About Us
Run On Climate is devoted to building the climate movement by empowering climate champions to build successful campaigns for local office and enact policies that move their communities off of fossil fuels as quickly as possible.
Many climate organizations focus on state and federal level policy and that work is critical. However, work at the local level is also critical, and it can and must happen in tandem with those higher level policy struggles.
We believe that those who are passionate about the climate crisis can have an enormous impact by focusing on their own community. We are here to support them in that effort.
Meet the Team
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Jack Hanson, Executive Director
Jack is a former City Councilor in Burlington, Vermont. In his time on Council, Jack led on the successful passage of a number of policies to reduce emissions and lower the cost of living in Burlington. These include requirements for landlords to weatherize rental units, renewable heating requirements for new construction, a citywide electric bikeshare system, a commitment and roadmap to get Burlington off of fossil fuels by 2030, and more.
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Diana Musco, Operations Director
Diana grew up in New York, and her journey has taken her around the globe. Some of her past experiences include developing social justice curriculum in India, managing operations at a resort in Alaska, and contributing to conservation efforts in South Africa and Kenya. Her passion for travel and concern for our planet have led her to Run On Climate, as she enjoys using her voice and various skillsets to make a positive impact. Outside of work, Diana loves to travel and stay active.
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Natalie Fenton, Social Media Team Lead
Natalie is a senior at the University of Vermont majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Community and International Development. Last spring she participated in Semester at Sea and saw firsthand how climate change is impacting communities all around the world. This inspired her to intern with Run on Climate in the summer and come back to help run the socials team this year. In her free time, Natalie loves to travel and spend time outdoors, especially near the water.
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Lydia O'Connor, Policy Intern
Lydia, a recent UVM graduate in Environmental Studies with a focus on public policy, resides in Weston, Massachusetts. Passionate about local-level climate initiatives, she previously worked with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, redirecting surplus food to those in need. With Run On Climate, Lydia is very excited to participate in the development of political environmental strategy and learn from the members of the Local Climate Policy Network. She enjoys reading, running, and spending time with family and friends.
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Pravesh Sharma Dahal, Electoral Intern
Pravesh is a student at Champlain College pursuing a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Social Work, with an anticipated graduation in 2024. Originally from India and Nepal, Pravesh has called Burlington home for nearly six years. Passionate about climate issues, Pravesh witnessed firsthand the devastation it wrought in his native countries. Serving as an eco-rep at Champlain College, he became familiar with Vermont's sustainability initiatives. Through Run on Climate, Pravesh aspires to delve deeper into nationwide climate action and actively contribute to the election of policymakers dedicated to this critical cause.
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Maya Frey, Social Media Intern
Maya is a Sophomore at the University of Vermont, where she studies Public Communications, with a focus on Strategic Communication. She is from Brookline, MA, where she first learned how important community and the health of the environment is to her. With Run On Climate, Maya looks forward to learning more about climate policy and being part of an incredible team. In her free time, Maya likes being outdoors, creating art, and trying new foods and coffee shops.
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Quinn Bisbee, Electoral Intern
Quinn grew up in Huntington, Vermont, and is a Senior at the University of Vermont majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Political Science. His studies focus on climate policy, political process, and environmental advocacy work. Quinn is excited to put substance to the phrase ‘think global, act local’ by working with Run On Climate in local elections, where policy change can be the most visible. Outside of work and school, Quinn loves to travel, hike, ski, and listen to live music.
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Julia Leland, Social Media Intern
Julia is a Sophomore at the University of Vermont studying Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy with a minor in Community Development. She has had a passion for nature from a young age, which influenced her decision to pursue studying environmental policy. She looks forward to working with Run On Climate, promoting the importance of local-level policy action in activating more widespread changes around the country. Outside of work and school, Julia loves to explore new music, read, spend time outdoors, and spend time with friends!
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Jack Johnson, Policy Intern
Jack is a sophomore at Middlebury College studying Geography, Political Science, and Chinese. He plans to pursue a career in public service at the intersection of disaster resilience, crisis management, and U.S. national security. With Run on Climate, Jack is excited to support the development of city-level policies that drive climate change adaptation and mitigation. Jack's professional background includes experience in emergency management strategy and operations at all levels of government, serving on the coordination team for a U.S. Presidentially-declared disaster, and 4+ years as a 911 EMT.
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Audrey Tucker, Social Media Intern
Audrey is a Sophomore at the University of Vermont studying in the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences with a major in data science and minors in computer science and astronomy. Originally from Cumming, GA, Audrey is very interested in getting more involved with climate action so it can be incorporated into her daily life and future involvements. Audrey is very passionate about environmental preservation, and hopes to learn more about it through Run On Climate. In her free time, Audrey enjoys reading, being outside, and knitting.
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Ry Sherman, Policy Intern
Ry is a Freshman at the University of Vermont studying in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. Originally from Colorado, he is excited to explore climate policy on a local level in Burlington and around the country. With Run On Climate, Ry is looking forward to learning about the processes behind climate policy, working with climate champions, and sharing his passion for climate justice and sustainable living. In his free time, Ry enjoys kayaking, climbing, making art, and darning socks.
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Kate Bossert, Social Media Intern
Kate Bossert is a Junior at the University of Vermont majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Applied Design. Kate is also a member of UVM Women’s Soccer Team. Kate is passionate about sustainability and environmental justice, focused on wanting to build a better planet for marginalized communities. As a social media intern, Kate is excited to create engaging content that brings awareness to local climate policy. Outside of work, Kate enjoys hiking, drawing, sports and spending time outside.
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Lindsey Maschler, Policy Intern
Lindsey is a freshman at the University of Vermont majoring in Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy, with minors in Animal Science and Women and Gender Studies. Originally from Boca Raton, Florida, she has always been interested in the environment and wants to do her part to help it. Driven by a desire to create a positive impact, she is excited to collaborate with like-minded individuals to ensure a sustainable future. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys going to the beach, listening to music, reading, being outside, and playing with her dog.
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Elizabeth Halpin, Policy Intern
Elizabeth is a Sophomore at the University of Vermont with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Community and International Development. She is passionate about sustainability, renewable energy, and community welfare. She is from Newport, Rhode Island, and has previously interned with a local nonprofit focused on creating a healthier ocean. She is excited to work with others passionate about similar goals and even more excited to get involved in local climate politics. Elizabeth enjoys skiing, reading, and trying new things outside of school.
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Alex Reilly, Electoral Intern
Alex is a recent graduate of the University of Vermont, where she majored in Natural Resources. She was born and raised in Montpelier VT, but now resides in the Burlington area. With a background in ecology and nature based climate solutions, she is familiar with the many reasons why climate action is imperative. She is looking forward to diving into environmental policy and working towards creating tangible policy changes on the local level. Along the way, she hopes to learn more about how to effectively connect with voters on climate issues. Alex enjoys hiking, swimming, listening to podcasts, and spending lots of time with her cats.
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Olivia Suave, Electoral Intern
Olivia is a Sophomore at The University of Vermont pursuing a degree in Community and International Development, with minors in Public Policy Analysis and Food Systems. Olivia is passionate about community driven solutions and believes that local involvement is pertinent to combating the climate crisis. At Run On Climate, Olivia is excited to support local officials and candidates in making their cities climate-friendly. Outside of work and school, Olivia enjoys jewelry making, hiking, and spending time on Lake Champlain.
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Caroline Wydman, Policy Intern
Caroline is a junior at the University of Vermont studying environmental studies and food systems. She has an interest in urban design and promoting public health. She is from Barrington, IL and growing up in the Midwest has enhanced her appreciation for all natural landscapes. With Run on Climate, Caroline hopes to learn more about the processes involved in passing climate policies, connect with other people passionate about sustainability, and hear more about climate solutions from across the country. In her free time, Caroline enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, or enjoying a cup of tea.
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Brooke Glasson, Climate Journalism and Electoral Intern
Brooke is a sophomore at the University of Vermont, majoring in Community and International Development with a double minor in Communications and Environmental Studies. She believes that the future lies in climate policy, emphasizing the impact of local initiatives on global cooperation. In addition, she is excited to support the campaigns of our endorsed candidates and working to help tell the story of our impact at Run On Climate. Outside of her studies, Brooke finds solace in exploring nature through trail running, backpacking, and skiing. She also enjoys reading, videography, and most recently, learning how to knit.
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Ava Gordon, Electoral Intern
Ava is a Sophomore at the University of Vermont, where she is pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Public Policy Analysis. She is dedicated to effecting positive environmental change by supporting initiatives that ensure our environment is being preserved and protected. Ava is looking forward to learning about the intricacies of working alongside local climate campaigns, as well as developing essential skills for engaging in environmental policy work. She is originally from Clarksburg, MD, and in her free time, enjoys playing the guitar, going to the gym, and cooking.
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Colin Mcdermott, Policy Intern
Colin is a senior at the University of Vermont, majoring in Environmental Studies with a Political Science minor. His academic focus is on climate policy, environmental justice, and environmental stewardship. Born and raised in Washington D.C. he has always been passionate about and surrounded by political action. Colin is thrilled to work at the local level in Burlington to champion policies that protect ecosystems and mitigate the effects of climate change on our community. Outside of school and work, Colin loves to brew espresso at home and get outdoors to scuba dive, camp, and ski.
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Sammy Teal, Policy Intern
Sammy is a sophomore at the University of Vermont studying Environmental Studies and Political Science, with a focus on environmental law and policy. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Sammy is passionate about creating positive change on the local level to drive global climate goals. With Run On Climate, she is excited to learn from the Local Climate Policy Network and work to implement new climate policies in Burlington and around the country. In her free time, Sammy loves the outdoors, being active, and cooking with friends and family.
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Diana Tam, Policy Intern
Diana is currently a graduate student at Boston University School of Public Health studying Healthcare Management. She plans on pursuing a career where public health and climate change intersect. Born in California, she has always had a passion for the world around her, especially beaches! She looks forward to working with Run On Climate on promoting the importance of local-level policy action to enact policies that will benefit future generations. She has previously worked with hospitals, non-profit organizations on operations and strategy work. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, yoga, and weightlifting.
Make a donation.
While the climate movement has accomplished so much, we haven’t taken investment in local organizing and policy infrastructure seriously enough. Join us and ensure our movement is fighting at every level to save our planet.