FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2025
Contact: Michael Blenner, michael.blenner@sierraclub.org
Sierra Club California Announces New Director Miguel Miguel
Sacramento, CA - Today, Sierra Club California announced that it has appointed Miguel Miguel as the organization’s new director. Miguel takes over from previous Director Brandon Dawson, who left the organization in 2023.
The Sierra Club California Director will supervise all Sierra Club California staff, and be responsible for the strength, functioning, and growth of Sierra Club California and the impact of the organization’s work across the state. The Director will work alongside the Sierra Club California Executive Committee, its network of 13 local chapters across the state, and staff across the organization to grow its base of member support, design and execute effective campaigns, engage donors, and achieve its organizational priorities in the state legislature and at state agencies.
Miguel joins Sierra Club California from Pacoima Beautiful, where he served as the Policy Director focused on fighting for environmental policies in the communities he calls his home. Miguel is born and raised in Los Angeles, and has worked in the environmental world for nearly a decade across multiple issue areas. He first started his career as a geologist working alongside tribal nations and archeologists preserving cultural resources. Miguel later worked for the City of Los Angeles and the University of California Los Angeles while pursuing his masters in Urban and Regional Planning.
Sierra Club California is the state’s largest grassroots environmental advocacy organization, and represents California’s 13 local Sierra Club chapters and more than half a million members and supporters statewide. It is a volunteer-driven organization and the boldest voice for the environment on state-level issues at the capitol and state regulatory agencies in Sacramento.
Statement from Gabriela Facio, Sierra Club California Senior Policy Strategist:
“The appointment of Miguel Miguel, another native Latino Californian, as our new Director is an important step forward for Sierra Club California. Miguel’s leadership will be crucial in advancing our work in energy and environmental justice spaces. As the legislative session heats up, our policy staff will be working closely with Miguel to advance key pro-environmental bills like the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund AB 1243/SB 684, halt detrimental bills to building decarbonization like AB 306, and oppose efforts from the Trump administration to attack environmental justice communities across the state.”
Statement from Jenny Binstock, Deputy Regional Field Director for California:
"We are so thrilled to have Miguel at the helm of Sierra Club CA, leading our statewide policy agenda and bringing the power of our members and supporters across the state to Sacramento. As an environmental justice leader, Miguel brings a wealth of lived and professional experience that includes policy and organizing expertise, coalition leadership, and strategic campaigning -- all rooted in a deep commitment to serving our communities and advancing justice and equity for all Californians."
Statement from Karen Maki, Chair of the Sierra Club California Executive Committee:
“We are eager to work with Miguel. He brings strong interpersonal skills and both knowledge and experience of our issues – the environment and environmental justice. His willingness to collaborate is critical for engaging volunteers.”
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Sierra Club California is the legislative and regulatory arm of Sierra Club’s 13 local chapters in California, representing half a million members and supporters.