Staff and Board

The Sustain Dane team is based in Madison, WI, and serves all of Dane County. Our board members represent a diverse group of businesses, nonprofits, and local governments that believe in a sustainable future.

Meet Our Team

Claire Oleksiak

Executive Director

As Executive Director Claire (she/her) aims to accelerate a sustainable environment and economy that benefits all members of our community. Claire is passionate about innovation, collaboration, and social impact. Prior to joining Sustain Dane, she worked as the Community Services Manager for the City of Madison Parks Division. In that role, she facilitated partnerships with public and private organizations, managed community facilities, and implemented the Connecting Children to Nature Initiative. Claire also worked on local community and economic development in Washington, DC for 10 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree from Oxford University. She grew up in Madison, WI. Reach out to Claire about strategic partnerships, your thoughts on sustainability opportunities and challenges, and any other questions related to Sustain Dane overall.

Samantha Wordette

Program Manager

Sam (she/her) is dedicated to fostering learning, connection, and collaboration through Sustain Dane’s programs and partnerships. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Butler University. At Sustain Dane, she develops and manages programs including our Accelerate Sustainability Workshops, one-on-one assistance, and tracking of our partners’ sustainable impacts. Previously she worked at Exact Sciences as a hydroponic farmer and implemented sustainability solutions within the culinary department. With a passion for food sustainability and circular economies, Sam is committed to creating impactful experiences that inspire action. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Madison’s outdoors, playing pickleball, and discovering new local restaurants. Reach out to Sam for more information on engaging with sustainability at your organization.

Spencer Bierman

Development & Partnership Manager

Spencer (he/him) aims to develop relationships that increase Sustain Dane’s connection to its members and ensure that community members are supported in their journey to sustainability. Prior to joining Sustain Dane, Spencer worked at the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association where he focused on generating affinity for the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Spencer studied Community & Nonprofit Leadership and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. After work you can find Spencer exploring natural areas, bouldering, or painting. Reach out to Spencer for any questions regarding membership, sponsorship, grants, or powerful teen leaders.

Sonali Bhikha

Program Coordinator

Sonali (she/her) is passionate about the intersection of collaboration, sustainability, and equity. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive and community-driven climate solutions. Her past experience focused on environmental justice programming in Duluth, MN. At Sustain Dane, Sonali coordinates programs that build connections and inspire action, including the Sustainable Breakfast Series, All Around Dane County, volunteer initiatives, and educating youth in schools. She also leads participant outreach and develops messaging that highlights community stories and program impact. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sustainability Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Sonali is especially excited to advance sustainability efforts that center equity and justice through collective action. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and exploring Madison’s parks and trails. Reach out to Sonali for any questions regarding our programs.

Frankie Fosdick

Efficiency Navigator

Frankie (he/him) aims to drive work to address housing resilience, equity, and climate change. Frankie has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Prior to working at Sustain Dane, Frankie worked at Special Olympics and is forever grateful for the experience and all the athletes that he got to know so well. Outside of Sustain Dane, Frankie enjoys spending time outside with his dogs, friends, and family and watching/playing sports. Reach out to Frankie for any questions regarding our Efficiency Navigator program.

Marcus Johnson

Powerful Teen Leaders Program Manager

Marcus Johnson(he/him) currently attends Operations Fresh Start’s Academy program and is working towards his urban forestry pre-apprenticeship. As the Powerful Teen Leaders program assistant Marcus aims to facilitate positive relationships with the outdoors while having more youth conscious of conservation efforts. In addition to being a water treatment operator for the ARMY reserves, Marcus previously worked as a water treatment operator for Wisconsin Whey Protein. In his free time, he enjoys caring for his four cats and honing his skills in plant identification around Madison.

Job Opportunities

You can play a critical role in helping Sustain Dane achieve our vision of a thriving and connected community with a sustainable environment and economy we are proud to pass on to future generations. We aren’t currently hiring but you may send your resume to hello@sustaindane.org to be considered for future job opportunities.