Environmental Justice Leader Reverend Mariama White-Hammond Appointed as Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space

Boston, MA -- Today, Mayor Kim Janey announced Reverend Mariama White-Hammond will be Boston’s new Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space. An environmental justice advocate for years, Rev. White-Hammond will be responsible for leading the Cabinet in achieving its mission of enhancing environmental justice and quality of life for Boston residents by protecting air, water, climate, and land resources. The position which includes preserving and improving the integrity of Boston's architectural and historic resources was previously held by Chris Cook who has been named the next Executive Director of The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy.

Beginning her role on April 29, Rev. White-Hammond will oversee policy and programs related to energy, climate change, sustainability and building safety including Climate Ready Boston and Greenovate Boston as well as moving the city towards its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050. 

In response, Michele Brooks, Boston Community Organizer, issued the following response: 

“The Massachusetts Sierra Club is ecstatic about the appointment of Reverend White-Hammond to Chief of Energy, Environment, and Open Space for the City of Boston. We have had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with her in a number of coalition and policy spaces in Boston and can say with certainty that she is a true environmental justice leader. Reverend Mariama fully embodies the principles of equity and justice in her work. This is a huge win for the climate justice movement in the City of Boston.”