Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
CONCORD, NH. – Sierra Club New Hampshire is pleased to announce it has appointed Catherine M. Corkery its first Chapter Director. As a Chapter Organizer, Corkery has successfully led campaigns to address dangerous air emissions from New Hampshire’s coal plants, protect New Hampshire’s parks and public places, and promote the development of clean energy facilities statewide. In March, Corkery’s work culminated in the announced retirements of New Hampshire’s last two coal plants, ending the era of coal in New England.
“It is an honor to serve Sierra Club New Hampshire as its first full-time Chapter Director,” said Catherine Corkery, Chapter Director Sierra Club New Hampshire. “I have witnessed first hand the power of grassroots activism and organizing. With coal in the rearview, it’s time for New Hampshire to lead the nation in clean, renewable energy and conservation efforts for our local waterways, forests, and ecosystems.”
Since 2004, Corkery has enacted pivotal New Hampshire campaigns to build voter engagement and candidate responses to climate change during presidential primaries, receiving the Sierra Club Special Achievement Award in 2004. Further, she has played an essential role in creating town energy committees across the state. These committees work to install cleaner, cheaper renewable energy while lowering energy demand and pollution.
On the transportation front, Corkery created an educational campaign around electric and hybrid vehicles showcased throughout the state and nation, now called National Drive Electric Week. Other successes include protecting Mount Sunapee State Park, lobbying the New Hampshire legislature for clean energy, and securing stronger protections for safe drinking water.
Prior to joining the New Hampshire chapter in 2000, Corkery worked for Sierra Club Maine. Corkery grew up in Maine alongside a large military family and four siblings. Her dad, Joseph Corkery, a career Marine, served two tours in Vietnam. She is a graduate of Denison University in Ohio. Upon graduation, Cathy worked at the US Forest Service Visitor Center on Mount Hood in Oregon. Later, she proudly served three years as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal, West Africa, where she made many lasting friendships.
Sierra Club New Hampshire was established in 1992 by longtime member Sue Hale-deSeve of Gilmanton. The Chapter has long prioritized protecting public lands and improving air quality. Corkery is the first appointed full-time Chapter Director in the Chapter’s history.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.