About Us
Clean Earth Initiative (CEI), a 501c3, was founded to create a unified voice of conservation organizations in Florida. As a unified voice, we bring in more funding and are more efficient with statewide conservation priorities. We focus on advocacy, conservation, and education.
We have divided the state into 10 regions where we host annual in person networking events. These events are for local conservation nonprofits, elected officials, and foundations to learn about new initiatives and programs in their area. Following these events, nonprofits are invited to join mission-based committees where key conservation issues are discussed and addressed. Please visit the committee page to learn more. Our events have brought together 100+ conservation nonprofits from around Florida.
CEI host’s family fun days, bringing children, teens, and seniors to State Parks and other natural sites. This helps us raise awareness and draw inspiration from Florida’s unique ecosystems.
We provide microgrants for organizations looking to implement conservation projects and environmental programming.
Florida is home to a diverse array of ecosystems that thrive thanks to the state’s unique climate, geography, and abundant water resources. From the swamps of the Everglades to the coastal dunes and coral reefs, these ecosystems are vital for supporting a rich variety of plant and animal life.
Florida is home to an estimated 46,000 species of plants, animals, and other organisms, making it one of the most biodiverse states in the U.S. The state also boasts around 4,200 native plant species. Its diverse ecosystems, ranging from coral reefs and mangroves to upland forests and wetlands, support this rich variety of life. However, Florida is also a hotspot for invasive species, with hundreds of non-native plants and animals competing with native species, land and altering natural ecosystems.
Together, our voice is stronger and more effective as we advocate and protect Florida’s local ecosystems.
We believe that a healthier ecosystem creates a better quality of life.
Meet The Board
Jonathan Rubin, MPA
President & Executive Director
Jonathan Rubin is a passionate conservationist and public policy expert. Rubin founded CEI to create a unified voice for conservation and environmental issues facing local communities. Rubin founded CEI with nearly a decade of experience working with nonprofits, local businesses, municipalities, state and federal governments.
As the Founder and Director of Fresh Florida Farms, a regenerative agriculture company servicing Florida, Rubin worked closely with the University of Florida, the USDA, and the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS). Growing over 70 Non-GMO crop varieties, hydroponically with climate control, Rubin was able to eliminate the need for pesticides, minimize water usage, and create a streamlined growing process. Fresh Florida Farms serviced supermarkets, food banks, and national food distributors. It practiced waste-to-value solutions, smart packaging, climate resilience, and growing methods to fight crop disease. Jonathan launched Fresh Florida Farms in November 2020, eventually selling his company in November 2024, before launching Clean Earth Initiative. Columbia University wrote the following article on Jonathan and Fresh Florida Farms.
Serving on the Teach Florida Advocacy team from February 2022 until April 2023, an educational nonprofit organization, Rubin worked with over 100 elected officials to move legislation forward, providing more than $640 million for Florida schools. Teach Florida comprises of a coalition of 40+ private schools throughout Florida. Teach Florida is part of Teach Coalition, which includes states such as New York, New Jersey, California, and Pennsylvania, where similar school choice initiatives were created following the success of Teach Florida.
Rubin has a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Environmental Science & Policy from the School of International & Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University, graduating in May 2020. During his studies, Rubin led a team consulting for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, NYCDEP. He advised on water management programs serving over 8 million NYC residents, helping further develop department methodologies on drinking water and resource reuse.
Rubin leads Clean Earth Initiative (CEI) with a deep commitment to conservation, sustainable development, political advocacy, and environmental stewardship.
Simon Benzaquen
Director
Simon Benzaquen is committed to advancing conservation, sustainable development, and environmental policy. As a Director of CEI, Benzaquen helps drive the organization’s mission to promote ecological stewardship, safeguard natural ecosystems, and advocate for policies that protect the planet for future generations.
Benzaquen is a 2026 J.D. candidate at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where his education provides a strong foundation for navigating the intersection of law and public policy.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Simon Benzaquen is the President of Keystone Investments Management, a privately held hedge fund. Under Simon’s leadership, Keystone has focused on delivering a strong financial performance while maintaining disciplined investment strategies. Simon brings a keen understanding of risk management and financial markets, overseeing day-to-day operations and long-term growth strategies.
Benzaquen’s legal and regulatory experience further enriches his work at CEI. He has served as a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Robert J. Luck of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and as a legal intern in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement division. Additionally, Benzaquen has contributed to drafting a parental rights amicus curiae brief filed with the Supreme Court of the United States. Moreover, Benzaquen will soon serve in a policy role at Cboe Global Markets cboe.com, where he will monitor and shape domestic and international market-structure rulemakings, prepare policy comment letters and analyses, and liaise with regulators and industry stakeholders to foster fair, efficient, and innovative capital markets.
Through his work at the Clean Earth Initiative, Benzaquen aims to advance conservationist policy and build a sustainable future for all.
Abraham Skoczylas
Director
Abraham Skoczylas is a passionate environmentalist and dedicated conservationist whose unique background fuses military precision, operational leadership, and grassroots community engagement. With a career shaped by service and a commitment to purpose, Abraham brings a rare combination of strategic acumen and heartfelt activism to every role he undertakes.
Abraham served honorably in the military from 2019-22; he was a decorated Staff Sergeant. By day, Abraham channels the skills he honed, where he specialized in logistics and coordination under high-pressure conditions, into civilian leadership. His post-military career has included key positions in both entrepreneurial and corporate environments. During his service, Abraham also worked his way up to General Manager at Hatch Restaurant, where he was instrumental in streamlining supply chain systems and scaling operations efficiently. After completing his service, he joined the chain full-time. In January 2024, he joined Beth-El America, LLC, a military manufacturing company, where he leads logistics and operations, ensuring mission-critical deliveries and managing complex workflows with reliability and precision.
Beyond the workplace, Abraham is a dynamic force in his community. In the evenings and on weekends, he devotes his energy to youth development, directing environmental education initiatives through local youth movements. This included a weekend in Miami with over 100 teen participants. He designs and leads hands-on programs that immerse teens in the study of local ecosystems, fostering curiosity, stewardship, and a lifelong respect for nature.
Abraham helps coordinate CEI events and activities. This includes our recent tour of Blue Spring State Park with former State Senator and now US Congressman Randy Fine, Mayor of Daytona Beach Derrick Henry, Flagler County Chair, Andy Dance, and Mayor of Deltona, Santiago Avila, Jr. During the educational tour CEI shared issues facing Florida’s freshwater springs, manatees, park accessibility and flooding issues. Abraham is also coordinating our upcoming tour of Lovers Key State Park, where we will discuss similar issues in Southwest Florida.
From organizing conservation cleanups to coordinating nature-based leadership events, Abraham builds opportunities for young people to engage with the environment in meaningful, transformative ways. Abraham's diverse experiences—in military command, industry leadership, and community service—have shaped a leadership style that emphasizes empowerment, collaboration, and long-term impact.