STAFF
Kristin Fulkerson
Operations Coordinator
Kristin supports volunteers and members, coordinates events, and manages day-to-day operations at the HeartLands Conservancy office. With her years of experience and coursework in Restoration Ecology, Kristin brings a passion for conservation and ensuring that southern Illinois’ special places are not only protected but also accessible to anyone interested in experiencing them.
618-566-4451 ext. 18
kr***************@*******************cy.org
Laura L. Lyon
Chief Operating Officer
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.
M. Mack (They/Them)
Project Coordinator
As Project Coordinator, Mack supports community and land conservation efforts at HeartLands Conservancy, with a focus on community forestry. With a background in ecology and stewardship, they have experience in land trusts and field research, particularly in amphibians and aquatic systems. Mack holds a Master’s in Biology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and is passionate about improving natural areas and engaging communities in caring for the landscapes around them.
Anna McAtee
Land Conservation Manager
Anna manages the conservation program, which includes protecting land, stewarding and monitoring conserved lands, overseeing restoration projects, and working with conservation easements and regional conservation efforts. Anna previously worked for nonprofit conservation organizations in the St. Louis region and in Michigan. She has a Master’s Degree in Ecosystem Science and Management and Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.
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.
Mary Vandevord | AICP
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
ma************@*******************cy.org
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
ja***********@*******************cy.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.