FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 01-18-2023
CONTACT: Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org, 906-869-4167
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Names New Chapter Director, Elayne Elliott
Detroit, MI - The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter has named Elayne Elliott as the new Chapter Director of the 55 year old statewide organization. Elliott takes on the role as the fourth Chapter Director, succeeding Gail Philbin, who retired after seven years in the role.
“I am honored to begin this new role as the Director of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. I started working for the Sierra Club because it is a mission-driven, volunteer-led organization. I believe that community members are experts on their lived experiences and when they become volunteers, they bring immense value to an organization. There is much work to do, and I am excited to advocate and fight to protect our environment and people, especially marginalized communities who are disproportionately impacted by climate change and pollution.” says Elliott
Outgoing Chapter Director Gail Philbin said “Elayne has proven her passion and dedication to the Sierra Club and its mission to protect people and the planet. She started her work with the Sierra Club as an intern where her work ethic, compassion, and knowledge of organizing were showcased. I look forward to seeing her lead the Michigan Sierra Club into a new chapter”
Elliott received her bachelor's degree in environmental science from Emory University in Atlanta, GA and is currently a masters of business administration candidate at Wayne State University. Born and raised in Detroit, Elliott became aware of the link between asthma and air pollution, which spurred her interest in environmental justice issues, as a teen. She went on to intern at the National Wildlife Federation (Atlanta), Sierra Club’s Detroit office, and the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Sustainability before working full-time as Sustainability Coordinator at Williams College.
Prior to joining the Sierra Club staff in 2021, Elliott worked with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy as Public Spaces Coordinator and received high praise for her ability to bring together a wide array of individuals and organizations through educational programs and engagement activities. In her previous role as Green Stormwater Community Organizer, Elliott excelled at engaging community members in the innovative green infrastructure and Rain Gardens to the Rescue Program in collaboration with the Friends of the Rouge.