The Sustainability, Energy, and Environmental (SEE) Ambassadors program recognizes individual Departmental employees for their outstanding performance in implementing exceptional cost-saving projects and/or programs that help improve the Department’s sustainability, energy and water efficiency, climate change adaptation, resilience, environmental justice, and environmental performance.

On behalf of the Department’s Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer, the Office of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Programs is proud to announce the Department of Commerce 2024 Class of SEE Ambassadors:

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Dr. Katarina E. Goodge (she/they): For their leadership in founding and chairing GreeNISTers, their ability to foster collaboration and drive sustainability initiatives across NIST, and their dedication to enhancing campus sustainability through innovative events and educational resources. Their tireless work growing the organization and spearheading projects such as clothes mending and repair workshops, recycling improvements, and composting initiatives has significantly advanced NIST’s green goals.

John Palmer: For his leadership as a founding member of GreeNISTers, his exceptional work in spearheading NIST’s participation in the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge to make labs around the world more energy efficient, and his dedication to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives across NIST’s properties.

Gabriel Popkin: For his leadership as a founding member of GreeNISTers, co-chairing the Waste Committee, spearheading sustainable initiatives to reduce food waste, and his dedication to enhancing NIST's green practices.

Dr. Julie Rieland: For her leadership as chair of the committee developing energy and sustainability initiatives with the FEMP Smart Labs and My Green Lab programs and her dedicated efforts in advancing GreeNISTers’ goals and advocating for greener practices at NIST.

Lori Sakalos: For her pivotal role in advancing climate literacy and sustainable acquisitions at NIST by coordinating impactful training sessions on sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate-smart tools, engaging a diverse audience of nearly 400 participants across multiple organizations.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Max Edwards: For his exceptional leadership in developing NOAA Fisheries' first report on facility energy use and emission profiles, which has been instrumental in guiding efforts to meet the carbon reduction goals outlined in Executive Order 14057. His work securing Energy Savings Performance Contracts and over $750k in AFFECT grant funding exemplifies his commitment to advancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions across NOAA Fisheries facilities.

Lieutenant Luke Evancoe: For his exemplary leadership as Divemaster for NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette, demonstrating outstanding commitment to biosecurity and environmental sustainability through meticulous hull cleanings and inspections. His efforts in mitigating nuisance algae growth and ensuring the ship’s compliance with environmental standards for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument have been crucial in supporting NOAA's coral reef monitoring and invasive species research.

Leslie Killian: For her work in identifying and addressing process gaps related to NEPA assessments for Real and Personal Property actions, developing and delivering comprehensive training on environmental compliance topics, and creating valuable resources such as hazardous materials compatibility charts and waste management procedures.

Dr. Wassila Thiaw: For his tireless efforts in forming a diverse international committee to enhance access to real-time climate information and develop actionable strategies for public health interventions. His innovative approach to fostering in-country collaboration and engaging with NWS and NOAA leadership to advance the NOAA PREPARE Early Warning Project has significantly contributed to capacity building and socio-economic impact forecasting at national and regional levels.

International Trade Administration (ITA)

Shiqiao Chen: For her outstanding leadership in advancing the U.S. Commercial Service’s China Carbon Neutrality Market Development Working Group (CNMDWG), her critical role in developing actionable insights and an effective CNMDWG action plan, and her organization of a high-impact Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage matchmaking event. Her efforts have significantly enhanced U.S. industry engagement and showcased thought leadership on carbon neutrality in China.

U.S. Census Bureau (Census)

Terrina L. Long: For her leadership in managing the Census Reimagined project, which achieved a 39% reduction in facility size and designed a high-performance, energy-efficient hybrid work environment for over 4,400 employees. Her meticulous adherence to sustainability standards and collaboration with the General Services Administration has significantly reduced energy consumption and water usage and optimized site potential for enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Tiffany Spina: Her leadership in advancing sustainability and environmental program management at the USPTO includes her precision in implementing energy-saving projects, optimizing the Detroit Regional Office footprint, and advocating for sustainable practices in line with the Unleashing American Innovators Act. Her forward-thinking approach is further exemplified by her leadership in installing new EV charging stations, enhancing USPTO’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable transportation.

Questions? Contact POC Meredith Reilly at [email protected].