Michigan LCV announces new staff members

The Michigan League of Conservation Voters announced today it has hired three new staff members to join its growing team of professionals fighting to protect our air, water and natural resources.

Michigan LCV has been a constant incubator for new talent in our movement and these hires expand our team of talented people fighting tirelessly for the health of our communities, lower utility bills and protections for our state’s amazing natural resources,” said Lisa Wozniak, Michigan LCV executive director. “Our ability to mobilize, organize and deliver results across the Great Lakes State is made stronger by these important additions to our team—from the halls of the State Capitol to communities in and around Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City.”

The following individuals will fill the positions of Government Affairs Director, Northern Michigan Regional Coordinator and Southeast Michigan Regional Coordinator:

Nick Occhipinti, Government Affairs Director

Nick Occhipinti brings years of experience in policy, politics and direct service to the Michigan LCV team.  Before joining Michigan LCV, he was the Policy and Community Activism Director at the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC).  He also worked for the Granholm administration and served as a field organizer for the Obama presidential campaign in 2008.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Masters degree in Public Policy, both from the University of Michigan.

Brenda Archambo, Northern Michigan Regional Coordinator

Brenda has spent the last 25 years working to protect Michigan’s natural resources, and that work will continue with Michigan LCV.  Brenda previously served as executive director of the Indian River Tourist Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, as well at the National Wildlife Federation coordinating outreach and community engagement. She is the founder and president of Sturgeons for Tomorrow, a non-profit organization that works to protect lake sturgeon in Michigan’s waterways and educate children on their legacy through a classroom program that reaches elementary school students across Michigan.

Aiko Fukuchi, Southeast Michigan Regional Coordinator

Aiko has a background in environmental justice organizing in southeast Michigan, having worked with groups including the East Michigan Environmental Action Council, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, Great Lakes Environmental Law Center, Zero Waste Detroit, and the Ecology Center.  Aiko holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Michigan and will leverage deep ties in southeast Michigan on Michigan LCV’s political outreach team.