News

Christine Knapp is stepping down as Director of Sustainability at the end of August

Saleem Chapman will become the next Director of Sustainability.

The City of Philadelphia announced that Christine Knapp will step down as Director of the Office of Sustainability. Knapp will leave the role at the end of August after six years in the role.

Knapp has led Philadelphia’s sustainability and climate action work, including the creation and Implementation of Greenworks, the city’s sustainability framework. Additionally, she created the City’s first Climate Action Playbook, managed Philadelphia’s role in managing the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge and more.

“It has been an honor to serve as the Director of Sustainability for Philadelphia. I’m incredibly proud of our team’s accomplishments and that we’ve become nationally recognized as leaders in the climate fight. The urgency of the climate crisis requires continued and increasingly ambitious action, and I know the City is well-positioned to meet that challenge” said Christine Knapp in a press release.

Mayor Jim Kenney has appointed Saleem Chapman to fill the role of the next Director. Chapman has served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Sustainability for three years and was appointed the City’s first Chief Resilience Officer in 2021. 


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Holiday trash pickup, cycling death, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: What’s open and closed on Christmas Day (including…

2 weeks ago

New transit hub, schools turning into housing, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: SEPTA opens new Wissahickon transit hub. The project…

3 weeks ago

Green Philly’s 2025 Year-end Recap

In a year that felt difficult, community revived our souls 2025 was a challenging year.…

3 weeks ago

BREAKING: Circle Compost merging with Bennett Compost

Philadelphia's two private composting services are now combined into one. Circle Compost and Bennett Compost…

4 weeks ago

City planning survey, bird songs as art, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Philadelphia Planning Commission launches survey to hear from…

4 weeks ago

The low-waste holiday gift guide for everyone on your Philly list

Running out of ideas for everyone from your brother to Gritty? Here's a list of…

4 weeks ago