Christopher Sacco, founder and principal of Aegis Conservation, has over 25 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and sustainable agriculture. He has provided technical consulting, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, and other critical support to some of the world’s largest conservation and sustainability-driven NGOs. Known for his ability to lead collaborative processes with diverse stakeholders, Christopher excels in developing effective systems and addressing implementation and operational challenges to ensure organizations meet their objectives. In 2009, he co-founded Groundswell International, a global partnership of civil society organizations and NGOs dedicated to accelerating the transition from unsustainable conventional agriculture to ecologically sound farming practices that regenerate natural resources and revitalize local economies. Christopher holds a Master’s in Natural Resources Management from Oregon State University and a BA in International Relations from Franklin & Marshall College. He speaks English, Spanish and Italian.
Vance Russell is the founder and principal of 3point.xyz. He works for various non-profit, state/federal agencies and private businesses. Vance was the California Director of Programs for the National Forest Foundation, where he managed, led, and funded community forestry projects. Before joining the National Forest Foundation, he was director of Audubon California’s Landowner Stewardship Program, working with farmers and ranchers to restore habitat compatible with existing agricultural operations. He managed the Bobcat Ranch and the Mayacamas Mountains Reserve in Yolo and Sonoma Counties, California. Vance is the former Board Chair of Groundswell International, is a trustee for the South Downs National Park Trust, and serves on the Leadership Council for the Rewilding Institute. Vance received his M.S. in Forest Science and Natural Resources Management from Cornell University and a B.A. in Biology from the College of Wooster. He is the author of Free & Open Source Geospatial Tools, and co-author of the Forest Business Alliance Guide Book and Conservation Finance: Towards a New Model for Landscape Restoration.