Andrea Johnson, New Executive Director

Dear friends and partners, On behalf of the Board of Directors of Green Empowerment, I am pleased to announce that Andrea Johnson has been hired as Executive Director of Green Empowerment effective February 25, 2016.  Green Empowerment is a Portland-based non-profit that works in Latin America and Asia with in-country partner organizations to deliver clean water and bring electrification to the homes of residents of remote villages and renewable energy to public services such as clinics and schools.  An essential component of Green Empowerment’s working model is to partner with and build capacity of local NGOs in such countries as Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines and Malaysia. Andrea brings to Green Empowerment a wealth of knowledge and experience that will serve her well as our next Executive Director.  She graduated from Duke University with a degree in environmental science and, after a quick stint doing climate research with NASA, she entered the development field as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador. Following her service, Andrea managed the implementation of Socio Bosque, a voluntary incentive-based conservation program designed to protect threatened forests and improve livelihoods in local communities in coastal Ecuador. Before returning to the US, Andrea started a small farm project to demonstrate sustainable agricultural techniques, build economic opportunities for the community and instill global citizenship in farm interns and volunteers. In addition to supporting that project from Portland, she serves as a board member for the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation and for the GROW Initiative, non-profits dedicated to community development and environmental stewardship. When she first came to Portland, Andrea worked for the Citizens’ Utility Board of Oregon on energy policy and organizational development and, most recently, managed a large residential energy efficiency program for CLEAResult Consulting.  Andrea’s combination of management experience, on-the-ground development work and passion for social justice demonstrate her commitment to Green Empowerment’s mission and position her well for success as our new Executive Director. Andrea has expressed her excitement about her new position: “I am extremely honored to be taking on the role of Executive Director for Green Empowerment. I have been a Green Empowerment supporter since moving to Portland in 2010, and I strongly believe in the organization’s mission and community-based approach to international development. I am excited to build on the solid foundation and reputation that Green Empowerment has developed since 1997 and work with the staff, board and supporters to tell our story and further grow our impact.”Please join me in welcoming Andrea as Green Empowerment Executive Director and in wishing her success in her new role. 

Linda Boise, Board Chair  

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