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, ClimateWorks Board 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.
Colin Kelly
As a senior associate director, Colin works with teams to coordinate country and multilateral strategies and foster impactful collaboration across the climate philanthropy ecosystem, especially with our regional climate foundation partners. Previously, he worked on the ClimateWorks Program team, developing and implementing grants to advance local solutions in energy related sectors in Indonesia. Colin holds a master’s from Yale School of the Environment.
Kyung-Ah Park
Kyung-Ah Park is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Temasek. Previously, she was a Managing Director and Head of Environmental Markets at Goldman Sachs. She started her career at McKinsey & Company. Ms. Park serves on the board of Resources for the Future. She earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a bachelor’s from Yonsei University.
Antha Williams
Antha N. Williams leads the Environment program at Bloomberg Philanthropies. Under Ms. Williams’ direction, Bloomberg Philanthropies supports environmental initiatives to improve sustainability and air quality in cities around the world, to advance clean energy, to protect the ocean, and to help mobilize the private sector to accelerate the global transition. Bloomberg Philanthropies’ environment program also serves as the hub of Michael Bloomberg’s personal efforts to protect the environment including his role as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions. Outside of philanthropy, Ms. Williams has worked as a campaigner and organizer, directing large scale voter protection efforts and serving in leadership positions for five years with Green Corps, a training program for aspiring environmental organizers.
Irene Kim
Irene leads Philanthropic Partnerships, working with generous philanthropists to ensure that programs and services have the resources to address the climate crisis. She has decades of experience working with major philanthropists to realize visionary goals and solve complex problems, collaborating with diverse colleagues, and managing large organizations. Previously, Irene had a long career in development at UC Berkeley and MIT.
Jessica Brown
Jessica directs climate adaptation and resilience work with 20 years of experience at the nexus of climate change, development, and poverty reduction in the Global South. Previously, Jessica spearheaded sustainable efforts at the Clean Cooling Collaborative and was a foreign affairs officer at the U.S. State Department, where she led the international climate finance negotiations. She has also held various positions at the Overseas Development Institute, Climate Policy Initiative, and California Environmental Associates. She holds a master’s from the London School of Economics and Columbia University.