Enhanced Representation from Real Estate, Finance and Academia

LOS ANGELES (August 13, 2019)  The U.S. Green Building Council-Los Angeles Chapter  (USGBC-LA) has selected its Board of Directors for 2019, expanding to a total of 21 from the previous 18 seats on the Board, including new representation by real estate, finance and academia.  The new Board adds three Emerging Professional Seats (one prior), reflecting a stronger emphasis on leadership development.  The 21-person Board of Directors represents the AEC community along with representation from public sector, private sector, utility, and non-profit leaders from across Southern California.  The Board Chair remains Holly Hill, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Southern California Edison, with Seth Strongin, Senior Sustainability Consultant for Arup, serving as Vice Chair.
 
“We are thrilled to onboard a diverse and experienced group of green building leaders to the Board.  We have the opportunity to reach a multitude of market segments and share our mission to create a sustainable, healthy and resilient built environment,” states Hill.  “Additionally, by having three emerging professional seats, we are committed to sharing our collective experience and developing future leaders.

 
The 2019 - 2022 Board of Directors are:
 
Cassy Aoyagi, President and Co-Founder, FormLA Landscaping (EC)
Steve Baule, Director of Sustainable Projects, L.A. Department of Water and Power *
Denise Braun, Principal, All About Waste LLC *
Shara Castillo, Associate Partner, ZGF Architects, LLP
Stuart Cooley, Professor, Renewable Energies, Santa Monica College *
Katherine (Kate) Diamond, Civic Design Director/Design Principal, HDR, Inc. *
Robyn Eason, Senior Sustainability Planner, City of West Hollywood, CA
John Egan, President, Principal Architect, EGAN|SIMON architecture
Christine Harada, President, i(x) investments *
Sara Hickman, Sustainability Director, Studio One Eleven / RDC *
Holly Hill, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Southern California Edison (EC)
Dave Intner, Engineering Manager, Southern California Edison
Richard Ludt, Director of Environmental Affairs, Interior Removal Specialist, Inc.
Todd Lynch, Principal Project Planner, Lecturer, Green Building Specialist, UCLA Capital Programs, UCLA Architecture and Urban Design *
Paul McGunnigle, Chief Executive Officer, Howard Building Corporation (EC)
Sara Neff, SVP, Sustainability, Kilroy Realty Corporation
Edmund Novy, Treasurer / Project Manager, Fondation Enfant Jesus
Seth Strongin, Senior Sustainability Consultant for Arup (EC)
Melissa Sullivan, VP, Sustainability & Wellness, Cushman & Wakefield *
Ryan Tinus, Senior Director, Engineering and Environmental Sustainability, Hudson Pacific Properties *
Jenny Whitson, Sustainability Project Manager, Vanir Construction Management, Inc.

                                                                            
Emerging Professional Seats 2019-2022:

Ariel Fan, Founder, CEO, GreenWealth Energy Solutions *
Kathleen Hetrick, Sustainability Engineer, BuroHappold Engineers *
Laura Mask, Assistant General Counsel, Rexford Industrial Realty *
 
(* denotes new, (EC) denotes Executive Committee)
 
Under the leadership of Executive Director Ben Stapleton and this incoming Board, USGBC-LA looks toward accelerated growth and innovative approaches to increase the sustainability of buildings throughout the region and beyond.  USGBC-LA has launched several initiatives that will continue to grow under this incoming Board including the recent  Net Zero Accelerator, quarterly Thought Leadership series, and the new Construction Committee.  Other programs are being re-energized including the Green Schools and Existing Buildings Committees, the Green Rebuilding Initiative; and the annual Legacy Project (RFP out now).
 
“We are incredibly proud of the diversity of the industry and personal perspectives represented within this board, likely one of the greatest groups of green building professionals ever assembled,” notes Stapleton.  “I’m looking forward to working together, sharpening our pencils, and challenging ourselves to enhance the sustainability of our communities and support the next generation of leaders to go even further.”
 
For more information about the USGBC-LA chapter, please contact Ben Stapleton, Email Contact or 213-689-9707.

 
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About U.S. Green Building Council-Los Angeles
USGBC-LA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to creating a prosperous and sustainable future within one generation. Our mission promotes sustainability in LA County's built environment by delivering access to knowledge, resources, recognition and networking. ( www.usgbc-la.org)

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