Our Team
The Nevada Conservation League (NCL) is the independent political voice of Nevada’s conservation community. We work to maintain and enhance the natural character of Nevada, and the quality of life for Nevadans through effective advocacy, the election of pro-conservation candidates, and building collaboration.
Since its founding, the organization has always prioritized climate change, clean energy, public lands, and the protection of public spaces.
We strive to do all of our work in a way that recognizes and builds a deeper understanding of issues of racial and social justice and in a way that builds a more inclusive organization.
Kristee Watson (she/her)
Executive Director
Kristee Watson has lived in southern Nevada for over 30 years and brings a plethora of professional experience to Nevada Conservation League. Kristee has a background in finance, small business management, non-profit programming, and federal grant processes as the Grants Coordinator for Congresswoman Susie Lee.
As Executive Director at Nevada Conservation League, and previously Deputy Director, Kristee recognizes that environmental policy protects underserved communities, improves overall health, and supports a thriving economy. Since Nevada is home to two of the fastest-warming cities in the country, it’s imperative that we educate, organize, and pass meaningful legislation to combat the climate crisis.
Kristee loves hiking and the outdoors, so she appreciates the year-round recreational activities Clark County has to offer her and her family.
Christi Cabrera-Georgeson (she/her)
Deputy Director
Christi Cabrera-Georgeson is a native of Reno, Nevada and the daughter of a Cuban immigrant. She earned dual degrees in Environmental Science and Political Science with a minor in Renewable Energy from the University of Nevada, which fueled her passion for environmental issues and policy. Christi’s interest in civic engagement started at age 12, when she first began volunteering on political campaigns.
Prior to working at the Nevada Conservation League, Christi worked in the City of Reno’s Sustainability and Climate Department and helped put together the City’s first Sustainability Report. She has also worked at several local law firms.
Christi started off her career at the Nevada Conservation League in 2018 as the Regional Lead in Northern Nevada for the organization’s ballot measure campaign for Question 5 (Automatic Voter Registration) and Question 6 (Renewable Portfolio Standard). In 2019, she became NCL’s Policy and Advocacy Director, where she worked to advance practical and political solutions to address the climate crisis and other environmental issues. Now, Christi is proud to serve as the Deputy Director for the Nevada Conservation League.
Dillon Livae (he/him)
Digital Media Manager
“He aliʻi ka ʻāina, he kauwā ke kanaka.”
The land is chief, and man is its servant.
Born in Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi, Dillon is the youngest of four, raised by a Native Hawaiian and Samoan mother and a Micronesian father. Guided by the wisdom of his grandparents and the teachings of Kamehameha Schools, he learned early on the essence of servant leadership. Rooted in his Pacific Island heritage, Dillon believes the greatest responsibility one can hold is to care for the land—knowing that in return, it will sustain and nourish its people.
Now calling Nevada home, Dillon has dedicated his work to uplifting communities and protecting the environment. As a Field Organizer for Nevada Democratic Victory, he helped mobilize voters in the 2022 Midterm Elections. He has since partnered with progressive nonprofits and consulting firms, including The Outreach Team and Relentless, to strengthen the relationship between disenfranchised communities and their political representatives.
As the organization’s Media Manager, Dillon brings a renewed passion for conservation, recognizing that communities like the one he grew up in are most impacted by environmental degradation. Committed to the fight for climate justice, he works to ensure that Nevada’s lands and resources remain protected for generations to come.
Trystin St. Denis (she/her)
Policy & Advocacy Associate
Trystin St. Denis was born in San Jose, California, and lived there for most of her life. She moved to Reno, Nevada to attend the University of Nevada – Reno, and fell in love with all that Nevada offers. Being outdoors and embracing nature was one way she could connect with Nevada after moving, and could not be more excited to work to protect that environment with the NCL.
After graduating from UNR in December of 2021, Trystin began her work as a community organizer for the Nevada Coalition Against the Death Penalty. She works in multiple sectors of Nevada policy and is proud to be an organizer for both organizations. To continue investing in her career and the betterment of her community, she has begun working towards a Master of Science in Humanitarian Action through the University of London.
Advocating for her community in Nevada has become incredibly important to Trystin. After moving to Nevada and seeing the climate injustices faced by her community, she is proud to work towards healing those inequities. As the new Community Organizer for NCL, she is most excited about working with Nevadans on the issues that mean the most to them. Trystin uses what she’s learned in previous experiences to contribute to successful organizing strategies for our environment and communities.
Bri Schmidt (they/them)
Communications Organizer (NNV)
Bri is a lifelong Nevadan passionate about community care and advocacy. Born and raised in Reno, they’ve called the Great Basin home for over 20 years. They fell in love with organizing through local grassroots groups and nonprofits alike. They have a deep history of fighting for Nevadans, including their work advocating for LGBTQ+ rights at the Nevada Legislature to standing up for the freedom to read in Washoe County libraries.
From the High Sierras to the Mojave Desert and everything in between, keeping Nevada’s outdoors sustainable and equitable is core to their identity. They especially have a passion for disability accommodations and making the outdoors accessible to all Nevadans. Their favorite park in Reno is the Oxbow Nature Study Area, providing wheelchair-accessible trails through 22 acres of wildlife preserve.
Yesenia Castro-Lopez
Communications & Advocacy Organizer (SNV)
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Yesi is now raising their child in the same vibrant community they call home. As an Indigenous and Latine advocate, they bring a deep passion for environmental justice, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Since 2021, Yesi has worked in the nonprofit sector, focusing on civic engagement, crisis advocacy, and volunteer management. They also organize IndigiPride, a celebration of queer and two-spirit identities that uplifts Indigenous culture and raises awareness of critical social issues.
Driven by a commitment to environmental and social justice, Yesi works to ensure Nevada’s natural resources are protected and accessible to all. They are excited to bring their skills and dedication to advancing the organization’s mission and strengthening community connections for a more sustainable and inclusive Nevada.
Brigitte Yanez Trobaugh
Operations & Administrative Manager (she/her)
Brigitte loves calling Nevada home! She was only two when her father moved their family out of Costa Rica to settle in Las Vegas where he had once been stationed during his career in the U.S. Air Force. Brigitte prides herself in being a true Las Vegan, but also attributes a lot of her identity to her Costa Rican roots. The raw nature of her birthplace has led her to understand the importance of conservation and protecting the environment to maintain healthy ecosystems and a healthy planet.
Brigitte has an extensive past in administrative and accounting work. Most recently she worked at a law firm, starting as an office manager before being promoted to their corporate office in San Diego to work in the accounting department.
As a nature lover and an avid hiker Brigitte spends a lot of her free time outdoors, which made her realize the corporate world was not for her, and she wanted to dedicate her time to working somewhere that made a positive impact on the environment. She moved back home to Las Vegas where she eventually found a job with Nevada Conservation League as the Administrative Assistant. At NCL Brigitte is able to combine her administrative background with her passion for conservation, and is excited to be doing the work in the state she loves.