STAFF
Jack Aydt
Land Conservation Intern
Jack plays a vital role in assisting our dedicated team in their mission to preserve and enhance our precious ecosystems. He is actively involved in various conservation initiatives, working closely with our team to implement sustainable practices and protect the natural beauty of our region.
Sean Pelato
Conservation Stewardship Coordinator
Sean oversees land stewardship, species, easement monitoring, organizing volunteers, and educational events. Sean has spent years in research and profession with an entomological, ecological, and educational basis.
Denisha Martin
Communications Manager
Denisha handles all digital and print communications and other special events for the organization. She ensures that HeartLands’ and our community partners’ stories are shared. Denisha ensures that communication in the organization is amplified through multiple mediums, including the website, social media, news media, and partnerships. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Arts Management from Christopher Newport University. Fun Fact: Denisha also speaks Korean!
618-566-4451 ext. 28
denisha.martin@heartlandsconservancy.org
Ed Weilbacher
Senior Advisor
Ed has been with HeartLands since the beginning. He is responsible for a variety of special projects, most notably the Mounds – America’s First Cities Project. As a former NRCS coordinator, Ed advises staff on natural resource issues and opportunities.
Jesus Sanchez
Environmental Programs Technician
Jesus works with communities and other partners on watershed health and community resiliency programs including watershed planning, GIS mapping, data analysis, and water quality issues.
618-566-4451 ext. 25
Eric Wright
Land Conservation Program Manager
Eric manages HLC’s conservation program, including stewarding and monitoring conserved lands, invasive species removal programs, overseeing restoration projects, and working with conservation easements and regional conservation efforts. Eric previously worked for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and nonprofit conservation organizations. He earned a Bachelor Degree from Lindenwood University.
Jamie Wheeler
Director of Finance and Administration
Jamie coordinates the organization’s financial activities. She is an experienced accountant, working in the private and public sectors for over 10 years. In addition to her Master of Accountancy degree, Jamie is a lover of plants and has a Master of Science Degree in Plant, Soil & Agricultural Systems from SIU Carbondale.
(618) 566-4451 ext. 12
jamie.wheeler@heartlandsconservancy.org
John O'Donnell
Water Program Manager
As the Water Program Manager, John leads, plans, and manages a variety of water quality, quantity, and green infrastructure programs. He brings a wealth of experience gained in addressing non-point source water pollution through intensive monitoring, outreach, and education, and working on technological solutions. John earned a Master’s Degree in Public and Environmental Health from Tulane University.
Laura L. Lyon
Vice President of Program Strategy & Impact
Laura works with the CEO and board on the organization program strategy. Her decades of experience in community planning, urban design, conservation, and landscape and graphic design, as well as grant writing and branding, enable her to bring a multitude of perspectives to HeartLands. Laura also leads the Mounds – America’s First Cities, the effort to elevate and create the Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture National Historic Park. Laura has a Master of Architecture degree from Washington University St. Louis.
Mary Vandevord | AICP | LEED AP ND
President & CEO
Mary works with the board of directors, staff, community partners, and federal and state agencies to further the mission of HeartLands Conservancy. She brings 20 years of community planning experience together with the mission of conservation and healthy and thriving communities. Mary has a Master of Regional and City Planning degree from the Univ. of Oklahoma. She has as worked in multiple states and cities on land use and community development policy, watershed health, conservation, neighborhood vitality, trails, and public engagement.
(618) 566-4451 ext. 20
mary.vandevord@heartlandsconservancy.org
Michael Andreas
Special Projects Coordinator
Mike coordinates and designs stormwater Best Management Practices, such as grassed waterways, wetlands, and sediment basins. He has worked on numerous facilities in Clinton County and Madison County and is a former NRCS employee with over 30 years of experience.
Steve Widowski
Wildlife Biologist
Steve is a wildlife biologist and retired after 23 years as a forest supervisor for the Shawnee National Forest. Steve works with HLC to protect the natural floodplains of the Middle Mississippi River and conduct asssessments of conservation areas.