USGBC names 2016 board of directors and advisory council

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) unveiled a new governance structure with two leadership bodies.

An advisory council has been added to the organization to set policy in conjunction with the board of directors. This arrangement will be implemented in 2016. 

“By having both a Board of Directors and an Advisory Council, we increase our ability to meet the challenges of a complex business environment,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “The individuals on our new board bring a unique perspective and unparalleled industry expertise that will allow us to navigate the changing global business landscape. And our Advisory Council members will provide deep market knowledge and technical expertise ...” 

The Advisory Council will recommend policy and initiatives to the board. The board retains the legal authority to make policy, direct staff, and the ultimate fiduciary responsibility and liability for the advancement of USGBC’s business and mission. 

USGBC’s membership elected the following individuals to serve as directors, effective Jan. 1, 2016: 

• Bob Fox, Partner, COOKFOX Architects and Terrapin Bright Green (three-year term) 
• Mike McNally, Principal, McNally Green, and retired President and CEO, Skanska USA (three-year term) 
• Chrissa Pagitsas, Director, Green Initiative, Fannie Mae (two-year term) 
• Janine Benyus, Partner and Cofounder, Biomimicry 3.8 (two-year term) 
• Paul Anastas, PhD., Director, Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, Yale University (1 year term) 
• Aaron Bernstein, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Director, Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard Chan School of Public Health (one-year term) 
• Bruce Oreck, Executive in Residence, Aalto University and former U.S. Ambassador to Finland (one-year term) 

These directors will join Fiona Cousins and Rick Fedrizzi (ex officio) on the 2016 USGBC Board. The currently serving members of the USGBC Board of Directors will transition to seats on the Advisory Council, joining newly elected council members.