About the Network
There is tremendous power in collective action on sustainability, including climate and energy, across communities of all sizes. Founded in 2015, the Sustainable States Network brings together organizations that lead sustainability, climate, or clean energy programs that support local governments across municipal regions, states, and the nation. By learning together and collaborating on projects, we foster the success of local initiatives
Our Vision
The long-term vision of the network is to build a future where sustainability is the norm for every community. We focus on local governments as change agents that make progress on sustainable development. Local governments are flexible and can move toward action at a pace that often isn’t possible at the state or federal level. This allows communities to make real progress on sustainability, climate, and clean energy goals at the speed necessary to meaningfully impact the health of their residents, economy, and environment.
Our Commitment to Equity
The Sustainable States Network has a long-standing commitment to equity and environmental justice. The Sustainable States Network recognizes that, as trusted information and technical assistance providers, we play a key role in working with municipal leaders to ensure that racial and social equity becomes integral to our efforts to create truly sustainable communities. The Network formally adopted an equity statement and goals in 2023.
Leadership and Staff
Steering Committee
The Network is governed by a Steering Committee with co-leads elected by the membership.
Danielle Beard (Co-Lead), Michigan Green Communities
Leo Pierce (Co-Lead), Sustainable Maryland
Brandy Espinola (Administration Lead), Green Cities California & Sustainable Maryland
Jessica LeClair (Communications and Membership Lead), Sustainable CT
Joanna Bissetta (Program Lead), Massachusetts Green Communities Division
Kelly Tyler (Fundraising Lead), New York Clean Energy Communities (NYSERDA)
Randy Solomon (Finance Lead), Sustainable Jersey
Working Groups
Annual Meeting Planning
Ensuring an engaging annual meeting
Danielle Beard (Co-Chair), Michigan Green Communities
Sarah Lee (Co-Chair), University of Michigan Graham Institute
Climate Action
Sharing best practices on local engagement around climate mitigation and resilience
Brandy Espinola (Chair), Green Cities California
Communication
Guiding communication efforts and outreach to partners
Mike Hunninghake (Chair), Sustainable Maryland
Equity
Ensuring that social equity is front and center in state-level programs
Melanie McDermott (Chair), Sustainable Jersey
Student Programs
Discussing student-based programs and best practices
Sarah Lee (Chair), University of Michigan Graham Institute
Tech Bench
Tech resource sharing and best practices, including the shared member website and Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRMs)
Torin Radicioni (Chair), Sustainable CT
Staff Support
The Network is managed by the Great Plains Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with a mission to transform the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. Great Plains Institute acts as the Network’s fiscal sponsor.
Network Coordinator: Rebecca Heisel, Communities Program Manager, Great Plains Institute
Rebecca’s work focuses on providing technical assistance to local governments and Tribal nations on transportation electrification, facilitating peer learning groups, and developing scalable and replicable resources and tools to help communities achieve their clean energy goals. Rebecca has been with GPI for five years, lending her expertise to the Charging Smart program, overall team financial management, and other related initiatives. Rebecca’s work emphasizes community engagement and education, as well as developing equitable goals through best practice-based programs.
Network Support Assistant: Cassie Bros, Communities Program Associate, Great Plains Institute
Cassie’s work focuses on providing administrative and technical support to the Sustainable States Network and facilitating Minnesota local government networks. Prior to her role at GPI, Cassie worked as the AmeriCorps Sustainability Project Coordinator at the City of Eagan. During her service, she contributed to the development of the city’s climate action plan, promoted community engagement through outreach efforts, coordinated volunteers for Sustainable Eagan Academy and the Reusable Bag Program, and spearheaded Eagan’s inaugural Earth Week events.
She holds a master’s degree in energy and environmental management from the University of Connecticut, as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy from St. Catherine University.
Funders
To date, the Network has been generously supported by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, Janet and Gerald Carrus Foundation, Johnson Foundation, New York Community Trust, and the Surdna Foundation.