KCC Board Elections 2026
The KCC board may consist of between 8 to 13 directors. KCC elects half of their board every year. Six current board members are continuing (Gerry Seavo James, Nick Hart, Rachel Norton, Becca Trueman, Andrew Berry, Em Coakley). (KCC’s current board page here).
This means that the KCC membership can elect 2 to 7 additional candidates (which can include write-ins) this year for the 2025 board, to serve for a 2-year term. This means that for the incoming year (2026) the KCC membership must elect at minimum TWO and no more than SEVEN additional candidates for the Board, to serve a 2-year term beginning January 31, 2026.
We are presenting you with a slate of FIVE qualified candidates, (three incumbents and two new candidates). We may also consider up to two write-in nominations if you choose to suggest names (write-ins are not automatically elected, but instead would be considered by the board for an appointment once vetted). KCC Partner Organizations are eligible to recommend candidates for the KCC board.
BALLOTS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN JANUARY 31, 2026 Ballots must be submitted by current members in good standing. (If you have not renewed your membership, you may do so here).
Please read the five candidate bios that follow, and then VOTE using the blue button below.
PLEASE NOTE: if you have any problems in casting a vote for more than one candidate, please submit ballots for each candidate separately. If you continue to have issues in selecting multiple candidates please contact us.
Emmanuel Fields
(Incumbent) Emmanuel Fields is a dedicated conservationist with over two decades of experience in agricultural and wilderness area management. As the Director of Stewardship for Bluegrass Land Conservancy, he oversees nearly 35,000 acres of conserved farmland in Kentucky, ensuring their preservation and sustainable management.
An avid hiker and explorer, Emmanuel's passion for the outdoors has profoundly shaped his career and personal pursuits. With degrees in Anthropology and Sustainability, he combines a deep understanding of human-environment interactions with practical strategies for land conservation.
Outside of his professional role, Emmanuel is an award-winning photographer and videographer. His current documentary project highlights the experiences of Kentucky's Black farmers, aiming to raise awareness about their contributions to the state's agricultural heritage and to advocate for their recognition and support.
Sherry Jones
(Incumbent) Sherry came to Richmond, Ky., by way of South Carolina. As a child, she loved going on family outings to the Blue Ridge Mountains and visiting South Carolina State Parks. Her involvement with the Sierra Club deepened her love of the outdoors and was the impetus for hiking, backpacking, camping, and backcountry adventures.
“I’ve been fortunate to enjoy adventures throughout the U.S.A.,” she says. “My passion is to share Kentucky’s amazing trails (and other outdoor pursuits) with other Afros, making sure we enjoy safe and nonjudgmental spaces.”
When not on the trails, Sherry teaches at Eastern Kentucky University, where she is an assistant professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise, and Sport Science. She also says she enjoys “planning my next adventure with my partner and fur-baby. We love exploring, from sight-seeing to learning about ancestral, sacred, and indigenous homelands.”
Colin McAllister
(Incumbent) Although his professional focus is on cybersecurity, Colin McAllister’s true passion lies in environmental conservation. His awareness of environmental issues deepened during his time living in Hawaii, where he became an avid free-diver. Swimming alongside sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins, he experienced firsthand the delicate beauty of marine ecosystems, further fueling his advocacy for sustainable practices. Growing up in Las Vegas—a city at the forefront of water conservation and solar energy—also shaped his commitment to promoting electric vehicles and reducing waste. His goal is to minimize ecological footprints through technological innovation and public education.
Colin cherishes the moments he can breathe clean air while playing the tuba or enjoy fresh water during a long run. His commitment to preserving the quality of our air and water is a driving force behind his dedication to environmental conservation.
Colin holds a BA in Music Education from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a BA in Computer Science from Auburn University. He is also advancing his expertise in cybersecurity through graduate studies at the SANS Technology Institute. Previously, he served as a musician in the U.S. Army and worked as a professional wedding photographer.
As a member of the Kentucky Conservation Committee, Colin is determined to use his technical skills and passion for education to enhance environmental awareness and action.
John D. Wilson
John D. Wilson is Vice President of Grid Strategies LLC, an electricity policy consulting firm. John has 17 years of experience on utility regulation and his clients include consumer advocates (residential, low-income, and small business), commission staff, clean energy trade associations, and environmental advocacy organizations. He also brings career experience that spans a range of environmental and transportation issues, working at the local, state and federal levels – in the government, private and non-profit sectors. John has testified on electric and gas utility regulatory issues in 12 US states and 1 Canadian province, as well as advising clients in several other US states.
Prior to joining Grid Strategies, his work experience includes working as a consultant at Resource Insight, deputy director for regulatory policy at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, executive director of what is now Air Alliance Houston, consulting at Goodman Corporation, senior legislative analyst in the Florida Legislature, and research at the Houston Advanced Research Center. In addition to electricity policy, John has worked on air pollution, water supply, transportation / land use planning, affordable housing, criminal justice, and other public policy issues. He has a BA from Rice University and an MPP from Harvard Kennedy School.
John moved to Kentucky in 2023 and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and gardening. He and his wife, a law professor, have two children attending University of Kentucky.
Sarah Reeves
Sarah Reeves (she/her) is an environmental advocate dedicated to building a more powerful and inclusive environmental movement in Kentucky. A staff member with Sierra Club Kentucky Chapter since 2017, she brings a deep understanding and appreciation of the historic partnership between Sierra Club and KCC, an organization founded by Sierra Club members 50 years ago.
Currently serving as the State Grassroots Programs Coordinator, Sarah's work is centered on the mechanics of effective advocacy: developing communication strategies that resonate across Kentucky's diverse political landscape, using digital organizing to lower barriers to entry, and fostering seamless collaboration between Sierra Club and a network of volunteers and partner organizations across the state.
Her advocacy is fueled by her experiences, both as a volunteer in her community and a professional in environmental spaces, while being a full-time single mother. Deeply passionate about securing a livable future for her children, she navigates firsthand the daily realities of time constraints and financial pressure. She recognizes these not as abstract challenges, but as the very barriers preventing countless Kentuckians from engaging in advocacy. That’s why her work focuses on meeting people where they are (whether they face financial strain, demanding caregiving schedules, or feel like outsiders in traditional advocacy spaces), respecting their realities, and lowering barriers so anyone can find a pathway to advocate for their future.
This approach was proven in the last legislative session, where she helped coordinate the SB89 coalition. By driving simplified, shared messaging and coordinated action, the coalition generated powerful public engagement, demonstrating that strategic communication is a key lever for legislative impact.
This year, Sarah will be moving into a lead role for the Sierra Club Kentucky Chapter's day-to-day legislative operations and strategy. This position makes her service on the KCC board a unique opportunity to ensure close coordination and to build deeper, more effective shared strategies for our common goals. Sarah is eager to contribute her skills, experience, and perspective to the KCC board and to support its vital legislative work in Frankfort.