NRDC Announces Christy Goldfuss as Executive Director

WASHINGTON – Christy Goldfuss has been named Executive Director of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), where she will strengthen the organization’s advocacy, manage internal operations and help guide a new generation of executive leadership at a pivotal moment in environmental stewardship. 

“What we do, or fail to do, within this decade will determine whether we prevail in confronting the climate crisis, protecting nature, defending public health and advancing environmental justice,” Goldfuss said. “This is a moment for environmental advocates to stand and deliver. It’s a privilege to do this vital work as part of the talented NRDC team. And it’s an honor to be entrusted with this responsibility.” 

A former senior environmental official in the Obama administration, Goldfuss has served for the past year as NRDC’s Chief Policy Impact Officer, with responsibility for strategic, operational, fundraising and representation functions. She oversaw the Environment, Equity and Justice Center; the Center for Policy Advocacy; the Science Office; and institutional communications. She played a key role in an organizational reset designed to sharpen the focus on strategic priorities. 

“Working closely with Christy over this past year, I’ve been inspired by her instincts for seizing opportunity, embracing challenge and supporting her colleagues,” said NRDC President and CEO Manish Bapna. “Christy is a team builder and decisive leader with the executive skills to align our resources with our goals, strengthen our partnerships and direct our work toward those areas where we can have the greatest impact on the most urgent needs.” 

Goldfuss brings extensive experience in policy and implementation at the federal and state levels. She joined NRDC from the Center for American Progress, where she was Senior Vice President, Energy and Environment Policy. Before that, she served as Managing Director of the White House Council on Environmental Quality during the Obama administration, which she also served as Deputy Director of the National Park Service. 

A graduate of Brown University, Goldfuss is based in NRDC’s Washington, D.C. office. 

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.