Experienced nonprofit and philanthropic executive adds unique leadership to the board
MINNEAPOLIS – The Great Plains Institute (GPI) announced today that Christa Velasquez, a distinguished pioneer in philanthropic impact investing, has joined its board of directors. Velasquez brings over 25 years of experience in impact investing and philanthropic grantmaking to underinvested communities. She is currently consulting with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and is also a lecturer at the University of Chicago, educating the next generation of talent devoted to the common good.
“I believe that the special GPI method of fostering inclusion and collaboration among diverse and sometimes oppositional stakeholders is part of their unique value proposition to solving the biggest hurdles to reaching a net-zero carbon economy,” Velasquez said. “This is an organizational attribute that is particularly attractive to impact-focused funders. I am honored to join the board and share my experience in that field to enhance their work.”
Velasquez contributes a fresh and innovative perspective to the GPI board, drawing from her extensive career outside the energy and environmental sectors in philanthropy, consulting, and academia. She has served on the board of several nonprofit organizations and directed impact funds at Lumina Foundation and Annie E. Casey Foundation before her work at Rockefeller.
“Christa’s appointment strengthens our board with her expertise and passion for impactful philanthropy, particularly as GPI has begun to attract more funders that bring an impact and venture investing mindset,” said Priti Patel, GPI board chair. “We are eager to have her help guiding GPI’s vision.”
GPI is accelerating the transition to net-zero carbon emissions through its work that spans five key emissions sectors and vertically integrated expertise and services that lead to progress at the federal, state, and local levels. In this moment of both historic opportunity and shifting economic and political landscapes, GPI looks to its track record of success in delivering results by empowering stakeholders to identify and implement effective, pragmatic solutions that benefit people, local economies, and the environment.
“Christa has a deep reservoir of lived experience and insights to draw upon that will be invaluable to achieving GPI’s mission,” said GPI President and CEO Rolf Nordstrom. “We are thrilled she has chosen to share her talents with us at this crucial time for our clean energy future.”
Velasquez holds a B.A. from the University of Chicago and an M.B.A. from Yale School of Management. She joins new board members Christian Mitchell and Charles Hua in 2024. Her three-year term runs through December 2027.
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About Great Plains Institute: A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) accelerates the transition to net-zero carbon emissions for the benefit of people, the economy, and the environment. Working across the US, we combine a unique consensus-building approach, expert knowledge, research and analysis, and local action to find and implement lasting solutions. Our work strengthens communities and provides greater economic opportunity through the creation of higher-paying jobs, expansion of the nation’s industrial base, and greater domestic energy independence while eliminating carbon emissions.
Learn more at www.betterenergy.org.
