Mackinzee Macho is a systems thinker and sustainability advocate. She is the Strategic Program Manager at Potlikker Capital, where she leads agroforestry-focused projects that aim to build generational wealth for underserved communities through regenerative land stewardship and climate-resilient food systems. Her work supports Potlikker Capital’s mission to invest in community-rooted agricultural solutions that foster long-term resilience and economic opportunity.

Mackinzee also serves as the Illinois Forestry Association’s program coordinator, where she oversees organizational communications, coordinates field days and educational events, manages grants and compliance, and supports board operations and membership services.

Her journey with Potlikker began as a Research Intern, where she mapped farmer networks, compiled technical assistance resources, and conducted research on agroforestry and voluntary carbon markets, enhancing the organization’s capacity for impact-driven strategy and data storytelling.

In addition to her work at Potlikker and IFA, Mackinzee has contributed to a range of public and nonprofit initiatives. As a Graduate Research Fellow at Syracuse University’s Center for Environmental Policy and Administration, she studied climate-smart agriculture and market feasibility for emerging biotechnologies. She also supported community data projects and policy development as a Fellow at the Central New York Community Foundation.

Mackinzee holds a Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, where she focused on environmental policy, climate law, and performance management. She earned her B.S. in Environmental Studies from SUNY-ESF with honors. With a background in project coordination, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement, Mackinzee brings a multidisciplinary approach to advancing practical, community-based solutions in agriculture and sustainability.