How do we double down on climate? With new staff like this
This year has been one of growth and speed for CEC as we implement an ambitious 5-year strategic plan, build new programs, and expand our geographic reach. This has meant doubling our staff and building our Dream Team to tackle the climate crisis. (See our spring additions here and full staff list here.)
These new additions are helping us expand capacity for regional climate work that will have far-reaching impacts. Their diverse perspectives and passions fuel our strength and our hope for the future.
As we close out one of the most transformative years in CEC's 50-year history, please join me in welcoming our newest team members.
In health,
Sigrid Wright, CEO/Executive Director
Community Environmental Council
P.S. Our growth is fueled by community support. Please help us continue to fight for a climate-safe future with an end-of-the-year donation.
Nicole Eads: Director of Development
Nicole has more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, most recently as the Director of Development for California State University Northridge's Nazarian College of Business. An avid gardener who is passionate about the outdoors, Nicole is the point person for CEC’s fundraising and networking.
Elizabeth Fry: Accounting Manager
With more than 20 years of experience working in finance and accounting, primarily in the nonprofit sector, Elizabeth is CEC’s new Accounting Manager, responsible for preparing financial statements and related variance analysis reports. After growing up in El Salvador, travel is a big part of Elizabeth’s life, and she also enjoys hiking, cooking, and crocheting.
Siena Hooper: Santa Barbara County Food Rescue Coordinator
Siena, CEC’s Santa Barbara County Food Rescue Coordinator, brings a background with environmental volunteer programs to her new role focusing on maximizing the County’s food recovery efforts. In addition to her passion for food justice and waste reduction, Siena is very interested in sustainable fashion, marine conservation, and environmental and social justice.
Natalie McGuire: Executive Assistant and Board Liaison
A passionate nature advocate, Executive Assistant and Board Liaison Natalie most recently worked as an Executive Assistant in a tech start-up. Her role at CEC supports the CEO and helps facilitate close ties with CEC’s Board members.
Molly Taylor: Climate Smart Agriculture Program Manager
Climate Smart Agriculture Program Manager Molly’s background includes managing a ranching operation in Northern California and working with producers to transition to climate-smart agriculture. An ecological monitor, Molly’s focus at CEC is to help bridge the gap between the agriculture industry and environmentalists so that local farmers can turn their land into carbon sinks while turning a profit.
Alexis Rizo: Climate Policy Assistant
Climate Policy Assistant Alexis previously worked in city government and interned in Washington D.C. for Senator Dianne Feinstein researching environmental legislation. Building on her passion for environmental justice, Alexis joined the CEC staff after an internship with CEC’s Energy Department and becoming certified through CEC’s new UC Climate Stewards program.
Naomi Newman: Climate Leadership Intern
Climate Leadership Intern Naomi supports efforts to build climate leadership and reduce waste and plastic. Currently working on her master’s degree in Public Policy at Pepperdine University, Naomi developed her passion for protecting the environment and reducing human impacts while researching the lack of policy for climate refugees.