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About the Sustainability Academy
Our mission is to accelerate the mainstream practice of sustainability on the Central Coast of California. We are a think-do--teach tank dedicated to making real local progress towards sustainability across our region: in business, social ventures, and government agencies. The Academy teaches classes, manages projects, conducts research, and hosts public forums. We are a 501c3 public benefit organization, incorporated in 2005 and based in Monterey, California.
We are pleased to announce Jennifer Ramras Sardina as our new Executive Director. She joined The Sustainability Academy to serve the tri-county region she calls home: the Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties of Central California. Her vision of a healthy, vibrant community includes long-term economic success, ecological health, and social benefit for all.
Jennifer Ramras Sardina
Board of Directors
The Sustainability Academy is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of professionals from the tri-county area, all of whom are committed to fostering the Academy's mission to accelerate the mainstream practice of sustainability on the Central Coast.
Terry Duffina, Board Chair
Terry Duffina is the Western Region Environmental, Health and Safety Manager for General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (GD). Terry manages EHS programs for 15 facilities in five states and is the Sustainability Coordinator for the company. Terry has an MBA and a Masters in Environmental Policy from the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
Joan Ivey, Treasurer
Joan Ivey is an accountant working for various companies in the Agriculture Industry of Monterey County. Additionally she is the founder and co-director of Monterey Green Action, which helped the City of Monterey to sign the Urban Environmental Accords and US Mayor Climate Protection Agreement.
Maggie Melone-Echiburu, Secretary
Maggie Melone-Echiburu works as the top administrative assistant to the director of the Clinica de Salud del Vallee de Salinas, and also as a freelance technical translator and conference Interpreter. Maggie's thematic expertise is in the areas of water and sanitation, organic agriculture, and child health.
Lisa Carter
Lisa Carter, with her husband Henry, owns and operates Water Star Motors, a Green Certified Import Auto Repair Shop servicing cars in Santa Cruz since 1993. They run a mechanically, spiritually and environmentally conscious auto repair shop, and also write the column Rock, Paper, Car. They are Your Serene, Green Auto Repair Team!
Erin Morita
Erin Morita has over 17 years of fund development experience, working with both individuals and foundations, and is currently employed by the Monterey Institute of International Studies. She prides herself on inventing new sustainable philanthropy models. She has also served as a Japanese interpreter.
Rob Nicely
Rob Nicely is a builder, specializing in sustainable design. Currently, he is President of Carmel Building & Design, with over twenty years experience in crafting quality homes. He studied at UC Davis.
Sallie Calhoun
Sallie Calhoun has been a cattle rancher and local food advocate in San Benito County for about 10 years and serves on a number of non-profit boards in the fields of education and sustainability. She has a degree in electrical engineering and worked in the high-tech world for over 20 years prior to her career in ranching.
Michael Waxer
Michael Waxer, AIA, is an architect, currently Vice-President with Carmel Development Company, a design-build firm in Carmel, California. His projects include the award winning Tehama and Mission Ranch renovation projects. He has served on the Board of Directors of the AIA Calif. Council and Monterey Bay Chapter, the Executive Board of the Ventana Chapter of the Sierra Club, and has chaired the AIACC Sustainability Task Force. He is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Faculty Affiliates
Jordan Daniels
Bruce Paton
Daniel Robin
Sharon Sarris
Contact The Sustainability Academy
The Sustainability Academy
Post Office Box 431
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 655-3593
For more information, please contact Jennifer Ramras Sardina, Executive Director, at jennifer@sustainabilityacademy.org