Philly

The Energy Co-op names Divya Desai as new Executive Director

Energy Co-Op is the latest sustainability org to announce a leadership transition this year

The ‘great resignation’ has shifted many positions nationwide, and the local green scene has had many leadership transitions over the past year.

One transition for a local non-profit was in the works for a while: The Energy Co-Op announced that Divya Desai is the new Executive Director, following Ronald Fisher’s retirement. Desai joined the Energy Co-op in 2016 as the Membership and Data Manager and recently served as Associate Director. She brings a history of partnership development, program development and management, and Salesforce consulting.

Divya Desai
The Energy Co-op website

Other sustainability organizations have had leadership transitions in 2022. Green Building United appointed Rich Freeh as their new Executive Director in July. Freeh is an accomplished clean energy and climate policy change agent, bringing in prior experience from the Urban Sustainability Directors Network and the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability.

In August, the City of Philadelphia announced that Christine Knapp was stepping down as Director of the Office of Sustainability, and appointed Saleem Chapman as her successor in the role. Earlier this year, Devi Ramkissoon became the new Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network.


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.

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