About the Network

There is tremendous power in collective action on sustainability, including climate and energy, across communities of all sizes. The Sustainable States Network brings together state-level, national, and regional sustainability, clean energy, and climate programs to share strategies, resources, and best practices. By learning together and collaborating on projects, we foster the success of local initiatives.

Founded in 2015, the Sustainable States Network brings together organizations that lead sustainability, climate, or clean energy programs supporting local governments across municipal regions, states, and the nation. 

Our Mission

The purpose of the Network is to connect and align state-wide, national, and regional sustainability programs, enable Network members to share resources and best practices, foster the success of local sustainability initiatives, and collaborate on projects that support local government action. 

Our Vision

The long-term vision of the network is to build a future where sustainability is the norm for every community. We focus on local governments as change agents that make progress on sustainable development. Local governments are flexible and can move toward action at a pace that often isn’t possible at the state or federal level. This allows communities to make real progress on sustainability, climate, and clean energy goals at the speed necessary to meaningfully impact the health of their residents, economy, and environment.

Our Commitment to Equity

The Sustainable States Network has a long-standing commitment to equity and environmental justice. The Sustainable States Network recognizes that, as trusted information and technical assistance providers, we play a key role in working with municipal leaders to ensure that racial and social equity becomes integral to our efforts to create truly sustainable communities.  The Network formally adopted an equity statement and goals in 2023. 

Leadership and Staff

The Network is managed by the Great Plains Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization with a mission to transform the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. Great Plains Institute acts as the Network’s fiscal sponsor.

Network Coordinator: Rebecca Heisel, Communities Program Manager, Great Plains Institute 

Rebecca’s work focuses on providing technical assistance to local governments and Tribal nations on transportation electrification, facilitating peer learning groups, and developing scalable and replicable resources and tools to help communities achieve their clean energy goals. Rebecca has been with GPI for five years, lending her expertise to the Charging Smart program, overall team financial management, and other related initiatives. Rebecca’s work emphasizes community engagement and education, as well as developing equitable goals through best practice-based programs.  

Contact Rebecca: rheisel@gpisd.net

Network Support Assistant: Cassie Bros, Communities Program Associate, Great Plains Institute

Cassie’s work focuses on providing administrative and technical support to the Sustainable States Network and facilitating Minnesota local government networks. Prior to her role at GPI, Cassie worked as the AmeriCorps Sustainability Project Coordinator at the City of Eagan. During her service, she contributed to the development of the city’s climate action plan, promoted community engagement through outreach efforts, coordinated volunteers for Sustainable Eagan Academy and the Reusable Bag Program, and spearheaded Eagan’s inaugural Earth Week events. 

She holds a master’s degree in energy and environmental management from the University of Connecticut, as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy from St. Catherine University.

Contact Cassie: cbros@gpisd.net

Steering Committee

The Network is governed by a Steering Committee with co-chairs elected by the membership.

• Danielle Beard (Co-Chair), Michigan Green Communities

• Leo Pierce (Co-Chair), Sustainable Maryland

• Brandy Espinola (Secretary), Green Cities California & Sustainable Maryland

• Jessica LeClair (Communications and Membership Chair), Sustainable CT

• Joanna Bissetta (Program Chair), Massachusetts Green Communities Division

• Kelly Tyler (Fundraising Chair), New York Clean Energy Communities (NYSERDA)

• Nat Ziegler, Power a Clean Future Ohio 

• Randy Solomon (Finance Chair), Sustainable Jersey

Working Groups

Annual Meeting Planning - Ensuring an engaging annual meeting

• Danielle Beard (Co-Chair), Michigan Green Communities

• Sarah Lee (Co-Chair), University of Michigan Graham Institute

Climate Action - Sharing best practices on local engagement around climate mitigation and resilience 

• Brandy Espinola (Chair), Green Cities California

Communication - Guiding communication efforts and outreach to partners 

• Mike Hunninghake (Chair), Sustainable Maryland

Equity - Ensuring that social equity is front and center in state-level programs

• Melanie McDermott (Chair), Sustainable Jersey

Student Programs - Discussing student-based programs and best practices

• Sarah Lee (Chair), University of Michigan Graham Institute

Tech Bench - Tech resource sharing and best practices, including the shared member website and CRMs

• Torin Radicioni (Chair), Sustainable CT