From the shores of Lake Erie to the rolling Appalachian foothills, Northeast Ohio is home to diverse environmental landscape and legacy cities. The region is rich in natural resources, but faces significant challenges — including pollution from heavy industry and fracking.
OEC’s work in Northeast Ohio is focused on advancing local policies and projects to protect the environment and health of communities by building meaningful relationships with elected leaders and community partners. Our work has resulted in local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance greenspace and tree canopy, and reduce stormwater runoff. Our work with community partners has also stopped projects that would harm our local environment and supported communities in times of environmental crisis (including the Sebring water crisis and East Palestine train derailment).
Together, we are working for a healthier, more equitable future for all who call the region home.
The Latest in Northeast Ohio
Key Staff
Christopher Colón
Northeast Ohio Regional Director
Hailing from Youngstown, Ohio, with cultural roots traced back to the Taíno people of Puerto Rico and immigrants from the Welsh countryside, Chris has always thrived to connect people and places. For over 17 years, he worked as a social worker, counselor, and business development professional in the healthcare industry of the Mahoning Valley. After seeing the therapeutic healing effects of nature on his clients and in his own life, and a healing trip through several national parks, he devoted himself to environmental advocacy. In addition to his current role as Northeast Ohio Regional Director for the Ohio Environmental Council, Chris is a certified volunteer naturalist and the co-founding director of Thrive Mahoning Valley. He sits on the Boards of Directors of Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services, The Gloria & Roger Jones Science Center for Children, and Friends of the Mahoning River. He is also a proud husband and father of two boys. For self-care, he enjoys tinkering with recipes, exploring parks and green spaces, and being a tried and true member of Raider Nation…
