Copyright © 2024 National Association of State Conservation Agencies | All Rights Reserved
PO Box 613 • Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-340-0681
Topic: Engaging State Legislators and Influencing Policy: Effective Strategies and Activities (Part 2)
Join us for our January 22 webinar, “Engaging State Legislators and Influencing Policy: Effective Strategies and Activities (Part 2)”. The second part of our webinar series will discuss activities that are making a difference at the state level. This session will focus on how states are effectively engaging with their legislators and influencing policy, featuring real-world examples from our member organizations.
Our presenters from Alabama and Oklahoma will discuss successful approaches, such as crafting impactful one-pagers, organizing state visits, and building meaningful relationships with policymakers. Learn firsthand from experts representing our organizations who will share strategies, experiences, and insights on advocating for change within state legislative frameworks.
View part 1 of this series, “How State Agencies and Associations Align Policies for Greater Impact”, at the link below.
Trey Lam entered service as executive director on November 17, 2014. Lam is a lifelong conservationist who has served on the Garvin Conservation District board and as President of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts.
Lam uses the Conservation practices no-till and cover crops to make the most of his land at Lam Farms, where the family raises alfalfa, corn, soybeans, wheat, and cattle. He also works closely with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and OSU to develop farm plans for crop rotation and equipment usage.
Sarah has served as Executive Director for The Oklahoma Association of Conservation District since 2011 as well as Vice President of the Association of Conservation Executive Directors. As executive director for a statewide organization, she provides leadership, resources and partnership opportunities for those who manage the land to enhance natural resources. Sarah is the co-creator of the Conservation and Agriculture Reach Everyone (CARE) program which is a nationally recognized effort to connect minority and veteran producers with conservation services. Prior to joining OACD, she served as a professional fund-raiser and grant writer for nonprofits and political organizations. She has a BA in Public Affairs & Administration from the University of Oklahoma and completed MA work at George Washington University in Political Management. In her spare time, she enjoys raising blue laced wyandotte chickens and three rescue cats.
Ashley Henderson is a Professional Engineer with over 30 years of experience in the water arena. She has worked as a consultant in municipal water and wastewater design, construction, and project management, for a non-profit dedicated to protecting water quality in Alabama’s streams and rivers, as the Director of Conservation Programs and is currently the Assistant Executive Director for the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee. She is responsible for a wide range of programs including the Alabama Irrigation Initiative, the Alabama Blackbelt Prairie Regional Conservation Partnership Program, the Alabama Feral Swine Control Programs and empowering SWCDs to fulfill their mission. Ashley serves as the current NASCA Vice President. She is a native of Troy, Alabama, and a graduate of Auburn University’s Civil and Environmental Engineering School. She is married to Bill Henderson, lives in Reeltown, Alabama, enjoys travelling and spending time with her children and granddaughter in her free time.
Vickie Watkins is a retiree of the State of Alabama with Wall Street Water Authority, a Public Utility where she was the Office manager for over 15 years and still maintains her Grade II ADEM Water operator certification. She also worked with the Macon County Revenue Commissioner as an administrative assistant for over 11 years before leaving her job to raise her family. She is a small business owner of Whippoorwill Vineyards and was appointed by the Lt. Governor of Alabama to serve on the Alabama Small Business Council. Whippoorwill Vineyards is located in Notasulga, Alabama where she and her family work together and operate a 22-acre vineyard. She has worked tirelessly for years to improve the laws governing the wine industry and Agritourism for the State of Alabama. She most recently was elected to serve on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee for her Region. She is a member of Liberty City Methodist Church and serves on the finance committee and is a member of the Women’s Committee for both Macon and Tallapoosa Counties. Vickie continues her work in conservation and her passion to help make a difference for farmers and landowners implementing conservation across our state. As Executive Director for the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts, she advocates for her partners on both a State and Federal level. She has worked in this role since 2022 and has strengthened relationships with multiple partners and continues to promote the work of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee.
Next Webinar: January 22
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Copyright © 2024 National Association of State Conservation Agencies | All Rights Reserved
PO Box 613 • Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-340-0681