Vice Chancellor for Sustainability

October 22, 2024 update: Heidrick & Struggles has prepared a survey to request input from the campus community about the qualifications for the role of vice chancellor for sustainability.

In September 2024, CU Boulder launched the search for a new vice chancellor for sustainability, who will report directly to the chancellor.

The new vice chancellor will spearhead the university's efforts to integrate academic and operational sustainability initiatives. They will lead efforts to meet CU Boulder’s climate action goals while also educating the next generation of sustainability leaders. And the person will oversee the university's comprehensive strategic planning, implementation and tracking of sustainability goals, and also lead fundraising efforts.

The search for the vice chancellor for sustainability will be conducted by the international executive search firm, , and those with nominations or interest in the role are encouraged to contact the firm. The process will be led by Abby Gorman, a leader within the Social Impact and Global Sustainability Practices specializing in executive searches for sustainability-focused roles, and Jackie Zavitz, who leads the Higher Education Practice. The search committee, under the guidance of vice chancellor for research and innovation Massimo Ruzzene, will work closely with the firm to select a leader who can drive forward the university's commitment to sustainability.

Contact the search firm

Position specification

Search Committee for Vice Chancellor for Sustainability

Committee Chairperson

  • Massimo Ruzzene, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Dean of the Institutes

Members

  • Mariah Bowman, Student in the Law School
  • Lori Call, Associate Vice Chancellor of Local Government and Community Relations
  • Chris Ewing, Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Resilience
  • Morgan Fritzler, Student in Biochemistry and MCDB
  • Chris Herr, Director of the Environmental Center
  • Vijay Khatri, Dean and Professor in the Leeds School of Business
  • Scott King, Founder and Executive Director for the Mission Zero Foundation, CU Boulder Entrepreneurial Coach
  • Jon Leslie, Vice Chancellor of Strategic Communications and Chief Communications Officer
  • Seth Marder, Renewable And Sustainable Energy Institute Director
  • Ryan Nalty, Managing Senior Director, Industry Relations
  • Irina Overeem, Associate Professor Geological Sciences
  • Phaedra Pezzullo, Professor in the College of Media, Communication and Information
  • James Rattling Leaf Sr., Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) Tribal Advisor
  • Karen Regan, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation
  • Will Toor, Executive Director, CO Energy Office
  • Heidi VanGenderen, Senior Advisor for Sustainability and Climate
  • Chris Wright, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Capital Finance