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Executive Ronayne Nominates Kent State Manager as Director of Sustainability

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The position will drive initiatives to build Cuyahoga County’s climate resilience

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne announced the nomination of Melanie Knowles as the new Director of Sustainability. Cuyahoga County Council must confirm her appointment.

“We are excited to nominate Melanie Knowles as our candidate for Director of Sustainability,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “Melanie’s commitment to sustainability makes her an excellent fit for this role. Her leadership will guide us in making informed decisions that benefit our community and the environment.”

Knowles brings extensive experience in sustainability. Since 2009, she has worked as the Sustainability Manager at Kent State University, where she has collaborated with campus departments and faculty to develop and implement more sustainable operations and supported expanding sustainability in the curriculum. She also teaches the Business Case for Sustainability course at Kent State’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Her work reaches beyond campus to collaborate with the City of Kent, the Portage County Solid Waste Management District, and numerous community partners to realize the benefits of sustainable strategies in the Northeast Ohio region. Before joining Kent State, Knowles concentrated on education and advocacy work at the Cleveland Green Building Coalition, where she held several positions, including Interim Executive Director, Director of Education, and Education Coordinator. Her professional experience also includes the stock brokerage industry and the City of Cleveland’s Department of Economic Development.

“I am honored to take on this role and work with the Cuyahoga County community to create a more sustainable future,” said Melanie Knowles, nominee for Director of Sustainability. “Sustainability is not just about environmental practices; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Together, we can build a resilient community.”

“Melanie’s passion for sustainability and expertise will be invaluable as we strive to enhance our environmental initiatives. Under her leadership, we will advance our sustainability goals and foster a culture of environmental responsibility across the County,” adds Jenita McGowan, Chief of Climate and Sustainability for Cuyahoga County.

Knowles received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Economics, a Master of Environmental Science from Miami University’s Institute of Environmental Sciences, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University.

Knowles confirmation hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 22 during the Cuyahoga County Council Committee of the Whole.

If confirmed, she will assume the role formally held by Mike Foley, who is the Administrator of Cuyahoga Green Energy, the first microgrid-focused electrical utility in the United States.

For more information about the Cuyahoga County Sustainability initiatives, visit cuyahogacounty.gov/sustainability. View a photo.


  
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