The Montgomery County commissioners announced today the appointment of Devi Ramkissoon (above left) as the county’s inaugural Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO).
“This new position will take an important role in shaping priorities to achieve the County’s long-term sustainability goals, while identifying opportunities to save taxpayer dollars through tax credits and an effective transition to more sustainable practices,” the announcement said.
According to a governmentjobs.com post, the CSO will be paid $98,645.00 – $131,525.00 annually. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Ramkissoon’s duties will include working with municipalities and departments in the county and developing public-private partnerships.
“I would be looking to engage the businesses in Montgomery County in a similar fashion,” she told The Inquirer. “Both educating them about how they can be more sustainable as well as providing support for how they can choose initiatives that are right for their business and help them to implement them as well.”
The county’s announcement continues:
Devi brings 20 years of experience in sustainable development and organizational leadership to the County. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. Her previous experience includes senior roles at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Chemonics International, where she directed food security and economic growth programs and developed partnerships with Fortune 500 companies to promote sustainable development.
“I’m honored and thrilled to be named as Montgomery County’s first Chief Sustainability Officer,” said Ramkissoon. “The County has long been a leader in sustainability. I’m looking forward to advancing our sustainability outcomes even further by taking a holistic approach that balances environment, community, and equitable economic growth.”
Ramkissoon lives in Montgomery County and holds degrees from Swarthmore College and Georgetown University.
Photo: Montgomery County