Curtis Esteban Osceola, Esq.
Curtis is the Chief of Staff for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, where he leads strategic initiatives to advance the Tribe’s conservation and legislative agenda. With a focus on Everglades Restoration and Tribal Sovereignty, Curtis advises the Miccosukee Business Council and Chairman on critical matters involving business, policy, law, and legislative affairs. He previously served as the Tribe’s appointee to the South Florida Ecological Restoration Task Force, advocating for projects that safeguard Indigenous lands and cultural heritage. Curtis is also recognized for his work in strengthening the Tribe’s partnerships with corporate and government entities, as well as for his commitment to using Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge in modern conservation efforts.
With a background in law and public service, Curtis has a proven track record in policy reform, community advocacy, and complex litigation. His legal expertise was honed as an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County, where he managed high-profile criminal cases and championed client rights. Curtis holds a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law and has participated in the Young American Leaders Program at Harvard Business School. In his new role as a Board Member of WildLandscapes International, Curtis brings his deep understanding of ecosystem dynamics, stakeholder collaboration, and policy influence. He is eager to leverage his skills to support WildLandscapes’ mission, particularly in empowering Indigenous communities and ensuring that conservation initiatives are inclusive, impactful, and sustainable
Melanie Seely
Melanie has been working with WildLandscapes International since its inception serving as Secretary and Treasurer as well as supporting fundraising efforts. She graduated from Emory University with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration. Prior to working with WildLandscapes, Melanie served on several boards working to raise money and awareness. She is passionate about preserving landscapes to protect all wildlife and has enjoyed several International trips to India, Africa and numerous places in the US where WildLandscapes has made an impact. Melanie resides in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Christopher Seely
Christopher is a retired pilot, having flown for Trans World Airlines, AirTran Airways, and American Airlines. After his first wife (and mother of his two sons) died of ovarian cancer, he became President of the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to promoting awareness of ovarian cancer and support of women and their families stricken with the disease.
He has sat on various for-profit and non-profit boards and still holds a seat on the HuberFoundation board. He is passionate about the environment, loves the outdoors, boating, skiing as well as spending time with his sons, their wives, his grandson, and of course, his wife, Melanie!