(Pittsburgh, PA) – Sustainable Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the appointment of Bhavini Patel as its next executive director, succeeding Joylette Portlock, Ph.D., who served in the role for six years. Patel is only the third person in the organization’s robust 27-year history to step into this leadership role.
“We are thrilled to have Bhavini join Sustainable Pittsburgh as our new executive director,” said Harris Heit Blum, Sustainable Pittsburgh Board President. “We are looking forward to building upon the organization’s accomplishments under her capable leadership.”
Patel comes to Sustainable Pittsburgh with a wealth of experience in policy, community outreach, and civic technology. As executive director, she will lead the implementation of the organization’s strategy, overseeing programming, communications, policy, finance, and development.
“Having proudly served on the Sustainable Pittsburgh board for the last two years, I am deeply committed to the organization’s mission of empowering decision-making that builds a fundamentally equitable, resilient, healthy, and prosperous region,” shared Patel. “I am looking forward to working with our partners to drive innovative and impactful sustainability practices that fuel economic growth and strengthen our communities for generations to come.”
Sustainable Pittsburgh’s organizational priorities sit at the intersection of social equity, particularly racial and ethnic equity, and decarbonization to address critical sustainability challenges for the region and beyond.
The nonprofit works with stakeholders to elevate and take action on these priorities through its strategic networks, which leverage collective expertise and diverse perspectives to simultaneously advance social equity, environmental stewardship, and prosperity.
Last fall, the CEOs for Sustainability executive network, hosted by Sustainable Pittsburgh, convened over 120 participants at its C-Suite Summit, underscoring the importance of business sustainability in southwestern Pennsylvania. The Summit focused on critical opportunities for decarbonization, including attracting federal funding and reducing supply chain emissions.
Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Clean Energy Workforce Roundtable is advancing a strategy to foster long-term collaboration within the clean energy ecosystem. In partnership with Julius Education, the nonprofit is developing an interactive career map to guide adults from underrepresented and historically disinvested communities into family-sustaining, clean energy careers.
In addition to its network facilitation, Sustainable Pittsburgh creates frameworks, tools, and resources for organizations to track, measure, and earn recognition for their sustainability progress. More than 420 restaurants, shops, workplaces, and municipalities have earned formal sustainability designation, contributing to more vibrant, equitable communities and a healthier environment.
Said Patel, “I am honored to take the helm of Sustainable Pittsburgh as we embark on an exciting new phase of growth. With our unique suite of programs and networks, we are well-positioned to drive regional leadership in sustainability and establish southwestern Pennsylvania as a model of equitable, future-focused prosperity.”