Suzanne Reed: Suzanne is the founder of The Collaboration Connection, a website portal with links to support climate action and a just transition in California, the nation, and the world. She is the principal of Suzanne Reed & Associates. Over a 50-year career in the public policy arena, Suzanne served as a Professional Staff Member on the US Senate Interior and Insular Affairs (now Energy and Natural Resources) Committee, as a Legislative Aide to US Senator Joe Biden, a Commissioner on the California Energy Commission, and a Chief of Staff in the California State Assembly and State Senate. Her work in the private sector included quantitative and qualitative public opinion and market research, strategic planning, and communications.

Suzanne’s areas of expertise include environmental protection, alternative energy policy, environmental justice, aging and long-term care, community organizing, advocacy, and climate action. Now retired from public service, she is a local activist and a member of the West Sacramento Environment and Utilities Commission, the Yolo County Climate Action Commission (YCCAC), and the YCCAC Equity and Engagement Technical Advisory Committee. Suzanne holds an undergraduate degree from Smith College where she majored in Biology, and a Master of Forest Science from Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (now School of the Environment). She is the co-author of The UC Berkeley, Goldman School, Center for Environmental Public Policy report, Advancing Environmental Justice: A New State Regulatory Framework to Abate Community-Level Air Pollution Hotspots and Improve Health Outcomes (June 2017).  The report and stakeholder dialogue preceding it led to the creation of the California Community Air Protection Program, which empowers communities to reduce emissions from local sources.