GPI is pleased to announce that Dr. Deidre Sanders will join our board of directors in October 2020. Dr. Sanders brings more than 20 years of experience in energy policy related to environmental justice, equity, and climate change.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sanders to GPI’s board at this pivotal time in the organization’s trajectory of growing national impact,” said GPI Board Chair Will Kaul. “Her extensive background in the energy industry and her leadership on equity issues will bring critical knowledge and experience. I look forward to her partnership as we help guide GPI’s mission and strategy in this critical decade for the climate challenge and social justice.”
Dr. Sanders served as policy director at East Bay Community Energy Authority in Oakland, California, and environmental justice and policy manager at Pacific Gas and Electric Company in San Francisco. Most recently, she launched her own consulting firm, ArkSpring Consulting, where she is founder and principal. ArkSpring aids businesses, governments, and nonprofits in advancing environmental justice, economic justice, and social justice objectives.
“I am so impressed with GPI’s unique ability to create consensus on seemingly intractable energy issues and build relationships with key, cross-sector partners who can turn ideas into meaningful action,” Dr. Sanders said. “There is much work to do to ensure that issues of equity and environmental justice are at the forefront of energy policy and implementation. Time is short, but I am energized by GPI’s leadership and track record of success. I look forward to what we can achieve together and the benefits to our society at large.”
Among her recent achievements at East Bay Community Energy Authority (EBCE), Dr. Sanders developed and implemented policy strategy to ensure the agency met objectives related to greenhouse gas reductions and community benefits. She also developed and coordinated EBCE’s partnerships with community-based organizations, non-governmental agencies, community energy advocates, and energy equity activists.
“Dr. Sander’s expertise, lived experience, and national perspective will strengthen our board and our strategy in critically important ways at a pivotal time,” said Rolf Nordstrom, GPI president and CEO. “I am honored that she is making this commitment to GPI and our collective work to transform the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. Our mission is audacious, but dedicated board members like Deidre, our staff, partners, and supporters continue to make it possible.”
Dr. Sanders’ volunteer work includes the American Association of Blacks in Energy public policy committee. Previously she held a place on the California League of Conservation Voters and the US Environmental Protection Agency’s National Environmental Justice Advisory Council. Her published articles include “Ignoring Environmental Justice Concerns is Risky Business,” which was published in Triple Pundit, and “Redefining Disadvantaged Communities” on the East Bay Community Energy blog.
Dr. Sanders earned her PhD in political science from Claremont Graduate University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California.
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