Berkeley, CA — ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA (ICLEI USA) welcomes Energy Commissioner Nancy Skinner as Advisor of Strategy and Growth to the Board, bringing decades of leadership in climate policy and public service at the local, state, and international levels.
Commissioner Skinner currently serves on the California Energy Commission, where she was appointed by Gavin Newsom in 2025 as an engineer and scientist member. Her public service career includes time in the California State Senate, California State Assembly, and the Berkeley City Council.
Throughout her career, Skinner has focused on advancing effective climate solutions. She has held leadership roles across the global climate community, including serving as U.S. Director of The Climate Group and leading ICLEI’s Climate Protection Campaign in both U.S. and international roles. She was one of the founders of ICLEI and also previously served as Executive Director of ICLEI USA, helping guide the organization’s early development.
“We know what it takes to move climate action forward. The challenge now is scaling implementation. Having led ICLEI USA in the past, I’m excited to return and support communities in advancing solutions that make a difference on the ground,” said Commissioner Skinner.
As an Advisor of Strategy and Growth, Commissioner Skinner will support ICLEI USA’s work with local governments to move climate plans into action, with a focus on solutions grounded in community needs.
“We are deeply honored to welcome Nancy Skinner to the Board as our Advisor of Strategy and Growth. There is a profound, full-circle significance in having one of our organization’s founding members return to help guide this next chapter. Commissioner Skinner’s unparalleled experience as a veteran elected official and a pioneering thought leader in the climate space will be invaluable as we sharpen our focus,” shared Saharnaz Mirzazad. “Her unique perspective ensures that ICLEI USA is better equipped than ever to move our mission and vision forward, turning ambitious goals into measurable results for local governments across the country.”
Her appointment reflects ICLEI USA’s continued commitment to connecting policy, implementation, and local leadership to accelerate climate action across communities of all sizes.