About Us
Clean Earth Initiative was founded to address environmental issues on the state level. We do this by focusing on advocacy, conservation, and education.
Our advocacy is based on creating a unified voice of regional conservation non-profits. As one voice we approach elected officials, community leaders and media. As a unified voice we are stronger, able to collaborate and become more efficient as we stand up for our local ecosystems.
Once we create our communities' environmental priorities, we are able to focus on conservation. This can include volunteer missions, fundraising, providing grants, and conducting research on wildlife species and land protection.
We host family fun days, bringing children, teens, and seniors to State Parks and other local natural sites. By doing this we raise awareness, sparking inspiration from all the amazing things our local habitats have to offer.
This strategy is replicated in major cities throughout Florida, creating a statewide voice.
To join us at an event please visit our event page.
Meet The Board
Jonathan Rubin
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. 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.
Serving on the Teach Florida Advocacy team, an educational nonprofit organization, Rubin worked with over 100 elected officials to move legislation forward providing more than $640 million for Florida schools.
Rubin has a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science & Policy from Columbia University. Over the course of 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 the Clean Earth Initiative (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 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, Benzaquen is the President of Keystone Investments Management, a privately held hedge fund. Under his leadership, Keystone has focused on delivering a strong financial performance while maintaining disciplined investment strategies. Benzaquen 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.
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 conservationist. As a Director, Skoczylas helps create educational programming. Having spent most of his life around the water, fishing, and hiking, Skoczylas always had a love for the outdoors. Throughout his life, he developed a specific affinity for fishing and coral reefs. Skoczylas has been heavily involved in directing youth movement activities creating educational opportunities for teens to learn more about local ecosystems and participate in conservation programs. His experiences working with youth, shaped his approach to leadership, emphasizing empowerment, growth, and teamwork.
Skoczylas served in the military as a Staff Sergeant and was placed in charge of leading a platoon. His leadership and dedication to excellence were recognized with the Excellence Award by a senior general.
Currently, Skoczylas applies his military and management experiences in a defense contracting company. His strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and diverse experiences continue to guide his work today, driving innovation and supporting critical national initiatives.