Meet The People Behind MACD
At the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), our team is made up of dedicated leaders, staff, and partners who share a common passion: protecting Michigan’s natural resources and supporting the vital work of local Conservation Districts. Together, we bring diverse expertise in conservation, education, and community engagement—working side by side to ensure healthy soil, clean water, and thriving landscapes for generations to come.
Rivka Hodgkinson, Executive Director
Rivka leads the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) with a deep commitment to supporting local leadership and practical, community-based conservation. She first got involved by serving on the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Conservation District, where she saw firsthand the critical role districts play in protecting Michigan’s land, water, and natural resources. Subsequently, she was elected as Vice Chair for Region 7 on the State Council and was then selected to serve as Interim Executive Director.
With over 15 years of experience in strategic growth, outreach and marketing, project coordination, and leadership, Rivka brings a collaborative approach to helping Michigan’s Conservation Districts grow their impact. Her work focuses on building strong partnerships, expanding resources, and advancing innovative, locally-led solutions. She believes that when communities are empowered, they create meaningful, lasting change for both people and the environment.
Outside of work, Rivka enjoys spending time outdoors in the many beautiful Michigan landscapes, is an avid reader, and loves to cook and bake to center herself after a long day of conservation work.
Want to collaborate or learn more about Michigan’s Conservation Districts? Connect with Rivka on LinkedIn.
Have questions for Rivka? Join her open office hours on the 2nd Friday of every month from 9am to 11am EST.
Jill Dohner, MIFarmLink Program Director
Jill is working with a group of passionate agricultural advocates from across Michigan to grow the MIFarmLink program, an effort started in Ottawa County, moved to Washtenaw County, that helps protect farmland by connecting agricultural landowners looking to sell/lease land with beginning farmers looking for land to farm.
She graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Master's in Forest Ecology and Management. Jill owns Rustic Roots Farm where she tends honeybees, poultry, goats, a fruit orchard and garden, greenhouse production, and woodworking. Jill has served on the Washtenaw County Conservation District board for 10 years prior and now is a Farm Bureau member in District 3. She has experience in forestry at the Greening of Detroit and ReLeaf Michigan, as well as working with a diversity of farmers through the Washtenaw Farmer Cooperative. jill.dohner@macd.org
Amber Butterfield, Executive Coordinator
Amber serves with the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) with a strong dedication to strengthening Michigan’s locally led conservation network. Her connection to conservation began at the grassroots level in 2017, where she recognized the unique and vital role that Conservation Districts play in supporting landowners, protecting natural resources, and building resilient communities.
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With a background in program management, partnership development, and strategic communication, Amber brings a practical and people-centered approach to her work. She is passionate about creating opportunities for districts to thrive—whether through increased visibility, expanded collaboration, or more effective engagement with partners and the public. She believes that strong relationships and clear communication are the foundation for impactful conservation.
Outside of work, Amber enjoys exploring Michigan’s natural beauty, spending time with her family, and finding joy in gardening.
Alexa Tedeschi, Communications and Devlopment Coordinator
Alexa is passionate about content creation and science communication, with a strong background in photography, video, and storytelling. She’s currently pursuing a Master’s in Biology through Miami University’s Project Dragonfly program and recently completed a wildlife media internship in South Africa, where she gained hands-on experience in photography, videography, and underwater filming.
Alexa has worked with local government cable channels, schools, and nonprofits, using media to connect communities and educate. She’s thrilled to be part of the team and looks forward to helping grow the program in the year ahead!
Jerry Miller, MACD President(Kent CD Chair)
Jerry Miller serves as President of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) and is Chair of the Kent County Conservation District Board of Directors. A dedicated leader in Michigan’s conservation community, Jerry has been active with MACD since 2014, first as Region 7 Vice-Chair and later as Vice President before being elected President in 2019.
Originally from Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Jerry grew up on a crop and livestock farm, cultivating an early passion for land stewardship. He earned his degree in agronomy from Virginia Tech and went on to complete his M.S. and Ph.D. in soil science at Iowa State University (ISU). Over the course of his distinguished career, Jerry served as a professor and Extension specialist at ISU, where he led applied research in soil, water, and watershed management as well as soil survey and land use planning.
He continues to stay engaged in the field as an emeritus professor of agronomy. With more than 40 years of experience working alongside conservation districts, Jerry brings both academic expertise and practical knowledge to his role. He is committed to advancing the mission of Michigan’s Conservation Districts through collaboration, science-based leadership, and a deep respect for the farmers, landowners, and communities who steward the state’s natural resources.
Karl Henderson, Digital Communications Coordinator
Karl brings fresh updates to the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) website, helping strengthen the organization’s digital presence through thoughtful design and clear, engaging communication. With an Associate in Arts from Kellogg Community College and a strong background in creative media, Karl plays a key role in translating MACD’s mission into visuals and content that resonate with audiences across the state.
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Before officially joining the team, Karl contributed by editing webinars for the MACD YouTube channel, helping refine and present important conservation discussions in a more accessible and professional format. Through this work, he developed a deeper understanding of the impact Conservation Districts have on protecting Michigan’s land, water, and natural resources.
Karl brings a creative edge to MACD that blends graphic design, video production, and digital strategy. His approach focuses on making information not only visually appealing, but also meaningful and easy to engage with—ensuring that MACD’s work is both seen and understood by the communities it serves.
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With a passion rooted in plant-based nutrition, sustainable living, and farming, Karl’s perspective aligns closely with the values of conservation and environmental stewardship. He is driven by the belief that strong digital storytelling can elevate awareness, inspire action, and support the long-term success of Michigan’s Conservation Districts.
Nancy Szikszay, Secretary/Treasurer & Genesee CD Chair
Nancy has been a dedicated leader in Michigan’s conservation community for more than two decades. She began her Conservation District journey over 21 years ago when she was appointed to the Genesee Conservation District Board of Directors.
Just a year later, she was elected to represent Region 9 on MACD’s State Council, where she has continued to serve as a strong voice for her region. Within the Genesee Conservation District, Nancy has held the roles of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer, bringing steady leadership and a deep commitment to conservation.
Nancy often shares that it is her sincere hope to give back to Conservation Districts as much as they have given to her. Her blend of farming experience, organizational leadership, and passion for conservation make her an invaluable part of MACD’s executive leadership team.
Steve Law, Vice President(Jackson CD Chair)
Steve Law serves as Vice President of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) and Chair of the Jackson Conservation District. He also has served as a past chair of Region 10 and guided the Legislative Committee for the past four years. In addition, Steve volunteers as MACD’s Capacity Programs Manager, where he has been instrumental in advancing the Association’s advocacy and fundraising efforts.
A passionate champion for Michigan’s Conservation Districts, Steve has played a central role in strengthening their capacity and elevating their voice at the state level. His current priority is securing $13 million in state operational funding to ensure districts can continue delivering critical conservation services to their communities.
Steve retired with 32 years of service with the NRCS and have been assisting Michigan CD for going on 43 years. His deep understanding of conservation practices, combined with his collaborative leadership style, makes him a trusted advocate for districts, landowners, and policymakers alike. Through his vision and dedication, Steve continues to build momentum for MACD and its member districts, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to protect Michigan’s natural resources for generations to come.