multiple genres. Her focus is to create awareness, visibility, and authenticity within the nonprofit community and beyond. She serves as the communications manager for HCF.
Kirsten is a lifelong sailor and diver, as well as a career environmentalist. After seven years of working in the renewable energy industry in both the private and non-profit sectors, Kirsten turned her focus toward marine conservation and the circular economy. She is an advisor on the Bioregional Finance Facility after serving in multiple leadership roles for HCF since 2021.
Melisa is HCF's accountant, through her role as Partner in the Non-Profit and Education group at Impact Accounting Partners. She is passionate about what’s next for the tax-exempt entities she serves and strongly believes non-profit organizations have the power to positively change their communities.
Carmia is a Creative Manager and marketing professional. Originally from South Africa, she loves to travel and has a passion for web development, cooking, and motorcycles. Carmia manages HCF's website, customer relationship management system, and back-end systems.
Aria is an interdisciplinary visionary exploring how the fields of neuroscience, environmental conservation, and studio art coexist together. Her passion lies in problem solving with an artistic and scientific tool box. As an avid advocate for the environment, she provides pro-bono consulting for non-profit organizations excited to create positive change for the planet we share.
Erica is a versatile professional with a diverse background, driven by the belief that her work can lead to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world. Erica is poised to leverage her skills to create powerful digital campaigns that drive awareness, engagement, and positive changes.
Holli is a dedicated virtual assistant with a passion for seamless organization and client satisfaction. She thrives in a remote work environment, balancing professional responsibilities with personal interests like hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her dogs and husband.
David is a Vice President Financial Advisor at Wealth Enhancement Group in the San Francisco Bay Area. Inspired early by family backpacking trips in Yosemite National Park, his passion for the outdoors fuels his drive for protecting our world’s most valuable resources and supporting sustainable solutions that promote a better tomorrow.
Justin has split his career between private equity and building startups and believes that solving the climate crisis is the defining challenge for this generation.
Stephanie is a dedicated fundraiser with a penchant for connecting people with causes in hopes of leaving the world a better place. Having raised nearly $20M for conservation efforts, Stephanie currently serves as the Director of Development at Southface Institute.
Benjamin is a seasoned entrepreneur and adventure seeker. One of his early ventures was Out Dare Adventures, an online travel magazine with contributing journalists from around the world and over 100,000 unique monthly readers. He is currently an investor and management consultant for businesses focused on the UN SDGs.
Weaving inclusive storytelling and climate-friendly sustainable technology are at the heart of Caroline’s mission to bridge our differences and transform our planet together.
David Madden has been working in sustainability for more than 25 years supporting private industry, non-profits, and government agencies. He was part of a team that won the Governor’s Award for Sustainability in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and he continues to support conservation and sustainability efforts across the planet through his work.
Johnny has over a decade of professional experience in environmental science, policy and the implementation of global advocacy projects. He specializes in ocean conservation – delivering projects from the Polar regions to the heart of the Pacific.
Marcus Porter is an Atlanta Native and graduate of Georgia State University with a Bachelors in Economics. He currently works for Grainger Procurement. Marcus enjoys spending time with his family and traveling the world, and he is longtime fan of Atlanta Falcons Football.
Matt is a clinical social worker with over a decade of prior marketing and advertising experience working to to drive individual and societal change with, and on behalf of, all beings.
Meggie is a dynamic advocate for improving environmental health. She leverages her transdisciplinary expertise to help communities and companies develop and deploy innovative, scientifically-grounded environmental solutions. A relentless optimist, Meggie believes we have the capacity to make transformational change.
Mike Van Bruinisse has been an entrepreneur for close to 30 years. He has been on the senior management team for two IPO’s and 5 acquisitions. Along with personally seeing the impact of climate change in places across the globe, having lived in an area impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Mike has recently been spending his time studying solutions on how corporations could be responsible for managing their own waste, instead of putting the burden on the consumer.
Scott is a venture designer, investor, and entrepreneur who works with organizations to build more equitable, resilient, and sustainable futures. His passion for conservation and the environment is borne from a lifetime of backcountry camping and bluewater sailing.