Tom Owens is the Executive Director of Center for Oil and Gas Organizing. He has worked on environmental issues for the past 18 years spanning philanthropy, policy advocacy, strategic communications and movement building.

Tom joins COGO from the High Tide Foundation where he led programmatic work focused on oil and gas and climate. He helped grow their grantmaking portfolio to nearly $100M/year and served as the early program lead for the Global Methane Hub’s initial grantmaking.

He worked at a variety of organizations spanning the climate, energy, and water space including the U.S. Water Alliance, Pisces Foundation, Avaaz.org, Repower America, Energy Action Coalition, and Chesapeake Climate Action Network.

Tom graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a Master of Environmental Management (M.E.M.) from the Yale School of the Environment, where his research focused on how solar and wind development could alleviate poverty in Brazil. He was born and raised in a Pennsylvania coal and gas community where he first recognized the need for a just transition from fossil fuels that centers communities and workers.

Kari Fulton is a distinguished advocate, organizer, educator, and policy advisor dedicated to Environmental and Climate Justice, boasting over 15 years of experience in the field. Throughout her career, Fulton has collaborated with diverse domestic and international coalitions, orchestrating campaigns, leadership development programs, summits, and conventions. Her impactful work has garnered recognition and has been highlighted in esteemed media outlets such as Black Entertainment Television (BET), Teen Vogue, C-SPAN, and the Chinese Global Television Network (CGTN).

Currently serving as the Senior Organizing Director at the Center for Oil and Gas Organizing, Kari spearheads initiatives aimed at amplifying community engagement with Federal Agencies, with a particular focus on the potential hazards associated with LNG exports in the United States. Through strategic planning and implementation, Fulton endeavors to empower communities and shape policy decisions that prioritize public safety, health, and overall well-being.

Fulton holds degrees from Howard University (B.A., Communications, and Culture) and Georgetown University (Master of Policy Management) and further contributes to academia as an adjunct lecturer in Howard University’s Interdisciplinary Studies department.

Growing up in Detroit, Payton witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of environmental injustice, which ignited his passion for creating a more equitable and environmentally sustainable world. Affectionately known as a "movement baby," he spent his childhood immersed in the Environmental Justice movement. As a teenager, Payton took action by organizing voter registration drives and leading environmental remediation efforts throughout Detroit. His contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Spirit of Detroit Award, Grist 50 Fixers, and Green Biz's 30 Under 30.

Before joining COGO, Payton served as the Director of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists' (CBTU) Education Center, where he worked at the intersection of labor and Environmental Justice. At CBTU, he developed and oversaw initiatives related to Just Transition, Climate Justice, and Environmental Justice by bridging the gap between communities, labor, and Environmental Justice. Through his experience as a leader of organizations and coalitions, Payton has honed his strategic vision and collaborative skills. Through his path and praxis, he has honed his ability to build strategic alliances on behalf of COGO, enabling productive collaboration and mutual goal achievement.

Hilary Flint is the PA Field Organizing Manager for Center for Oil and Gas Organizing and also works for Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community and Clean Air Action Fund. Her expertise spans critical issues, including health harms generated by the petrochemical buildout, natural gas extraction, plastic pollution, railway safety, and overarching corporate greed. As a cancer survivor, chronic illness warrior, and community member affected by the East Palestine train derailment and chemical disaster, Hilary is committed to advocating through the lens of disability justice and supporting communities through mutual aid. 

As a lifelong learner, Hilary is constantly driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world through an intersectional lens. Her intellectual interests range from diving into history, philosophy, and psychology to thoughtful conversations about organic gardening, food systems, politics, permaculture, conscious capitalism, and mindfulness.

Zakee is a multilingual, award-winning cinematographer, creative director, producer, editor, and journalist. His work has been featured by BBC, National Geographic, The Huffington Post, and other major platforms. In 2020, he won two Gold Lovie Awards for "Best Documentary" and "Best Video."

Previously, Zakee was the Creative Director at Energy Action Coalition. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Engineering from Howard University and a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

He has contributed to numerous international environmental and policy conferences, including COP 21, G20, and more.

During his free time Zakee spends time with his daughter and paints in the forrest mountains of South America.