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
Executive Director
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.
Jean Sellar
Restoration Programs Director
Mary Kaiser, maryk@fotfp.org
Development Manager
Mary Kaiser is a results-oriented fundraising generalist with 20+ years experience. Her career took her from Illinois Institute of Technology to the Art Institute of Chicago and then to MSGi in New York, and from prospect research and major/planned gifts to annual fund, membership and marketing. As a sought-after fundraising consultant, she works with organizations large and small to help refocus or even start up their individual giving programs. Ms. Kaiser also has extensive experience in developing relevant and compelling fundraising materials.
Keith Williams, keithw@fotfp.org
Events Manager
Keith Williams joined Friends of the Forest Preserve in June 2010. He is a native of Chicago, IL with a business administration degree from Chicago State University. Keith brings with him over 10 years of grassroots and national fundraising experience. With a special focus on corporate and not-for-profit event logistics, donor relations and marketing, he has a vast range of results-oriented development skills. Keith joins Friends from his most recent venture with a national organization that raises millions of dollars to support their mission through successful events and donor relations.
Whitney Behr, whitneyb@fotfp.org
Development Associate
Whitney 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 and assisting staff with projects and events at FOTFP, Whitney also teaches school field trips and family programs at Chicago Botanic Garden.
Brian Mann, brianm@fotfp.org
Calumet Conservation Corps Crew Leader