Former mayor takes reins of climate protection group
Former three-term mayor of Albuquerque, N.M., Martin Chavez has been named executive director of Oakland, Calif.-based ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA, an organization that helps local governments achieve climate protection, sustainability and clean energy goals. Chavez will join ICLEI on March 1 as the organization celebrates its 20th year of operation.
Chavez implemented several “green” programs during his time as Albuquerque’s mayor from 1993 to 1997, and again from 2001 to 2009, including a water use reduction program. He also has served as a member of the ICLEI USA Board of Directors and of the worldwide ICLEI Executive Committee. “I’m particularly excited to assume executive responsibility for building an organization that I consider so important,” Chavez said in a statement. “ICLEI has a successful tradition of helping our cities and counties do more and do better — to create places where we can thrive for generations to come. I look forward to working with fellow local elected officials and professionals nationwide, and of course with the very dedicated ICLEI staff, to achieve measureable impacts in the years ahead.”
Chavez was hailed as one of the nation’s “greenest” mayors, and he brings to ICLEI a deep understanding of and commitment to local environmental, sustainability and energy issues. “Mayor Chavez has very a strong record in the environmental, social justice and economic development arenas alike,” said Patrick Hays, ICLEI USA President and Board Chairman, and mayor of North Little Rock, Ark. “His drive and experience are perfectly suited to building ICLEI’s growing membership, serving our 600-plus local government members, and working with our partners in federal and state government.”
Chavez also served as a trustee of the Washington-based United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and was co-chair of USCM’s Climate Change Task Force. Read more about Chavez’s appointment.