If you have a question, please don’t hesitate to e-mail, or call us at 312-356-9990. If we don’t know the answer, it’s very likely that we know someone who does!

Benjamin Cox, benjamin@fotfp.org
President & CEO

Benjamin Cox became Friends’ first Executive Director in 2004. Benjamin graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis with a degree in journalism and minors in Spanish and Environmental Studies. After working as a newspaper reporter, he served in several non-profit roles, including Director of the International Tibet Independence Movement and a Facilitator for the Peace Learning Center through AmeriCorps. But environmental defense is his real passion. As Executive Director, Benjamin addresses a range of policy issues, works to bring resources to the Forest Preserves District, advises the Board of Commissioners, advises and works for stewards, bikers, birders and other constituency groups, and more.

Alice Brandon, alice@fotfp.org
Conservation Director

Alice Brandon joined Friends in 2006. A native of Carbondale, Illinois, Alice has a Master’s degree in plant biology from Southern Illinois University. She has spent her entire 15-year professional career working to conserve natural areas in Illinois, first at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and then as coordinator of Friends of the Parks’ forest preserve initiative. She spends much of her time in the field, managing Friends’ ecological restoration projects and directing our internship programs, which engage students and adults in hands-on conservation work. Alice is also the co-steward of Powderhorn Prairie on Chicago’s southeast side.

Whitney Behr, whitney@fotfp.org
Development & Outreach Coordinator

Whitney Behr has worked for Friends in varying capacities since the Summer of 2010 when she signed on as a crew leader for the high school Summer intern program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and has had years of field experience doing restoration work in the Chicago region. In addition to facilitating membership development, Whitney recruits and manages volunteers and is working to expand Friends’ environmental education opportunities.

Douglas Chien, douglas@fotfp.org
Advocates’ Network Manager

Douglas Chien first started collaborating with Friends in 2004 when he was working for The Sierra Club and joined Friends as a staff member in 2012.  He has a undergraduate and master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In this new position, he’ll be strengthening and expanding the community of forest preserve advocates. He’s also the co-steward of Powderhorn Prairie on Chicago’s southeast side.

Brian Mann, brian@fotfp.org
Calumet Conservation Corps Crew Leader

Jean Sellar