We, at the Massachusetts Sierra Club, are delighted to share that the chapter Executive Committee voted unanimously in support of Vick Mohanka as its New Chapter Director. He replaces former director Deb Pasternak, who transitioned to serve as the Chief Field Officer overseeing Sierra Club field work nationally.
Under Vick’s leadership of the Massachusetts Chapter, we look forward to seeing new climate victories. He 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.
Vick is the first person of color to hold the Director role at the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter in its over 50-year-old history, which affirms the fact that more than ever, our organization must continue to work with marginalized communities in order to deliver on our mission to protect the planet for everyone. Vick brings a dedication to building a strong and resilient climate justice and environmental protection movement and a commitment to leading the Chapter’s mission of tackling the climate crisis, reducing toxic pollution, and combating racial, economic, and gender inequity.
Prior to his Acting Director position, Vick was on the Executive Leadership Committee of the chapter and then deputy director under Ms. Pasternak. Prior to the Sierra Club, he worked at The Chisholm Legacy Project, a resource hub for Black frontline climate justice leadership as the Transformational Climate Finance Manager.
In addition, 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. Vick led statewide energy and environmental justice coalitions with hundreds of members as well as developed and maintained vital relationships with utility lobbyists, regulators, and legislators to advance clean energy and environmental justice policy goals. His career began 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.”