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New board and staff members bring expertise in climate policy, environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, and philanthropy.
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At the Community Environmental Council (CEC), our impact depends on people who bring the expertise, leadership, and commitment needed to advance practical climate solutions across the Central Coast.
We’re pleased to welcome two new members to CEC’s Board of Directors, Angela Antenore and Dr. Paasha Mahdavi. Together, they bring deep experience in environmental justice, public policy, governance, and organizational leadership that will help guide CEC’s work in the years ahead.
We’re also excited to welcome three new staff members whose expertise will strengthen programs and partnerships across our region: Development Officer Renee Freeman, Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Manager Brian Sweeney, and Climate Projects Associate Sachi Shiroma.
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Angela Antenore
Environmental Justice and Organizational Leadership
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Angela Antenore
President/Principal, Antenore & Associates
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Angela Antenore brings decades of experience advancing environmental justice, equity, and organizational change to CEC’s Board of Directors. As CEO and Principal of Antenore & Associates, she helps organizations create meaningful systemic change with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. A longtime Santa Barbara resident, Angela’s commitment to climate action deepened after losing her home and office in the 2008 Tea Fire, inspiring her to advocate for healthier communities and a more resilient future. She has served on numerous local nonprofit boards, including the Environmental Defense Center and The Fund for Santa Barbara.
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Dr. Paasha Mahdavi
Energy Policy and Climate Governance
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Paasha Mahdavi
Associate Professor, UC Santa Barbara
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Dr. Paasha Mahdavi brings expertise in energy policy, governance, and environmental politics to CEC’s Board of Directors. He is an Associate Professor of Political Science, Affiliated Professor of Environmental Science & Management, Director of the Energy Governance and Political Economy Lab, and Co-Founder of The 2035 Initiative at UC Santa Barbara.His research examines how energy systems and policy decisions shape environmental outcomes, and he has advised environmental organizations, supported climate litigation efforts, and contributed to energy policy discussions in the United States and abroad.
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Renee Freeman,
Development Officer
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Renee Freeman joined CEC in 2026 as Development Officer, where she builds relationships with supporters and helps grow the resources needed to advance CEC’s mission. She brings experience in nonprofit development, strategic planning, and program evaluation, along with a background in sustainability research as a professor and researcher focused on global change, carbon sequestration, watershed dynamics, and climate solutions. Renee is excited to apply her interdisciplinary experience to support CEC’s continued impact across the Central Coast.
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Renee Freeman,
Development Officer
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Brian Sweeney,
Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Manager
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Brian joined CEC in 2026 as the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Manager, where he works with farmers, ranchers, and land stewards across California’s Central Coast to advance climate-smart agricultural practices. Before joining CEC, Brian spent more than a decade leading sustainable food systems projects focused on landscape restoration, agricultural education, community resilience, and supporting farms transitioning to organic practices. He brings a deep understanding of how agriculture can be a powerful tool for climate solutions and healthier communities.
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Brian Sweeney,
Climate-Smart Agriculture Program Manager
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Sachi Shiroma,
Climate Projects Associate
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Sachi joined the CEC Climate Projects team in 2026 as a Climate Projects Associate, where she supports projects focused on local electric vehicle infrastructure and clean transportation. She brings experience in stakeholder engagement, outreach, and event planning, along with an interdisciplinary background in environmental science, sociology, and justice studies. Sachi looks forward to applying her experience to advancing clean transportation solutions and supporting CEC’s work toward a more sustainable future.
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Sachi Shiroma,
Climate Projects Associate
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CEC’s Green Gala
Saturday, September 19
4:30–9 p.m.
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
136 E. De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara
Join us for Green Gala 2026, an unforgettable evening celebrating community, connection, and climate action on California’s Central Coast. Inspired by this year’s theme, Rooted in Hope, guests will enjoy a lively welcome reception and Green Gala Market, exceptional local wine, a climate-smart dinner created by Elizabeth Poett of Rancho San Julian and The Ranch Table in partnership with Duo Catering, live auction experiences, and inspiring stories of local impact. Proceeds support CEC’s work advancing clean energy, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and environmental leadership throughout the region. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Learn more and reserve your place.
Seeking Green Gala Auction Donations
The Green Gala Market celebrates the people, products, places, and experiences that make California’s Central Coast so special. We’re currently seeking silent and live auction donations, including unique experiences, travel packages, dining opportunities, artwork, handcrafted goods, outdoor adventures, and other one-of-a-kind offerings. Your contribution helps support local climate solutions while introducing Green Gala guests to some of our region’s most inspiring businesses, makers, and destinations.
Submit an auction donation or contact Katie Hershfelt at khershfelt@cecmail.org to discuss ideas and opportunities.
UC Environmental Stewards Statewide Conference Comes to Santa Barbara
October 9–11, 2026
UC Santa Barbara’s Corwin Pavilion
6085 UCEN Rd, Isla Vista
Join the Community Environmental Council (CEC) as we welcome the UC Environmental Stewards Statewide Conference to Santa Barbara this fall. Bringing together climate changemakers from across California, the conference will feature keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, community conversations, and field trips exploring climate resilience, participatory science, and equity in conservation. CEC is proud to serve as the local partner for this gathering. CEC CEO Sigrid Wright will join Mia Lopez, Chumash Cultural Educator and Founding Director of Su’nan Protection, to welcome attendees on opening day. CEC Director of Education and Operations Kathi King will also lead a workshop highlighting how CEC’s Climate Stewards course empowers community members to take climate action. Learn more and register.
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Become a CEC Climate Steward —
Learn to Lead Climate Action in Your Community
Tuesdays, September 15–October 27, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Online classes via Zoom + in-person field trips
Our Climate Stewards program is your chance to become a leader in the climate movement and turn concern for our planet into meaningful local action. Addressing the climate crisis takes many of us — non-profit leaders and staff, professionals, business owners, recent college graduates, retirees, high school students, and community members — to work together. Register to join a cohort of motivated changemakers, explore climate solutions through lessons and field trips, and design a personal Stewardship Project that makes a difference in your community. Through the course, participants gain access to resources, forge community connections, discover the science behind climate change, and learn how to effectively communication about the climate crisis. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification course is offered in September, January, and April. Learn more and register.
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New $3,500 Incentive to Go Electric
California’s new MyFirstEV program is making it more affordable to make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV). Californians purchasing their first ZEV can now receive $3,500 off a new vehicle or $1,750 off a qualifying used vehicle, with the savings applied directly at the dealership — no application or waiting required. The program is currently available through Hyundai, Lucid, and Tesla, with additional automakers joining in the coming months.
You may be able to stack savings. For personalized assistance finding EV rebates and incentives you qualify for, visit cec.pub/electrify-yourlife and fill out the EV Assistance sign-up form or contact CEC Climate Resilience Program Manager Kat Orellana at korellana@cecmail.org or (805) 730-0209. Learn more about the latest chapter in California’s clean energy leadership.
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Where Santa Barbara’s Changemakers Gather
Planning a board meeting, strategic retreat, workshop, or community event this fall? The Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub offers flexible, sustainably designed meeting and event space for nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies.
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With competitive nonprofit pricing, professional AV, and versatile spaces for meetings, trainings, film screenings, and community gatherings, The Hub provides the perfect setting to bring people together. Every booking also supports CEC’s work to advance climate solutions across the Central Coast.
Explore the space and book your event.
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Summer of Ocean Love Scavenger Hunt
June 20–August 29, 2026
Throughout Santa Barbara County
Looking for a fun way to celebrate and protect the coast this summer? Join the Summer of Ocean Love Scavenger Hunt, a free, all-ages adventure featuring ocean-inspired missions across Santa Barbara County. Using the GooseChase app, participants can complete challenges such as creating ocean-themed art, joining beach cleanups, spotting local wildlife, learning about coastal conservation, and visiting community organizations like CEC. Missions are available in both English and Spanish, and new challenges will be added throughout the summer.
Created by local ocean advocate Katie Joseff in partnership with CEC, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, 805Action, The Surf League, and Save Our Shores, the scavenger hunt offers a joyful way to connect with nature while supporting the health of our coastline. Participants can join at any time, compete for prizes throughout the summer, and vie for a $500 grand prize awarded to the winning team. Learn more and sign up.
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Support Critical Work Like This
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Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and a City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero, CEC is led by CEO Sigrid Wright, 2022 Congressional Woman of the Year. See our most recent impact report to learn how we are serving California’s Central Coast by advancing rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.
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Learn more about how you can invest in CEC’s work to accelerate regional climate solutions at cecsb.org/donate.
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