Board of Directors
benji backer, executive chairman
Benji Backer is Executive Chairman and Founder of the American Conservation Coalition, the largest right-of-center environmental organization in the country. For his work with the ACC, he has been awarded the Fortune 40 Under 40, Forbes 30 Under 30, GreenBiz 30 Under 30, and Grist 50. He serves as a Board member for the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum and Mainstream Republicans of Washington. A frequent contributor to multiple national media outlets, Benji is one of the leading youth environmental voices in the country.
Benji grew up in Wisconsin and is an avid Wisconsin sports fan. He spends his free time hiking, skiing, and drinking unsweetened iced tea in his current home city of Seattle.
Through ACC, Benji is excited to be uniting Americans on pro-environmental reforms and changing the narrative when it comes to the environment.
Board of Director positions do not reflect the endorsement of their respective employers.
Colin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation
Rob McKenna, Former Attorney General of Washington State
Heather Reams, President of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) and CRES Forum
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Member of Congress (1989 - 2019)
Todd Myers, Environmental Director Washington Policy Center
James L. Connaughton, Chairperson of the Board of Nautilus Data Technologies