Texas Campaign for the Environment: Board of Directors

Bret Howrey, Business Systems Analyst, works for the UT system in Galveston. Bret was the recycling coordinator for Duke University. A recently appointed fellow at the UTMB Sealy Center on Aging, he grew up in Houston and now lives in Galveston with his wife and their three small children.

Ben Isgur, Business Consultant (Board Chair) is a native Texan and a lifelong activist having served in leadership positions on several boards including Trans-Texas Alliance, Fort Worth Alliance for Responsible Development, the Fairmount Neighborhood Association, and various planning committees. Ben earned a Bachelor degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Public Affairs from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs where he was a fellow with the U.S. Department of Defense, National Security Education Program.

Ben is the Assistant Director of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's Health Research Institute. His specialties include thought leadership, strategic planning, and legislative and policy analysis. Much of his work focuses on research and industry intelligence. His previous experience includes being a founding Principle in the Brazos Partnership, a legislative procedure consulting firm, working in Government Relations for the City of Austin and as a Legislative Director in the Texas House of Representatives, where he was responsible for communicating with elected officials and advancing a highly technical legislative program.

Ben and his family live in Fort Worth. His wife Shoshana is an attorney and they have two daughters.

Ilan Levin, Environmental Attorney, is counsel for the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), a Washington, DC-based nonprofit dedicated to stronger enforcement of anti-pollution laws, and to the prevention of political interference with those laws. Prior to joining EIP, he practiced environmental law with the Austin firm Henry & Levin, where he represented landowners and conservation groups in administrative, legal, and legislative battles. Before entering private practice, Ilan worked as a policy analyst and staff attorney for the Texas Sunset Commission.

Ilan is a Texan by choice, not by birth. He is a graduate of the University of Texas, where he received both his undergraduate and law degrees. Ilan lives in Austin with his wife, Kelly Haragan.

Colin Leyden, Legislative Director, is Legislative Director for State Representative, Lon Burnam. His work with Rep. Burnam in the Texas Legislature is often focused on environmental issues. Colin also serves on the City of Austin's Urban Forestry Board, having spent the majority of his twenties working as a certified arborist in Austin. Colin and his wife Shelly have lived in Austin since 1992, have a son, Henry, and are expecting another child in November. They live within walking distance of Barton Springs Pool which serves as a frequent reminder of both the pleasure and responsibility of a healthy ecosystem.

Todd Main, Non-Profit Executive, began working for environmental non-profits as a door-to-door canvasser. He rose up the ranks to become a Field Manager, Canvass Staff Director and State Director. For three years, Todd served as the Executive Director of TCE. He founded Public Research Works, TCE's sister research organization. He is currently on assignment in Chicago with his wife Theresa Amato and daughter Isabella.

Mark Nathan, Political Consultant. A native of the Missouri Ozarks and graduate of UCLA, Mark Nathan is a political and public affairs consultant based in Austin. Nathan has played leadership roles in more than a dozen campaigns at the federal, state and local level, and helped dozens of corporate and non-profit clients navigate communications and policy challenges. A husband and proud father, Nathan is active in the Austin community, serving also on the board of directors of the Austin Community Development Corporation.