Rob Phocas
Executive Director
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina
Year started: 2025
Pronouns: he/him
Rob is SSDN's Executive Director, where he leads the organization's strategic direction, oversees its programming, funding, and partnerships, and guides the network's growth across the Southeast. In this role, he supports members by developing peer learning opportunities, securing funding and resources on their behalf, and building institutional partnerships that expand what individual local governments can accomplish on their own.
Rob brings a career that spans environmental law, municipal government, and corporate sustainability. He practiced environmental law at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and in private practice, earning his Masters Degree and J.D. from Duke University, before serving as Charlotte's first Sustainability Director, where he helped build the city's early sustainability infrastructure and policy framework. He later moved into the private sector, founding and leading corporate social responsibility work and the corporate foundation at AvidXchange.
Across these roles, Rob's work has centered on building practitioner networks, expanding access to funding and technical resources for local governments, and translating policy and regulatory expertise into practical tools for communities. He brings a cross-sector perspective — spanning federal regulation, city government, and corporate philanthropy — to SSDN's mission of equipping Southeast sustainability professionals with the peer support, resources, and partnerships they need to do their work effectively.
When he's not working, Rob enjoys yoga, hiking, walking, spending time in the mountains, and live music. He also enjoys spending time with his family and two dogs exploring the neighborhood and looking for owls.
Members should go to Rob when they:
- Have questions about strategic direction, funding, the SSDN Board, and partners.
- Are in the Charlotte, NC, area and would like to connect.
Amanda Nalley
Communications Manager
Located in Tallahassee, Florida
Year started: 2025
Pronouns: she/her
Amanda Nalley manages SSDN’s communications and public relations including writing/editing, the website, LinkedIn account, Green Minds podcast, newsletters, email distribution, Member Hub, graphic design, photo/video editing, media contact, and more.
Amanda has a 20+ year career in environmental communications, starting in environmental education as a camp kid turned camp counselor on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She achieved two undergraduate degrees from Loyola University New Orleans, one in English literature, and the other in environmental studies. She taught environmental education after graduation on the coast of Georgia and in Anchorage, Alaska. She then spent six years as a newspaper reporter in Tallahassee, Florida, where she covered important environmental events such as the 2010 oil spill. For 10 years after that, she was the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Marine Fisheries Management public information specialist. And in 2022, she became communications manager for the non-profit Gulf Alliance.
Amanda enjoys spending time with her daughters, husband, beagle, and two cats. She is an active member of her local parent teacher organization. She loves being outdoors and in the water, and also enjoys reading and reflecting.
Members should contact Amanda when they:
- Need help amplifying messages, have story ideas, or news to get out
- Want communications guidance
- Are trying to access our Member Hub or receive our emails
- Need help or see a needed update on our website or communications materials
Caitlin Rose
Senior Director of Innovation and Strategy
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Year started: 2022
Pronouns: she/her
Caitlin Rose is SSDN’s Senior Director of Innovation and Strategy. In this role, Caitlin works to cultivate a sustainable programmatic strategy, maintain a healthy organizational culture, strengthen internal systems and practices, and develop strategies that position SSDN and its members for long-term impact. Caitlin believes that durable progress on climate and sustainability depends not just on good policy, but on trust, and she brings an interdisciplinary, relational, and collaborative perspective to her work at SSDN.
Prior to SSDN, Caitlin held roles with Central Pines Regional Council and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, where she managed federally funded programs, facilitated stakeholder engagement, and conducted policy research. The sum of her professional experience has enabled Caitlin to form lasting relationships with state government officials, sustainability managers, advocacy groups, electric utilities, and local governments around the Southeast while effectively communicating about complex issues to a variety of stakeholders. Caitlin holds a Master of Science in Environmental Science and Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, both from UNC's Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Caitlin is a Virginia native and calls the North Carolina piedmont home; she currently resides in Durham, NC. Caitlin is an avid reader, outdoor person, and creator. Outside of work, she can be found with her hands in clay or craft supplies, bopping around her beloved Durham in search of weird and joyful community spaces, and enjoying moments with her cats.
Members should go to Caitlin when…
- They want to learn more about how SSDN works and its organizational strategy
- They have innovative ideas or solutions they want thought partnership to implement
- They want to strategically engage with electric utilities, public service commissions, and state legislatures
- They aren’t sure who to reach out to - Caitlin can help get you connected with the right person!
Catherine Mercier-Baggett
Director, Federal Technical Assistance
Located in Atlanta, Georgia
Year started: 2024
In her capacity as Director of Federal Technical Assistance, Catherine supports local governments with advancing their water management and energy initiatives and developing funding strategies.
Catherine's 20-year career began in landscape architecture and urban design within private practice before transitioning to local government. Catherine's public service journey includes work in planning and zoning and her pioneering role as the first Sustainability Manager for the City of Sandy Springs (GA), where she developed the program and managed a multitude of green infrastructure, streambank restoration and urban forestry projects. Catherine holds undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture and ecology and environment, and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Montreal (Canada). She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Catherine lives in Atlanta (GA) and finds happiness in volunteering in her neighborhood, hiking, and dabbling in a multitude of art mediums.
Members should turn to Catherine when asking about:
- Nature-based solutions, including green infrastructure
- Funding water-related projects
- Urban planning
Chris Pembleton
Senior Director of Finance & Operations
Located in Panama City, Florida
Year started: 2026
Pronouns: he/him
Chris is SSDN's Senior Director of Finance & Operations. He helps ensure the organization runs smoothly behind the scenes so staff can focus on supporting members and advancing sustainability across the Southeast. His work includes finance, accounting, grants, technology, human resources, membership support, communications, and day-to-day operations.
Before joining SSDN, Chris worked in nonprofit leadership and owned a small business. Throughout his career, he has enjoyed finding practical ways to improve processes, solve problems, and help organizations make the most of their resources. His experience includes budgeting, financial reporting, grant management, and organizational operations.
Chris holds a Doctor of Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Business Administration. His doctoral research explored how nonprofit organizations can build long-term financial stability and better serve their communities.
When he's not working, Chris enjoys kayaking, biking, walking, spending time at the beach, and playing baritone saxophone with local bands. He also enjoys spending time with his family exploring the Florida Gulf Coast.
Members should go to Chris when they:
- Have questions about invoices, payments, or reimbursements.
- Need forms, documents, or other administrative support.
- Have questions about grants or other financial processes.
- Are in the Panama City, Florida, area and would like to connect.
Daniel Antonio Miguel
Policy Manager, Florida
Location: Washington, DC
Year started: 2023
Pronouns: he/him
Daniel Antonio Miguel is SSDN’s Policy Manager for Florida. In this role, he provides legislative analyses, regulatory tracking, and policy support members' engagement with state legislation and policy on climate and energy. In this role, Daniel also helps foster members’ statewide connections and advance their policy priorities. His professional and academic background includes affordable housing and community development policy, conservation education, and community-oriented work promoting equity in the environmental sector and building resilient communities. He is also passionate about global development, humanitarian assistance, and the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.
Daniel holds a master’s in Latin American studies from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service and bachelor's in history from the University of Florida.
Previously, Daniel worked as a Program Manager for Greening Youth Foundation managing local, regional, and national programs that provided diverse youth with internship opportunities in federal land management agencies like the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. At Everglades National Park, Daniel researched cultural history, developed educational programs for local schools, performed community outreach, and modernized the park’s digital communications.
In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, writing, discovering new music, and reading about history and international politics.
Members should turn to Danny when asking about…
- Florida legislative tracking and policy engagement
- Florida energy policy
- Florida Public Service Commission and utility regulatory engagement
- Convenings for Florida membership
Emily Morrow
Virginia and North Carolina Policy Manager
Located in Missoula, Montana
Year started: 2024
Pronouns: she/her
Emily works to strengthen, educate, and expand our members' capacity in Virginia and North Carolina. In this role, she supports localities by providing in-depth legislative tracking and education, conducting research on regulatory matters affecting local government planning and sustainability goals, and facilitating peer-to-peer connections.
Emily found her start in field organizing: coordinating, recruiting, and maintaining a volunteer base to support sustainability and climate goals across the country. She holds a B.A. in Government with a minor in Environmental Science and Policy from the College of William and Mary and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana.
In her spare time, Emily loves to be active outdoors climbing, backpacking, and hiking. She is an avid reader, and has been known to enjoy a long road trip!
Members should turn to Emily when asking about...
- Virginia and North Carolina regulatory policy work
- Virginia legislative tracking
- Convenings for VESPN or North Carolina membership
Gabriela Sanchez Barrocas
Membership Manager
Located in Washington, DC
Year started: 2024
Gabriela Sanchez Barrocas supports member engagement, onboarding, and organizational operations across the network. In this role, she helps members navigate SSDN resources, programs, and opportunities while strengthening connections between local government sustainability professionals throughout the Southeast. Her work supports the network’s mission by improving member experience, streamlining operations, and fostering meaningful collaboration across communities.
Gabriela brings a background in nonprofit operations, public engagement, and sustainability advocacy. She has experience managing complex organizational systems, coordinating large-scale events and meetings, and supporting relationship-building across diverse stakeholder groups. Her work often centers on collaboration, accessibility, and creating systems that help people feel informed, connected, and supported.
A Miami native, Gabriela is also deeply passionate about environmental stewardship and community engagement. In 2019, she was recognized as a winner of the The Miami Foundation Public Space Challenge as a South Florida National Parks Ambassador. Through the grant, she led the creation of the Debris Maze Challenge, a life-sized labyrinth constructed from litter collected in Biscayne Bay to spark conversations around environmental responsibility and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. She brings this same creativity and systems-oriented thinking to her work at the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network.
Outside of work, Gabriela enjoys birdwatching with her husband, exploring new places, reading, and engaging with art and creative projects. She values community-building, curiosity, and finding meaningful ways to connect people with each other and the environment.
Members should go to Gabi when…
- They have questions about membership onboarding, benefits, dues, or invoicing
- They need support related to SSDN meetings, events, or logistics
- They are looking for information about workgroups or member engagement opportunities
- They need help navigating SSDN operations, resources, or internal processes
Ireon Weaver
Operations and Program Support Manager
Name pronunciation: Are-ee-on
Located in New Orleans, Louisiana
Year started: 2026
Pronouns: she/her
Ireon Weaver is SSDN’s Operations and Program Support Manager, where she oversees the vital organizational systems and workflows that keep the network running smoothly. In this role, she supports SSDN members and staff by streamlining administrative processes and ensuring that the network’s programs have the operational foundation necessary to drive regional climate impact.
With an extensive professional background in administrative management and organizational operations, Ireon specializes in workflow automation, system reengineering, and creating efficient systems that cut down on wait times for key reports and improve team communication. Her expertise lies in identifying operational bottlenecks and implementing solutions that allow mission-driven teams to focus on community-centered results.
Ireon is motivated by the challenge of translating complex organizational needs into practical, efficient realities. She is passionate about solving logistical puzzles and approaches collaboration with a focus on equity and clarity, ensuring that every member of the network has the tools they need to succeed. She is particularly excited to support SSDN members by optimizing the digital platforms and resources they rely on to connect and share sustainability solutions across the Southeast.
Ireon is an avid explorer who loves taking advantage of everything the Gulf Coast has to offer. On the weekends, you can often find her wandering through local farmer's markets, enjoying the outdoors, or traveling to discover new scenery. A self-described "foodie," she is always on the hunt for new flavors and enjoys trying different cuisines with her fiancée.
Education & Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication — Xavier University of Louisiana
Members should go to Ireon when…
- They need assistance navigating SSDN’s internal portals or member resources.
- They have questions regarding program documentation or operational workflows.
- They need support with scheduling or administrative logistics for network initiatives.
Jake Leech, Ph.D.
Senior Manager of Energy Resilience
Located in Largo, Florida
Year started: 2024
Jake helps facilitate members’ access to grant funding and technical assistance. He primarily acts as Regional Partner for the National Lab of the Rockies’ ETIPP program, which provides technical assistance for energy planning to island, coastal, and remote communities.
Jake's previous experience includes time at ICLEI USA and Palm Beach County, FL’s Office of Resilience, and he has a Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from Georgia Tech.
Jake likes sitting out on his stoop and reading, occasionally getting up to potter in his unkempt garden.
Members should go to Jake when…
- They are an island, coastal, or remote community in a coastal state looking for technical assistance for energy planning!
- They are any community in the Southeast looking for legal assistance on renewable capital projects, like assistance with interconnection documents, permitting, or filing for Elective Pay rebates.
- They are any community in the Southeast generally looking for grant funding or technical assistance.
Jenna Guillen
Senior Policy Manager, Tennessee Valley & North Carolina
Located in Nashville, Tennessee
Year started: 2025
Pronouns: she/her
Jenna is SSDN’s Senior Policy Manager for Tennessee Valley and North Carolina. In this role, she supports members in the Tennessee Valley region and North Carolina by providing in-depth legislative tracking, policy topic education, and regulatory and utility intervention guidance. She also conducts research on matters affecting members, and serves as a connector to the people and information members need in order to accomplish their sustainability work.
Jenna built her career working in local and state government and nonprofit organizations, focusing on policy and advocacy in economic development, energy and utilities, and international law. Prior to joining SSDN, Jenna worked at the California State Legislature as a Policy Consultant for the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy (JEDE) where she helped craft economic development policy to assist cities, small and minority owned businesses in economic growth and development. During her time at the Legislature, she worked for the Vice Chair of the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities. It was then her interest in sustainability and energy policy began. Jenna holds a Bachelor’s in Transnational Studies from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri and a Master’s in International Law from the Australian National University in Canberra, Australia.
In her spare time, Jenna enjoys being outdoors via hiking and biking, spending time with her two daughters and husband, and playing piano when opportunity provides.
Members should turn to Jenna when asking about:
- Tennessee and North Carolina legislative tracking and policy engagement
- Tennessee Valley Authority and Local Power Company regulatory engagement
- Tennessee Valley energy policy
- Convenings for Tennessee and North Carolina membership
Joy Ward
Georgia and South Carolina Policy Manager
Located in Atlanta, Georgia
Year started: 2024
Pronouns: she/her
Joy is SSDN's Policy Manager for Georgia and South Carolina. In this role, she supports the Policy team with the tracking of legislative bills, regulatory activities, and supporting Georgia and South Carolina membership.
Prior to this role, Joy served as the Energy and Sustainability Senior Associate at Stewards of Affordable Housing the Future (SAHF) elevating policy and practices in multifamily affordable housing, with a heavy emphasis on healthy buildings, resilience, and energy and water conservation. Joy also served as an Energy Research Associate at the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA), where she conducted energy efficiency research and GIS mapmaking.
In her free time, Joy enjoys learning more about film photography, practicing yoga, and watching the newest (and classic!) TV and film.
Members should turn to Joy when asking about...
- Energy and Sustainability policy in Georgia and South Carolina
- Membership convenings in Georgia and South Carolina
Krista Early
Funding Resources Manager
Located in Washington, North Carolina
Year started: 2024
Pronouns: she/her
Krista Early supports SSDN’s members and their communities in fostering innovative and equitable sustainability solutions at the regional level. She helps connect SSDN’s local government members with experienced technical assistance providers and helps them navigate the funding processes needed to achieve their resilience goals.
Prior to becoming part of our team, Krista built her career in environmental policy, resiliency issues, and water policy. She brings valuable experience in state government and policy advocacy. Krista worked for the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, where she assisted the North Carolina communities in building their capacity to be more resilient to coastal hazards and storms. She coordinated with communities and contractors about pre-disaster planning and developing shovel-ready projects to strengthen the resilience of their natural and built environments. She also assisted with grant seeking projects during her time at NC DCM.
Krista has served as an advocate and director for an environmental nonprofit based in North Carolina. She has led North Carolina focused environmental campaigns, including moving to 100% renewable energy and strengthening the policies regarding PFAS. Krista holds a Master of Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law and Graduate School, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Law and Natural Resources from The Ohio State University. Her background supports the interdisciplinary nature of resilience at the local government level. She resides in Washington, NC, and spends her spare time trying out new hobbies, learning how to paddleboard and enjoying the river with her dog.
Members should contact Krista when they:
- Want to know about how available funding could connect to their project
- Need to learn more about what available funding resources exist
- Are trying to write a grant application and need assistance
Michael Dexter
Senior Director for Impact and Implementation
Location: Atlanta, GA
Year started: 2021
Pronouns: he/him
Michael is SSDN's Senior Director of Impact and Implementation, where he works to execute the organization's vision by aligning program delivery to provide clear value to members and drive real-world progress. He coordinates delivery of technical assistance to communities and serves as a liaison to federal and state partners, providing a cohesive approach to SSDN's support of member governments and local partners.
Prior to joining SSDN in 2021, Michael spent over 10 years at local and federal government agencies. He previously served in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator's Office, where he oversaw a $1.2 billion annual grant program, coordinated agency-wide climate change adaptation efforts, and supported disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts. Additionally, he worked as the Finance and Grants Manager for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, an independent special district of the State of Florida focused on local water quality protection. He holds a Master's of Public Administration from Columbia University in New York City.
Raised in Sarasota, FL, Michael developed a strong affinity for outdoor activities from biking, kayaking, to hiking. In his free time, he likes to travel, pursue wildlife photography, and visit botanical gardens with his wife Dr. Laura Evers.
Members should go to Michael when they need:
- Data-driven insight on local government sustainability projects
- Identify funding and technical assistance to advance local priorities
- Understand Federal government policy and activities
- Bringing projects from ideation to implementation
Nick joined the SSDN team in August 2023 and leads SSDN’s Local Infrastructure Hub program. He is passionate about supporting the development of equitable, resilient and thriving communities. He loves helping bridge gaps and make linkages across disciplines and sectors to create innovative, equitable solutions to our stickiest challenges.
Nick has extensive experience in community sustainability and resilience, serving for nine years as the first sustainability director for the City of Savannah, Georgia. In that role, he partnered with regional, municipal and community representatives to address topics of environmental justice, racial equity, economic development, social determinants of health, energy burden, clean energy, environmental contamination, and coastal climate resilience. He has experience developing and managing workforce training programs through Step Up Savannah and incorporating green workforce training into municipal projects. Nick’s experience includes built-environment work at the University of Minnesota, where he supported development of the University of Minnesota’s first sustainable building standards and programs to lift the participation and capacity of DBE design and construction firms.
In his day-to-day life in Savannah, GA, Nick continues to serve and work closely on topics of health advocacy and environmental justice with local community organizations like Healthy Savannah and Harambee House. While equipped with a formal education in public policy, environmental studies, political science and communication, but most of what he has learned (and continues to learn) is from nature, neighbors, and kids.
Members should turn to Nick when asking about...
- Looking for tailored support/technical assistance
- Needing high-level policy guidance
SSDN Board of Directors
Thank you to our dedicated Board members!
