Succession is powered by a team that brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to environmental initiatives and organizational management.
Board and staff members include:
Graham Saul has more than 25 years of experience working on social and environmental justice issues. His background includes five years with Oxfam International in Maputo, Mozambique, and five years in Washington, D.C., with the Bank Information Centre — an environmental watchdog and information clearinghouse that monitors the World Bank and other multilateral development banks. Since returning to Canada in 2004, he has worked as the International Programme Director for Friends of the Earth Canada and Oil Change International, and served as the Executive Director of Climate Action Network Canada, Ecology Ottawa and Nature Canada.
Liz Bernstein supports environmental and social justice movements with project and event coordination and network engagement. She has 35 years experience in climate justice, peacebuilding, disarmament and feminist organizing. She has served as a Senior Global Coordinator with the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative, and was the founding Director of the Nobel Women’s Initiative for 15 years and worked as Coordinator of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).
Montana Burgess is the Principal at Mountaintop Strategies.
She has 17+ years of experience in the non-profit sector working in BC, Canada, and internationally. Montana holds a bachelor of science. She believes that by organizing those who support environmental action, and listening to and communicating with those who are undecided or unsupportive, we will find ways to live well together.
While leading Neighbors United for a decade, she spearheaded successfully using deep canvassing as the first group in the energy and conservation sector. Montana received a 2022 Emerging Leader Award and Top Project Award from Canada’s Clean50. In 2025, Montana received a Medal of Good Citizenship from the Province of British Columbia.
Robb is a climate advocate with over 20 years of nonprofit governance experience, including 18 years of involvement on climate and environmental issues. Robb’s work has focused on climate policy, government relations and data-driven communications and fundraising. He has worked on climate issues at all levels, from city streets to international negotiations, and across a range of issue areas, from human health to electricity to food systems.
Mark Brown received his doctorate from University of Ottawa, where he also taught. Mark is a professor at CEGEP Heritage College, where he teaches philosophy. He has an interest in environmental issues from an ethical perspective.
Melissa Van Alstine is a Chartered Professional Accountant, currently associated with Plan Group Accountants, with more than 20 years of experience assisting various not-for-profit and charitable organizations with their financial, accounting, and bookkeeping requirements.
Frances Maychak (frances may design) is a digital strategist and website designer. She provides digital support for Succession and works closely with small business owners and non profits to create and manage their online presence.
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