Lisa Eichler Clark of Howell is The University of Michigan’s first director of Sustainable Climate Action Engagement.
Clark will lead a new initiative aimed at linking UM’s expanding sustainability research, collaborations and engagement with external partners to accelerate climate action across the state and beyond, according to the announcement of her appointment in Michigan News.
She previously served in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s cabinet as director of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
Clark has spent more than two decades advancing public policy solutions that move Michigan, the Midwest and the U.S. toward carbon neutrality, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability, while at the same time supporting economic growth and environmental justice.
“I’m always ready and willing to take on the most complex and consequential policy issues,” said Clark. “I have focused on both energy and clean water with a priority on supporting solutions that lift, involve and benefit all people. The University of Michigan is poised to accelerate its leadership in sustainable climate action, and I’m thrilled to lend my skills to the task.”
In her four years with EGLE, Clark helped the organization play a lead role in the state’s response to historic floods and high water levels, according to a press release from the Whitmer administration. She also managed record-breaking, bipartisan investments in water infrastructure; established the state’s first drinking water standards for PFAS; guided the City of Flint in establishing a backup water supply; and supported the City of Benton Harbor as it replaced its lead service lines in less than one year. In addition, Clark helped develop and launch the MI Healthy Climate Plan to create jobs, lower energy costs and advance equity while putting Michigan on the path to carbon neutrality. She also created and elevated the MI Advisory Council on Environmental Justice and accelerated efforts focused on electric vehicle deployment.
Prior to EGLE, Clark co-founded a clean energy consultancy, 5 Lakes Energy. Her work focused on clean mobility, renewable energy and grid integration, among other priorities needing state-level deployment through legislatures and public utility commissions.
Clark has held leadership roles on the executive committee of the Environmental Council of the States, made up of the United States’ 50 key environmental leaders, and for three years was president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, a trade association whose membership grew from 40 to 115 companies under Clark’s direction. She also has chaired numerous councils and commissions, including the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions, the Michigan Dam Safety Task Force, and the Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force.
Clark holds a master’s degree from Michigan State University, and a bachelor’s degree from MSU’s James Madison College.
