The city of Scottsdale recently named Lisa McNeilly as its sustainability director.
McNeilly will set the strategic direction for Scottsdale’s sustainability efforts, with a focus on protecting the city’s natural resources for future generations through the development of Scottsdale’s first sustainability plan.
Most recently, she held a similar role in Baltimore, Maryland, leading its sustainability efforts and overseeing work on equitable climate action, floodplain management and community resiliency hubs. Previously, McNeilly was the Director of Sustainability at UC Berkeley, served as a program director for the Arizona chapter of The Nature Conservancy, managed sustainability and compliance at the Grand Canyon and directed international programs at the Pew Center on Global Climate Change.
“From protecting over 30,500 acres of Sonoran Desert to operating one of the world’s most sophisticated water recycling facilities, Scottsdale has long been recognized as an environmental leader,” said Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega. “Lisa has the extensive experience and proven track record to enhance Scottsdale’s sustainability initiatives and I’m pleased to have her lead our efforts.”
McNeilly has written on equity considerations for climate change and food policy in developing countries and volunteered for the NPS Condor Nest Watch Program, the Grand Canyon Trust and Canyonlands National Park.
"I appreciate Mayor Ortega’s trust in me and am excited about the opportunity to serve the residents of Scottsdale and to work toward a more sustainable and resilient city,” McNeilly said. “It's great to be back in Arizona, and I appreciate the warm welcome from everyone. If you see me at a farmers' market or hiking, please say hello and let me know your ideas for improving the environment!”
McNeilly holds a master’s degree in public policy from Princeton University and bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina.
Lisa McNeilly began her position as Scottsdale’s sustainability director March 14.
