ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), the largest global network of local and regional governments advancing sustainability and climate action, announced Saharnaz Mirzard as the organization’s Executive Director for the United States office (ICLEI USA).
Saharnaz joins us with a robust background shaped by pivotal roles within California’s governmental and sustainability sectors. Her tenure at the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, where she served as Executive Director of State Planning and Policy Development, underscores her leadership in advancing climate and land use policies. Notably, she played a key role at the California Strategic Growth Council, managing infrastructure programs exceeding $3 billion while integrating climate resilience and equity objectives.
With over twenty years of experience spanning public and private sectors, Saharnaz has a track record of successful initiatives in climate resiliency and community development areas. Previously, she contributed to sustainability efforts in local governments as part of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA, where she led the resilience and climate adaptation portfolio. Her international consultancy work in urban planning and design projects further enhances her diverse skill set.
Saharnaz holds multiple academic credentials, including a Master of Urban and Regional Planning with a Certificate of Sustainable Urban Infrastructure from the University of Colorado Denver, a Master of Urban Design and Planning from SBU, and a B.A. in Architecture from Iran University of Science and Technology.
Travis County Commissioner Brigid Shea, ICLEI USA Board Chair, shared her enthusiasm: “I am thrilled that we have found someone of the caliber of Saharnaz as our new Executive Director. Angie Fyfe is a hard act to follow, but Saharnaz comes to us with a wealth of experience and deep connections on climate and local government policy work. I look forward to her leadership at ICLEI USA.”
About ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability
ICLEI USA is an acknowledged leader in local government technical assistance, providing tools, standards, and programs for local governments to measurably reduce carbon emissions.
ICLEI is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125+ countries, ICLEI influences sustainability policy and drives local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. ICLEI is the lead organization, connecting cities and regions to the United Nations through its role in the UN’s Local Governments and Municipal Authorities (LGMA) major group.
For Media Inquiries
Anne Marie Cleary Rauker (she/they)
Communications Officer, ICLEI USA, am.clearyrauker@iclei.org
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