Shawn Soares is joining VCN’s Program Team as the Clean Energy & Climate Justice Campaign & Policy Manager. Shawn will oversee the VCN Energy Workgroup and our coordination with the Environmental Justice Collaborative.

Prior to VCN, Shawn worked in Congressman McEachin’s office as the District’s Outreach Director. He also worked for Governor Northam as the Deputy Director of Appointments and Director of AAPI Outreach and before that as the Legislative Aide for Delegate Suhas Subramanyan. Shawn’s prior experience sets him up well to be a lead collaborator and helpful navigator of Richmond for partners. He is excited to sink his teeth into energy policy.

Outside of his legislative work, Shawn likes to play basketball and strum the guitar. We can’t wait to hear his rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” at our next staff retreat!

Andreana J. Lin joins VCN as our Events & Outreach Associate, a new role that will coordinate all of our signature flagship events while assisting with communications support, including our website, email and social media.

Andreana is not a new face. She is joining the team full-time after participating in VCN’s first class of Summer Environmental Fellows. Outside of work, Andreana likes birdwatching and breakdancing—just not at the same time.

VCN’s explored the Eastern Shore at our 2022 Staff Retreat.

Get to know the full VCN team and their roles:

Administration

Mary Rafferty | Executive Director

Lisa McLaughlin | Director of Operations

Program Team

Pat Calvert | Program Director of Clean Water & Land Conservation

Wyatt Gordon | Senior Policy & Campaigns Manager of Land Use & Transportation

Shawn Soares | Policy Manager of Clean Energy & Climate Justice

Outreach Team

Nicole Duimstra | Director of Communications & Outreach

Kyle Gatlin | Partner Resources Manager

Andreana J. Lin | Events & Outreach Associate