We are happy to report that we have expanded our team in order to better serve our communities.
Jodi Borello is our new community organizer for Washington County. Jodi and her family have been negatively impacted by the fossil fuel industry through multiple environmental crimes: Jodi has testified in front of two grand juries that resulted in criminal charges being filed. The knowledge she has gained over the years aided the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General in bringing charges in her case and led to eight recommendations to better protect Pennsylvanians from oil and gas operations. She brings this knowledge with her to CCJ to educate and help other impacted residents cope with the realities of fossil fuel development in our region.
Jodi was born on a mini farm in Washington County, PA, where she raised horses, goats, chickens, and rabbits, and was a member of 4H. She attended the University of Pittsburgh Main Campus and has a degree in Administration of Justice. After college she received additional schooling in Rome, Italy. She enjoys the outdoors, traveling, gardening, restoring and colorizing old photographs, and helping others.
You can contact Jodi at jodi@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org.
In addition, we have hired Alex Downing, previously our Outreach Fellow, full time as our Communications Associate. Alex manages all of our social media and writes our monthly newsletter, the Coalfield Review. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh’s northern suburbs and learned about the importance of nature and conservation at a young age through his father and grandfather’s involvement with preserving parks and hiking trails in the area. He has a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from American University and a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from Point Park University. Outside of work, Alex enjoys kayaking, watching movies, and rooting for the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.
You can contact Alex at alex@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org.
