We are deeply saddened by the loss of Nancy Metayer, ICLEI USA Senior Equity Officer, a leader, and a driving force behind equity-centered climate action.
Nancy’s impact was wide-reaching and deeply felt. She brought together science, public service, and community leadership in a way that moved people and policy forward.
Her accomplishments include:
- Serving as Vice Mayor of Coral Springs and previously elected Commissioner, where she was re-elected in 2024 and appointed to multiple leadership roles
- Making history as the first Black and Haitian American woman elected to the Coral Springs City Commission
- Leading efforts to establish sustainability initiatives, including advancing local climate action and supporting the city’s first sustainability manager.
- Serving on regional and state climate and policy bodies, including the Accessibility Advisory Group, Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Charter School Advisory Board and Board of Directors, Environmental Sustainability Committee, Solid Waste Authority, Multicultural Advisory Committee, Broward League of Cities, and the Broward County Climate Change Task Force
- Building a career as an environmental scientist, working on water quality, public health, and disaster response efforts for major hurricanes
- Leading environmental justice and resilience work across Florida, centering communities most impacted by climate change
- Advising cities nationwide as ICLEI USA’s Senior Equity Officer, helping embed equity into climate planning and decision-making
- Serving as Vice Chair within the Florida Democratic Party and advancing civic engagement, including Haitian American voter outreach
- Receiving recognition, such as the United Nations Clean Water Advocacy Award and honors for emerging leadership
Nancy brought a rare combination of technical expertise, public leadership, and genuine care for people. She listened closely, created space for others, and made sure communities were not just included, but centered.
Her impact is lasting. It lives on in the communities she supported, the policies she helped shape, and the people she inspired.
We will carry her forward in how we listen, how we lead, and how we continue this work. We remain committed to building communities that are more just, inclusive, and resilient.
We are holding her family, friends, and community in our thoughts.
For any questions or inquiries related to this, please reach out to Saharnaz Mirzazad, Executive Director, at saharnaz.mirzazad@iclei.org.
