Mayor Jackson Appoints Sustainability Chief
Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson swears in Andrew Watterson as the city's first chief of sustainability.
Andrew Watterson has been promoted from director of the Cleveland Office of Sustainability to the newly created position of chief of sustainability, highlighting the importance that Mayor Frank G. Jackson has placed on building a green economy and continuing the city's efforts to be a role model for sustainability. Jackson appointed Watterson to his new post in September moments before the mayor announced the creation of the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Council and the steering committee for the next sustainability summit in 2010, which will be facilitated by Professor David Cooperrider of the Fowler Center for Sustainable Value at Case Western Reserve University.
"We will not miss this opportunity to transform Cleveland's economy into one based on green industry and sustainable business practices; and, in doing so create job opportunities and improve quality of life," said Jackson. "The steps we are taking today will help us achieve our goals and help hold us all accountable for progress."
Jackson is appointing 25 members from the business, educational, government, non-profit and labor communities to the newly created Sustainable Cleveland 2019 Council, a direct result of one of the 28 recommendations generated by the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 summit in August.
"In taking these steps, Jackson has clearly articulated his commitment to using sustainability to build an economy that will position Cleveland for growth over the next 20 years," said Watterson. "I am honored to take this position and look forward to helping to create a green city on a blue lake."
The remaining recommendations will be analyzed this fall to create a strategic plan for achieving the goal of creating a sustainable economy. This council of experts will use the upcoming strategic plan as a blueprint for advising the city in building its green economy.
In addition, Jackson is forming the steering committee for the 2010 summit, which will provide a progress report on Sustainable Cleveland 2019's efforts. This steering committee will have representatives from each of the 20 work groups from the August 2009 summit, as well as a number of local companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations.
"Sustainability is the business opportunity of the 21st century," said Professor Cooperrider. "With Mayor Jackson's leadership and the commitment of the whole Cleveland community, we will harness this opportunity to create growth and inspire innovations."
For more information, visit www.clevelandsummit.ning.com.