WASHINGTON, DC—Natural Resources Defense Council President and longtime environmental advocate Rhea Suh has joined the nonprofit funders’ network Rachel’s Network as a Leadership Liaison.
“We’re so happy to see an accomplished woman like Rhea leading one of our country’s largest and most effective environmental groups,” said Rachel’s Network President Thu Pham. “Her vision has already inspired action on diversity in the environmental community, a vital undertaking if we’re to succeed in protecting the planet for all.”
Before taking over the helm at NRDC, Rhea served as the assistant secretary for policy, management, and budget at the US Department of the Interior. She was nominated for the position by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the US Senate in 2009.
Rhea also designed The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation’s highly effective clean energy and climate change initiative, and led the creation of the Great Bear Rainforest, one of the most successful land protection campaigns in North America. She also launched the “New Constituencies” portfolio, focusing on environmental issues for underserved populations in the US.
“I was born the same month the nation celebrated the first Earth Day, when millions of people came together to demand clean air, clean water, and the protection of our planet,” said Rhea. “I learned that determined people can create a better life for themselves and their communities. Now it’s our turn.”
Rachel’s Network Environmental Leadership Liaisons — women CEOs of influential national or international environmental nonprofits — provide high-level expertise and keep Rachel’s Network members connected to nonprofits that share our goals. Other Leadership Liaisons include Jamie Clark, President and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife; Margie Alt, Executive Director of Environment America; and Tensie Whelan, President of the Rainforest Alliance.
Natural Resources Defense Council uses law, science and the support of 1.4 million members and online activists to protect the planet’s wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things.
Rachel’s Network, a nonprofit organization named in Rachel Carson’s honor, promotes women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth. The Network builds productive alliances among members – influential philanthropists who range over 60 years in age and span the US – and offers services that empower them to lead.