the akorn environmental team has been responsibly managing, restoring, & protecting natural resources for a combined 80+ years.
Aaron Kornbluth, President & founder
career & skillset.
Trained in marine / coastal ecology, science communication, and environmental policy, Aaron worked for over 15 years on natural resource management and conservation at NOAA, U.S. EPA, and The Pew Charitable Trusts. Aaron has cultivated skills in science / policy analysis, technical writing, GIS cartography and analysis, translating science for non-technical audiences, campaigning, strategic planning, mitigating user conflicts, and public speaking.
issues & experience.
Aaron has worked with federal and state decision makers to develop new policies and protect foundational laws like the Magnuson-Stevens Act. He helped to create >300,000 square miles of marine protected areas, advance forage fisheries management to 21st-century approaches, restore coastal habitats like oyster reefs and seagrass meadows, and expand conservation aquaculture.
When not working, he’s happy biking, traveling, and exploring the outdoors with his wife and 2-year-old son.
Erin Flaherty, COO / CFO
career & skillset.
Erin Flaherty is delighted to be a part of the impact that akorn environmental is having. She been working closely with business owners and directors for 20 years.
After growing, scaling, and franchising her own financial accounting firm, she sold the business, and now employs the lessons she's learned over the years.
issues & experience.
One of Erin's priorities is staying on top of rapidly-changing technology to help companies like akorn environmental scale efficiently.
In her spare time, you can find her hanging out with her husband and two older kids on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Andy Lacatell, Conservation Associate
career & skillset.
After 22 years with The Nature Conservancy, 7 years in academia, and 2 years with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Andy launched his own consulting business in 2023.
With large-scale successes in land protection and native oyster restoration, Andy has been recognized as a leader in conservation from “turf to surf.”
Andy believes in work-life integration; you can regularly find him on the James River or Dragon Run paddling a kayak or enjoying a swim.
issues & experience.
Andy has worked with multiple conservation partners to complete some of the largest land conservation projects in Chesapeake Bay and the world’s largest oyster restoration project (500 acres in the Piankatank River, VA).
He has protected >40,000 acres of ecologically significant lands and used >$80 million in private, state and federal funding to advance meaningful conservation in Virginia, Chesapeake Bay, and internationally, working with partners in Australia, New Zealand, Peru, and several countries in Europe.
Jessie Mandirola, Principal Research Associate
career & skillset.
As a spatial analyst and cartographer, Jessie creates impactful maps and other visuals to enhance decision-making and stakeholder engagement within a variety of topics including marine and terrestrial conservation; public health; and equity.
Jessie brings a holistic approach to mapping and has developed a skillset in GIS; cartographic design; and data collection and analysis.
issues & experience.
A lifetime lover of the ocean, Jessie studied abroad in Australia exploring marine ecosystems and later conducted graduate research in oyster conservation. She has spent the last 5 years supporting domestic and international research teams at The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Jessie enjoys sampling local craft beer, volunteering at a local dog shelter, and listening to true crime podcasts.
Lily Maddox, Senior Research Associate
career & skillset.
A recent graduate from Loyola Marymount University, Lily draws upon 3 years of undergrad research experience from institutions like the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Friends of Ballona, and the LMU Center for Urban Resilience.
With a dual B.A. in Environmental Studies and Modern Languages, she is proficient in Spanish and Italian and has developed skills in GIS, cross-cultural communications, and transcription.
issues & experience.
Lily recently assisted research teams on the U.S. east and west coasts, focusing on projects that involved wildlife, climate change resilience, (the study of) environmental nonprofits, wetland restoration, agricultural water reuse, and clean and equitable tech policy development.
Outside work, Lily loves to dance, travel, and spend time with her bearded dragon, Rango.
Jake Spencer, Research Associate
career & skillset.
A Lawrence University grad, Jake combines his Economics degree with Data Science and Innovation & Entrepreneurship minors for a unique skill set. Proficient in coding and AI integration, with Azure certification in AI prompt engineering, he brings innovation to his work.
Having balanced college academics and sports (football), Jake embodies teamwork and determination. From the Tampa Bay area, his passion for conservation stems from volunteering with programs like Tampa Bay Watch.
issues & experience.
Jake has been working with akorn environmental partner TBD Economics as a research analyst, delving into an ambitious contract for NOAA Satellites. His focus is on harmful algal blooms and the utilization of ocean color satellite data. He also researches sports analytics and weather correlations, showcasing his interdisciplinary approach and dedication.
Outside work, Jake enjoys watching sports, visiting the park with his dog Dave, and fishing in the Tampa Bay area.