Dr. Xiaohua Zhang is a senior director. Previously, Dr. Zhang was senior policy advisor on climate action in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General of the UN and served as program officer of the UNFCCC secretariat. He holds a PhD from Tsinghua University.
Makeeba Browne
Makeeba brings over 16 years of experience working with global foundations, academic institutions, and nonprofits to transform ideas into effective strategies and policies that address pressing social issues. Makeeba applies her leadership to engage stakeholders and support programs firmly rooted in effective and equitable outcomes and systems change, using narratives and community-centered frameworks to imagine thriving futures.
Noah Horowitz
Noah is the senior director of the Clean Cooling Collaborative with deep expertise in sustainable energy. Noah has worked at the state, federal and international levels on building and equipment energy efficiency. Previously, Noah was a senior scientist at NRDC and co-authored model air conditioner efficiency regulations used by the United Nations Environmental Program globally. He holds a master’s in Environmental Engineering and a BS in Chemical Engineering.
Alekhya Mukkavilli
Alekhya is an associate director in the Sustainable Finance program where she leads financial regulation and monetary policy strategies. Previously, Alekhya conducted Nature Finance research as part of a Cornell Atkinson Center research group and started her career in the Financial Institutions Investment Banking at Citigroup, where she went on to work in the Office of the CEO of Citi’s Banking, Capital Markets & Advisory Division.
Arunabha Ghosh
Dr. Arunabha Ghosh is an international public policy expert with deep expertise in energy and climate. He is the founder and CEO of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, formed to provide research insights for building a sustainable India. Dr. Ghosh has worked at leading institutions, including Princeton University, and has been appointed to roles in development policy, the energy nexus, and clean air at the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. He holds a Ph.D. from Oxford.
Naoko Ishii
Dr. Naoko Ishii is a professor at the University of Tokyo, the Special Presidential Envoy for Global Commons, and the inaugural director for the Center for Global Commons, whose mission is to catalyze systems change so that humans can achieve sustainable development within planetary boundaries. Previously, Dr. Ishii focused on transforming economic systems as CEO of the Global Environment Facility, and was deputy vice minister of Japan’s Ministry of Finance. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo.
Prashanth Gururaja
As an associate director, Prashanth works to decarbonize the maritime shipping sector through green corridors, zero-emission fuels, and support for a just transition. Previously, he directed mobility and transport programs and worked as an engineer to reduce emissions from road transportation vehicles. Prashanth holds a master’s from the University of Michigan.
Rebecca Fisher
Rebecca brings 15 years of experience in sustainable international development, climate finance, and electric vehicle technology and policy to her role as the Drive Electric Program Director. Previously, Rebecca was a climate finance negotiator, representing the United States during the Paris Agreement. Rebecca holds a master’s from Duke University.
Nancy Lindborg, Vice Chair
Nancy Lindborg is president and CEO at The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, which awards national and global grants to improve the lives of children, families, and communities, and to restore and protect our planet. Ms. Lindborg’s career has focused on democracy, conflict and humanitarian action. She previously served as the president and CEO of the U.S. Institute of Peace, as assistant administrator for the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) at USAID and as president of Mercy Corps. Ms. Lindborg holds master’s degrees from Stanford University and Harvard University.
Axum Teferra
Axum is the senior associate director of the Clean Cooling Collaborative. She brings over fifteen years of experience in climate and energy policy and strategic planning. Previously, Axum worked on strategies to decarbonize the building sector, advised cities on clean heating and cooling solutions, and led electrification programs in state and regional governments. She holds a master’s from Tufts University.