Chancellor’s Advisory Council on Sustainability

The Chancellor’s Advisory Council on Sustainability helps the University be a leader in balancing equity, environment, and economics so that current and future generations can thrive. The Council recognizes that sound sustainability practices, operations, infrastructure, curriculum, research, and partnerships benefit the institution, the Pittsburgh region, and the community at large. With representation from staff, faculty, and students across a variety of departments and expertise, the Council is commissioned to:

• Lead and educate by example by integrating sustainable practices into all areas of University operations, academics, research, and public service;
• Identify and support implementation of practices and standards that preserve and promote the stewardship and replenishment of energy, water, materials, and other resources;
• Strive towards increased social equity and access on-campus and in our communities; being respectful partners of renewal.
• Work to align our economic decision-making with ecological principles and human integrity, reflecting present-day and intergenerational equity so that we may regenerating life through networks of reciprocity.
• Engage faculty, students, and staff in sustainability exploration, including the development of meaningful curriculum, scholarly research, innovation, and outreach activities to inspire future generations to consider sustainability in all that they pursue;
• Promote and enhance the visibility of sustainability initiatives across campus and within the community at large through education, promotion, and action-oriented community partnerships; and
• Foster linkages among and within University departments for the purpose of advancing, achieving, innovating, collaborating, promoting, informing, and reporting on sustainability efforts.

Members

• CHAIR: Aurora Sharrard, Executive Director of Sustainability, Office of Sustainability
• Jennifer Barnes, Supplier Diversity & Sustainability, Purchasing Services
• Illona Beresford, Director of Planning & Projects, Business Auxiliary Services
• Melissa Bilec, Co-Director, Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation; Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Cameron Chase, Managing Director, Student Office of Sustainability; Undergraduate Student
• Brooke Christy, JD Candidate, School of Law
• Keith Duval, Environmental Manager, Environmental Health & Safety
• Nicholas Goodfellow, Sustainability Coordinator, Business Auxiliary Services
• Dustin Gray, Executive Associate Athletic Director for Administration, Athletics
• Gena Kovalcik, Co-Director, Administration & External Relations, Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation
• Will Mitchell, Facility Services Director, Facilities Management
• Erika Ninos, Sustainability Coordinator, PittServes, Student Affairs
• Cindy Wertz, Chief of Staff, Information Technology
• Laura Zullo, Director of Administration, Business and Operations
• VACANT, Engagement & Community Affairs

Liaisons

• R. Ward Allebach, Instructor,  Environmental Studies, Department of Geology & Environmental Science
• Drew Armstrong, Director of Architectural Studies and Associate Professor, Department of History of Art & Architecture
• Scott Bernotas, Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management, Business & Operations
  
• Amy Buxbaum, Vice President for Finance & Administration, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
• Dan Fisher, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Operations & Maintenance, Facilities Management
• Everett Hermann, Director of Student and Faculty Engagement, Honors College
  
• Tom Hitter, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Policy Development and Management, Office of Policy Development & Management
  
• Matt Kropf, Director of Energy Institute, Assistant Professor of Energy Science & Technology, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
• Meghan Orman, Doctoral Student, School of Education + Office of Child Development
• Michael Papale, Surplus Property Manager, Services & Surplus Property
• Cheryl Ruffin, Institutional Equity Manager, Office of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion.
• David V. P. Sanchez, Assistant Director, Education and Outreach, Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation; Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Lisia de Lima Spellman, Sustainability Manager, Pitt Eats by Compass
• Cynthia Sweet, Associate Vice Chancellor, Office of Economic Partnerships
• Paul Supowitz, Vice Chancellor, Government Relations
• Tim Savinsky, Assistant Professor, Biology, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
• Rachel Vertucci, Director, Pitt Green Fund Advisory Board; Undergraduate Student
• Matthew Walaan, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Auxiliary Business Administration & Maintenance
• Jeff Yeaman, Parking, Transportation, & Services

This university-wide body is supported by a number of subcommittees, including:

• • Active Mobility Committee
  • Campus Tree Advisory Committee
  • Carbon Commitment Committee
  • Pollinator Habitat Advisory Committee

The Council also collaborates closely with several other university-focused committees, including:

• • Facilities’ Energy & Sustainability Committee
  • MCSI Faculty Sustainability Task Force
  • Pitt Bradford’s Sustainability Committee
  • Student Office of Sustainability’s (SOOS) Council

Looking to get involved at either the topical or University level?  Contact us!