Staff and Board

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.

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. 

Jay (he/him) is a freelance audio producer helping bring the Sustain Dane Podcast to life. He hosts, edits, and produces the show in an effort to provide a new way for people to engage with sustainability content. Jay believes the medium of audio is powerful and can be utilized not just to promote ideas, but to inspire action. He graduated with a degree in Psychology from UW – La Crosse in 2018 and has been working on various audio projects since 2019. You can also find Jay volunteering his time at WORT 89.9 FM as a member of the Board of Directors, working at Green Barn Farm Market on the square every Saturday morning, or enjoying the many bike paths that Madison has to offer. Reach out to Jay if you want to know more about the Sustain Dane Podcast or if you have an idea for something we should talk about on the show.

Anna (she/her) became a composting intern to prevent food waste, as that’s one of her biggest passions. She’s very excited to be working with Sustain Dane and contributing to a program dedicated to creating a positive environmental impact in her city. Another way that Anna is involved in the zero waste food movement is through her university’s organization, UW Slow Food. For this club, she helps cook weekly farm-to-table meals for the community at a “pay-what-you-can” price. On the weekends, she works at Wonderstate, which is a sustainable bakery and coffee shop. She is currently a full-time third-year student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and intends to graduate with degrees in Environmental Studies and French as well as a certificate in Sustainability. 

Jeanne(she/her) discovered the connection between the health of an ecosystem and the equity and wellbeing of the community during her time in the Peace Corps as a forestry volunteer in Mali, West Africa. She is a systems thinker who enjoys working together at the intersection of health and the environment, and seeks local opportunities to make a positive and sustainable impact. Jeanne has a B.S. in Natural Resources from Michigan State and a Masters in Public Health Education/Outreach from University of Hawaii, Manoa. She believes each person’s story adds value to the wellbeing of the whole community. Jeanne finds renewal by singing in harmony with others, listening to nature, and appreciating the abundant gifts the Great Lakes Region has to offer.