Montgomery County introduces new chief sustainability officer to enhance environmental initiatives.
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, recently appointed Devi Ramkissoon as its first Chief Sustainability Officer, enhancing its commitment to sustainability amid various environmental initiatives. Ramkissoon, who previously served as the executive director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, will guide the county’s efforts to achieve its ambitious sustainability goals, including the shift to clean energy and the establishment of a hydroelectric power station in Norristown.
The county’s sustainability agenda is a multi-faceted approach, which aims to implement clean energy solutions across various operations. As part of the Montco 2040 initiative, Montgomery County is actively encouraging businesses and homeowners to adopt clean energy practices by providing financial incentives. The recent move to create a Chief Sustainability Officer signifies an important step in consolidating these initiatives under a comprehensive management strategy, ensuring that sustainability is integrated into the county’s long-term planning and execution.
Ramkissoon’s extensive background makes her a fitting choice for this new role. A graduate of Swarthmore College and Georgetown University, she has accumulated a wealth of experience in promoting sustainability through her work with USAID and her leadership in the Sustainable Business Network. Ramkissoon’s previous work focused on fostering economic development intersected with sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth.
In her new position, Ramkissoon will lead the development and implementation of a clear sustainability strategy that engages both government entities and the private sector. One of her initial endeavors will involve collaborating with municipalities across the county to formulate and support localized sustainability initiatives. Additionally, she aims to establish a stakeholder committee to identify and prioritize the county’s most pressing sustainability needs.
Montgomery County leaders acknowledge that achieving their sustainability objectives—namely, reaching 100% clean electricity for county assets by 2035 and utilizing only renewable energy sources for heat and transportation by 2050—requires cohesive oversight. Neil Makhija, chair of the county board of commissioners, underscored the significance of this role in ensuring strategic alignment and enhanced collaboration with both state and federal entities, as well as the business community.
With an annual salary of 8,234, Ramkissoon’s position reflects the county’s serious investment in sustainability. Her mission is clear: to elevate Montgomery County’s sustainability practices, thereby benefitting not only the environment but also local communities and economies. This initiative represents a broader movement among municipalities to embrace sustainability as a critical element of modern governance.
