NRDC Action Fund names new executive director

NRDC Action Fund names new executive director

The NRDC Action Fund today announced veteran environmental policy and political strategist Kevin Curtis has been selected as the organization’s next executive director. Curtis most recently served as executive director of the Partnership Project, which facilitates collaboration among 19 national environmental groups.

“Kevin is the ideal choice to lead the NRDC Action Fund as we work to expand our advocacy, accountability and political work,” said Rhea Suh, the group’s president. “He brings a deep understanding of environment, energy and climate policies and politics, and an impressive track record of non-profit management.”

Curtis previously served as the chief program and advocacy officer at the Climate Reality Project. He was also a Deputy Director of the Pew Environment Group where he was responsible for campaign operations as well as the global warming and a number of other issue campaigns.  Curtis also worked for a decade at the National Environmental Trust, a multi-issue environmental advocacy and communications organization that merged with the Pew Charitable Trusts.

NRDC Action Fund Board Chair Patricia Bauman said the selection of Curtis is well-timed. “The year ahead will be pivotal for the environmental movement, and indeed for the future of the planet. The board of directors is excited to work with Kevin to advance this mission, to hold our political leaders accountable and to advocate for action on climate change all across America,” said Bauman.

“I have worked closely with Kevin for the past two decades. He is a smart, strategic and well-respected leader who has spent his entire career working to safeguard our environment,” said League of Conservation Voters President Gene Karpinski. “I am thrilled that we can work with Kevin as we continue our important alliance with NRDC Action Fund to tackle the climate crisis head on and protect our planet for generations to come.”

Curtis succeeds Heather Taylor-Miesle, who left the Action Fund last year to become the executive director of the Ohio Environment Council.