Our Team

jackee riccio

executive director & co-founder

Jackee’s career as a wildlife biologist and conservationist has brought her the honor of working with a variety of species and cultures. Living in Humboldt County, she recognized the need for a non-regulatory environmental organization to engage with the local industry, and co-founded CFC in 2018. She continues to develop CFC’s conservation programs, and expand our environmental work to new frontiers and communities. Jackee is an avid horseback rider and backcountry packer, backpacker, skiier, and traveler.

Email: jackee@cannabisforconservation.org

VANESSA MONTELLANO

PRogram coordinator

Vanessa is a Masters graduate from UC Irvine in Conservation and Restoration Science. She is a current graduate student at USC’s Spatial Sciences Institute where she will graduate in Spring 2024. Her experience volunteering for a non-profit is where her love for ecosystem restoration began. Vanessa loves spending time with her 3 rescue animals, Mandy, Ellie and Mila.

Email: vanessa@cannabisforconservation.org

JANELLE CHOJNACKI

Grants manager

Janelle is a current graduate student in the Wildlife Department at Cal Poly Humboldt and has spent almost a decade studying wildlife, mostly songbirds, and their ecosystems. She's an avid birder, soccer player, whitewater kayaker, and gardener and loves being part of the incredible outdoor and environmental community in Humboldt County. 

Email: janelle@cannabisforconservation.org

BOARD

Jackee Riccio, President

Dane Curry, Vice President

Malia Ortiz, Secretary

Mary Dorman, Treasurer

Mollie Holland, Board Member