Clifton Garmon is the Chief of Staff at VOCAL-NY, having previously served as the organization’s Senior Policy Analyst for over 3 years.

Before joining the VOCAL team, Clifton worked for the Ali Forney Center, where he focused on campaigns and policies advocating for LGBT homeless youth. Clifton has dedicated both his academic and professional careers to social justice advocacy. Clifton holds Bachelor degrees in Sociology and Political Science from Lenoir-Rhyne University, and a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University.

Christian is a senior member of Amazon Watch's team. Having coordinated the Brazil Program since 2009, Christian also led the organization's efforts to encourage a shift toward non-hydro energy alternatives in Brazil's electricity matrix. While managing Amazon Watch's Paris office, he partnered with European NGOs on Corporate Social Responsibility campaigns. He has over sixteen years experience in the fields of international development and advocacy focusing on environmental, agrarian, and social justice issues. Prior to joining Amazon Watch, Christian assisted Brazil's Landless Workers Movement and managed rural development and micro enterprise projects in West Africa. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish.