Sustainability Proponent Elysia Russell Selected as City of St. Louis Sustainability Director

Today, the City of St. Louis announced the appointment of Elysia Russell as the City’s next Sustainability Director.

“Building healthy communities requires making climate-conscious decisions, ” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “My administration will be working closely with Elysia to advance sustainability efforts in the City of St. Louis.”

“I am honored to be moving into this new role with the City,” said Elysia Russell. “I look forward to using this opportunity to move St. Louis toward a more sustainable future.”

The Sustainability Director will oversee management and execution of sustainability policy, implementation of programs aligned with the City’s sustainability goals, and collaboration with stakeholders to address climate change and the impact of pollution to the St. Louis region. Their duties also include leading community engagement to expand recycling education and supporting current grant partners to ensure they are meeting their deliverables.

Russell previously served at Brightside St. Louis for nearly a decade, most recently as Sustainability Education & Outreach Coordinator, promoting local sustainability initiatives including recycling education and resources for neighborhood organizations to beautify green spaces in their communities.

Russell holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science Management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and studied biology and philosophy at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri.