Kira Liu, kira.liu@sierraclub.org
Celia Doremus, cdoremus@massachusetts.sierraclub.org
Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
BOSTON, MA. – Sierra Club Massachusetts, a grassroots non-partisan climate and environmental protection organization, is pleased to announce the selection of Vick Mohanka as the new Chapter Director.
Mohanka replaces former director Deb Pasternak, who transitioned to serve as the Chief National Field Officer responsible for all Sierra Club field work nationally. Mohanka has been Acting Chapter Director for nearly a year and has overseen the chapter’s statewide and local campaign efforts including advocacy for local wind farms and increased open spaces for communities throughout the state, and building a strong, coordinated, and resilient climate justice and environmental protection movement.
“We are excited to have Vick officially lead the Massachusetts Chapter and we look forward to seeing new climate victories under his leadership.” said Celia Doremus, chair of the Massachusetts Sierra Club Executive Committee. “He is committed to supporting the organization's mission of tackling the climate crisis and reducing toxic pollution all while combating racial, economic, and gender inequity.”
Before joining the Sierra Club, Mohanka worked at The Chisholm Legacy Project, a resource hub for Black frontline climate justice leadership as the Transformational Climate Finance Manager. His years of organizing experience across the state include roles at Clean Water Action supporting and facilitating work with the Green Justice Coalition and the Mass Power Forward Coalition. Mohanka began his career working in Massachusetts politics as a legislative committee staffer for the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy at the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
“I am looking forward to leading the Massachusetts Sierra Club in our mission to secure a just transition and activate everyday people in the fight against the climate crisis,” said Vick Mohanka, Chapter Director Massachusetts Sierra Club. “The Commonwealth has already dedicated itself to achieving necessary, ambitious decarbonization goals, getting off the gas system, and protecting our wild places. It is time we move past promises and create systemic change for people and the planet.”
Mohanka grew up in Shrewsbury & holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst as well as an M.S. in Climate Science and Policy from Bard College’s Center for Environmental Policy.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.