Our Team

Courtney Ellington Executive Director

Courtney has over 20 years of experience in agriculture and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. A proud Army veteran, Courtney owns a farm that features seasonal vegetables and livestock, blending sustainable farming with community engagement. She is eager to collaborate with the community to build a healthier, more sustainable environment. Schedule an appointment with her to share your ideas, concerns, and explore how together, we can create positive change for our environment.

Miranda Kokoszka Program Director

Miranda was born and raised in San Diego, California, where she spent much of her free time exploring the outdoors. She is a Chico State Alumni of the Parks and Recreation Department with a B.S in Natural Resource Management. Miranda is an ISA certified arborist, and brings leadership, vision, and passion for protecting the environment through action, advocacy and education.

Valeria Cisneros California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) Fellow

Valeria (she/they) hails from the ancestral lands of the Chumash people. They are a community leader who fosters safe spaces for others to learn and grow, emphasizing empathy and acceptance without shame or judgment. Valeria’s passion for climate advocacy allows them to connect with both people and nature, enabling them to show up for themselves and others in the best way possible.

Emily McCabe California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) Fellow

Emily (she/her) was born and raised in Durham, California. She graduated with Honors from UC Berkeley with a degree in Society and Environment, where she learned about climate change and sustainability. Emily continues to advocate for climate policy and teach about environmental education topics in her local community. In her free time, Emily enjoys pilates, walking, cooking, creating art, and writing.

Max Audley-Hinds California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) Fellow

Max (they/them) was born in Seattle and raised in El Centro, California. They hope to improve their communication and community building skills, with a focus on working on climate communication and education. In their spare time, Max likes to draw, play cozy games, and bake for their friends and family. Currently trying to make the perfect tres leches cake.

Bryce Ingersoll California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) Fellow

Bryce (he/him) was born in Orange County, California. He is an active community member and vocal advocate, participating in various volunteer opportunities ranging from traditional ecological stewardship to political canvassing and currently serving as a sitting member of the City of Chico’s Climate Action Commission.

Ariana Cooper

My name is Ariana Cooper, and I am pleased to introduce myself as the new Youth Spokesperson for the Butte Environmental Council (BEC), as well as the President of our new Butte Youth Environmental Council.

I am currently a senior at Oroville High School. When I am not focused on my studies, I spend my time volunteering at a local middle school, taking concurrent classes through Butte College, and working a part-time job.

I grew up hiking every inch of Table Mountain in the spring, driving up the canyon for swimming in the summer, and spending every vacation at the ocean. The environment is something I never had to learn to love; loving it is deeply rooted in my life. With the education and experiences I have gained so far, I use every opportunity to do my part in protecting our environment—whether that means volunteering at a cleanup event or simply choosing not to use a plastic utensil.

I was first introduced to BEC in April while volunteering at Climate Action Day at the Southside Community Center in Oroville. BEC is exactly the kind of organization I have been looking to join—a place where I can collaborate with others to improve our environment, educate the community, and build a platform that encourages action toward a greener future.

Although I live in Oroville, I am excited to see this program thrive, hopefully impacting students just like me in classrooms across the county. I have no doubt that BEC will play an important role in creating environmental improvement and opportunities throughout Butte County, and I am incredibly proud to be a part of it.

Best,Ariana Cooper

Rebecca Holden Chair

Rebecca Holden worked as Assistant Director at BEC until October 2017. She is dedicated to promoting waste-zero lifestyles and a cleaner environment. She works at Recology as the Waste-Zero Specialist, and would like to add to the momentum that BEC has in our community. She believes in the mission and wants to constructively insert her ideas and energy. BEC is a dynamic team of environmentally-minded community champions and she is honored to continue her service to this great organization as a Board Member.

Bill Loker Treasurer

Bill Loker is an anthropologist with an interest in environment and development issues globally and locally. Bill moved to Chico in 1996 with his wife, Sally and three children, to take a job at Chico State. He teaches in in the Anthropology Department at Chico State and served as Dean of Undergraduate Education at the university for 12 years. Bill also served on the City of Chico Climate Action Task Force for 5 years. For fun, he likes to explore Bidwell Park and hike the nearby foothills and mountains. You can also find him on his bike, cruising around town or out in the orchards enjoying the sunshine.

Susan Tchudi

Susan and her family moved to Butte County 15 years ago to found TurkeyTail Farm in Yankee Hill. Shortly after arriving, she and her husband Steve became KZFR programmers, hosting Ecotopia, “exploring Ecosystems–environmental, social and technological.” She served on the boards of the North Valley Housing Trust and the Chico Peace and Justice Center, and was chair of the CPJC board. She’s worked with BEC for over ten years, convening the Environmental Coalition of Butte County and working with the Endangered Species Faire. She has especially enjoyed working with hundreds of children making puppets for the Procession of the Species, and has–with the help of children and other puppet makers–contributed some large puppets to the parade.

Kenneth Scherer

As the vibrant and charismatic owner of the esteemed sustainability business, KOrganics, they bring an unparalleled enthusiasm to the realm of ecological advocacy. Renowned for their outgoing nature, Scherer infuses dynamism into environmental initiatives. Their commitment to public education and awareness stands as a cornerstone of their advocacy, reflecting a deep-seated belief in the power of informed communities to drive sustainable change. In the world of environmental stewardship, Ken is a dedicated force, blending passion with a profound commitment to advancing sustainable and ecological preservation practices. He sees the journey towards a greener, more conscious future and feels that BEC is perfectly aligned, sharing and actively engaging in his core values.

Olivia Henderson

Olivia (she/her) was born and raised in Red Buff, and considers the North State home. She joined BEC’s board after a year of serving as a California Climate Actions Corps Fellow. Olivia is passionate about BEC’s mission to protect the land, air and water of Butte County. She plans to help continue programs like “Eggs in the Classroom” and steward many of BEC’s community events like the annual clean up and Endangered Species Faire. She also hopes with her time on the board to bring new creative volunteer ideas for BEC and reach members. When Olivia isn’t serving her community you can find her at 20th street playing pickleball, or out hiking with her partner Caitlyn. Olivia is also an avid angler, enjoys good craft beer, and live music.