Who we are
We're activists, business leaders, policymakers, and residents. We all have a common goal: Cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) below net zero emissions by 2045. We are the hub of collaboration for bold climate solutions in Marin.
our mission
At Marin Climate Action Network (MarinCAN), our mission is to catalyze transformative climate action in Marin County through collaboration, education, and equitable engagement. We are dedicated to mobilizing diverse stakeholders to implement effective solutions that reduce the causes and prepare for the impacts of climate change, while prioritizing equity and resilience. By fostering partnerships across sectors and empowering communities, we aim to build a sustainable future that safeguards our environment and enhances the well-being of all residents. Together, we can create a more climate-responsible and climate-resilient Marin for generations to come.
our vision
Imagine a 2030 where all Marin County residents are working together to address climate change. Marin farms and ranches are contributing to improved air and healthier soil. Bicyclists and pedestrians are commuting to work on safe paths under clear blue skies. Half of the vehicles on the road no longer cause air pollution or contribute to climate change. We grow our food locally and feed those who live here with fresh, healthy produce. Marin residents use clean energy to warm and cool their homes, and consume goods more consciously.
This is our vision for a thriving, equitable, and resilient Marin: MarinCAN.
This is our vision for a thriving, equitable, and resilient Marin: MarinCAN.
EQUITY
At Marin Climate Action Network, we are committed to addressing climate change with a strong focus on equity and inclusivity. We recognize that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, and therefore, we prioritize collaborative efforts that center equity in all our initiatives. By working together with diverse stakeholders, including local residents, community organizations, and policymakers, we aim to ensure that our strategies and solutions benefit everyone, especially those most affected by environmental injustices.
Our approach emphasizes equitable access to resources, meaningful participation, and targeted outreach to underserved communities in Marin City, San Rafael, Novato, West Marin, and elsewhere. Through inclusive education, advocacy, and policy interventions, we strive to reduce disparities and empower communities to reduce climate change, prepare for its impacts, and thrive sustainably.
Together, we are building a more resilient Marin that leaves no one behind, fostering a climate movement that is equitable, just, and inclusive. Join us in this collective effort to create a healthy and sustainable environment for all residents.
Our approach emphasizes equitable access to resources, meaningful participation, and targeted outreach to underserved communities in Marin City, San Rafael, Novato, West Marin, and elsewhere. Through inclusive education, advocacy, and policy interventions, we strive to reduce disparities and empower communities to reduce climate change, prepare for its impacts, and thrive sustainably.
Together, we are building a more resilient Marin that leaves no one behind, fostering a climate movement that is equitable, just, and inclusive. Join us in this collective effort to create a healthy and sustainable environment for all residents.
board of directors
Sam Ruben MBA MPA, Chair
Sam brings a sustainability and innovation focus to everything he does. He is passionate that today’s organizations consider sustainability as a core component to improve the bottom line and increase brand value. This passion is paired with a deep understanding of the public, nonprofit and private sectors honed through professional experience and his learning as a graduate of the Presidio Graduate School with a Dual MBA/ MPA in Sustainable Management, complementing his BA in Political Science/ Economics from Vassar College. As a startup founder (HyWatts, Mighty Buildings), advisor, and angel investor with a focus on ClimateTech (particularly Energy & the Built Environment), Sam has an abiding faith in the power of human ingenuity and innovation to accelerate resilience and regeneration in the face of the realities of the climate crisis. He also believes deeply in the power of policy to drive change having initiated AB 2446 & AB 43 to reduce embodied carbon in the built environment and as a member of the World Economic Forum G20 Sustainability Taskforce developing model embodied carbon policies for cities around the globe. |
Cerise Mayo, Vice-Chair
Director and Founder of Nutshell Projects, Cerise works at the cross section of food, community and environmental justice. She founded her consultancy, Nutshell Projects, to support businesses and organizations that have the potential to serve as model projects in the fields of sustainable food, agriculture, education, and social justice. Nutshell collaborates with a diverse range of organizations that are committed to building sustainable, regional food economies and to balancing economic viability with environmental and social responsibility. |
William (Bill) Keene, Treasurer
Bill previously served as the General Manager of Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. He is the founder and Principal Consultant of Climate Equity Solutions. This venture develops and implements solutions that achieve climate resilience, equity, diversity and inclusion in our communities, and which promote land use and conservation that is durable and sustainable for future generations.
Bill’s professional expertise is providing governments, nonprofits, corporations, and private entities services that include: organizational and leadership development; strategic planning; governmental affairs and advocacy; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Program frameworks and design; land conservation and land use planning; environmental planning; and fundraising.
Bill previously served as the General Manager of Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. He is the founder and Principal Consultant of Climate Equity Solutions. This venture develops and implements solutions that achieve climate resilience, equity, diversity and inclusion in our communities, and which promote land use and conservation that is durable and sustainable for future generations.
Bill’s professional expertise is providing governments, nonprofits, corporations, and private entities services that include: organizational and leadership development; strategic planning; governmental affairs and advocacy; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Program frameworks and design; land conservation and land use planning; environmental planning; and fundraising.
William Carney, Secretary
Bill is the past President and current Vice-President of Sustainable San Rafael and has helped nurture and launch many key sustainability and climate change initiatives in Marin. He served on the San Rafael Climate Change Action Plan 2030 and General Plan 2040 steering committees, chaired the City’s Citizens Advisory Committee on Economic Development and Affordable Housing, and co-chairs the Time to Lead on Climate coalition. Previously Bill worked as a Project Manager and Landscape Architect for the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, where he helped create Yerba Buena Gardens and the Museum of the African Diaspora. |
Mary Sackett, Board Member
Marin County's District 1 elected Mary Sackett as their representative on the Board of Supervisors in June 2022 and she was sworn in to her first term in December 2022. Mary's passion for environmental stewardship and dedication to public service are core values she brings to Marin. Mary is a lawyer and has been an active community member long before her tenure as Supervisor. She currently serves on the Miller Creek Site Council and is a San Rafael Harbor Rotary Club member. Mary is committed to listening to residents and taking meaningful steps to fight climate change, create affordable housing, address homelessness, close gaps in our transportation system, strengthen disaster preparedness, and advance equity. |
Sebastian Conn, Board Member
As Senior Community Development Manager at MCE, Sebastian serves as a key liaison to local government officials and community stakeholders throughout MCE's service area. Sebastian's local community development practice is rooted in thoughtful outreach and engagement, and aims to identify climate action solutions that best reflect community needs.
Since joining MCE in 2020, Sebastian has supported the enablement of backup battery solutions at critical community facilities, installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, development of local codes and standards that encourage building electrification, and the inclusion of over 87,000 new customer accounts in MCE service. Sebastian is proud to represent MCE externally before various community groups and local representatives, building awareness of MC E and its programs and strengthening external partnerships in the process.
Sebastian has over 8 years of public and external affairs experience, and 6 years’ experience working in the energy industry. Prior to MCE, Sebastian supported electric project management and community engagement initiatives at PG& E, as well as communications and public affairs outreach for the Golden State Warriors.
Sebastian was born and raised in the Bay Area and holds a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor’s degree in history from San Jose State University.
As Senior Community Development Manager at MCE, Sebastian serves as a key liaison to local government officials and community stakeholders throughout MCE's service area. Sebastian's local community development practice is rooted in thoughtful outreach and engagement, and aims to identify climate action solutions that best reflect community needs.
Since joining MCE in 2020, Sebastian has supported the enablement of backup battery solutions at critical community facilities, installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, development of local codes and standards that encourage building electrification, and the inclusion of over 87,000 new customer accounts in MCE service. Sebastian is proud to represent MCE externally before various community groups and local representatives, building awareness of MC E and its programs and strengthening external partnerships in the process.
Sebastian has over 8 years of public and external affairs experience, and 6 years’ experience working in the energy industry. Prior to MCE, Sebastian supported electric project management and community engagement initiatives at PG& E, as well as communications and public affairs outreach for the Golden State Warriors.
Sebastian was born and raised in the Bay Area and holds a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor’s degree in history from San Jose State University.
Karen Mendelow Nelson, Board Member
Karen Mendelow Nelson’s current employment is a UC Berkeley Grants Analyst/Research Administrator. Her professional background is a synthesis of higher education administration, science education, curriculum development, program management and environmental advocacy, with experience primarily with University of California Berkeley and The Exploratorium in San Francisco. Karen is also an active community volunteer and advocate for climate and environmental action, presently as a Town of San Anselmo Climate Action Commissioner and Member of the Marin/ Sonoma Climate Reality Project Electric Vehicle Squad. Karen serves as Chair of the Outreach and Equity Committee of MarinCAN. |
Susan Gladwin, Board Member
Susan Gladwin is a business executive and entrepreneur with expertise in technology, market strategy, and climatetech. Her work spans several decades with large brands (including Apple and Autodesk) launching iconic products and running software, services and hardware lines of business; and advancing sustainable innovation in design and engineering of the built environment, manufacturing, transportation and energy infrastructure. She advises and invests in early stage climatetech companies, serving on the advisory boards of Checkerspot, Orbis Electric, and 10Power in addition to serving as a director on several climate-focused non-profit boards, including co-chairing the Governance Committee for MarinCAN.
Susan received a computer science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst B.Sc. degree (honors) in and studied international political economy at the University of Copenhagen. A frequent speaker, published author, and former faculty member at the California College of the Arts MBA in Design Strategy, Susan is currently a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Programs Office, originating and overseeing a multi-billion dollar national portfolio of virtual power plant projects.
Susan Gladwin is a business executive and entrepreneur with expertise in technology, market strategy, and climatetech. Her work spans several decades with large brands (including Apple and Autodesk) launching iconic products and running software, services and hardware lines of business; and advancing sustainable innovation in design and engineering of the built environment, manufacturing, transportation and energy infrastructure. She advises and invests in early stage climatetech companies, serving on the advisory boards of Checkerspot, Orbis Electric, and 10Power in addition to serving as a director on several climate-focused non-profit boards, including co-chairing the Governance Committee for MarinCAN.
Susan received a computer science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst B.Sc. degree (honors) in and studied international political economy at the University of Copenhagen. A frequent speaker, published author, and former faculty member at the California College of the Arts MBA in Design Strategy, Susan is currently a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy, Loan Programs Office, originating and overseeing a multi-billion dollar national portfolio of virtual power plant projects.
Sandy Mendler, Board Member
Sandy is a nationally recognized architect and planner focused on creating inspiring new models for healthy, sustainable living. She brings deep expertise in leading Design Resilience for Gensler’s Education practice, driving the design of college and university facilities that build vibrant communities, advance research, and support student-centered experiential learning.
Sandy advocates for the transformative potential of campus buildings and landscapes, as these mission-driven projects act as prototypes and pedagogy for the positive future.
Sandy studied Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis and Pratt Institute, and recently completed a doctoral degree in Policy, Planning and Development at the University of Southern California. She currently serves on the board of MarinCAN and is actively engaged with SCUP, EcoDistricts, the Design Futures Council and other industry groups.
Previously, she served two terms on the USGBC national board of directors, as a past chair of the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE), and as a Pathways to Equity fellow. She is the lead author of two editions of The HOK Guide to Sustainable Design, one of Wiley's best-selling sustainable design texts, and speaks often at universities, conferences and industry events. Her current research and writing focus on the urgent challenges of health, climate and social equity.
Sandy is a nationally recognized architect and planner focused on creating inspiring new models for healthy, sustainable living. She brings deep expertise in leading Design Resilience for Gensler’s Education practice, driving the design of college and university facilities that build vibrant communities, advance research, and support student-centered experiential learning.
Sandy advocates for the transformative potential of campus buildings and landscapes, as these mission-driven projects act as prototypes and pedagogy for the positive future.
Sandy studied Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis and Pratt Institute, and recently completed a doctoral degree in Policy, Planning and Development at the University of Southern California. She currently serves on the board of MarinCAN and is actively engaged with SCUP, EcoDistricts, the Design Futures Council and other industry groups.
Previously, she served two terms on the USGBC national board of directors, as a past chair of the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE), and as a Pathways to Equity fellow. She is the lead author of two editions of The HOK Guide to Sustainable Design, one of Wiley's best-selling sustainable design texts, and speaks often at universities, conferences and industry events. Her current research and writing focus on the urgent challenges of health, climate and social equity.
Stephanie Moulton-Peters, Board Member
Stephanie Moulton-Peters is Marin C ounty Supervisor for District 3, which includes Sausalito, Floating Homes, Marin City, Tam Valley, Almonte, Mill Valley, Almonte, Alto-Sutton Manor, Strawberry, Tiburon, and Belvedere. Stephanie is dedicated to transparent, responsive, effective, and inclusive government that serves the needs of all constituents. Supervisor Moulton-Peters’ priorities include: flooding and wildfire prevention, climate change and sea level rise, racial equity, transportation and ensuring the health and well-being including affordable housing and social services to those she serves.
Stephanie serves on several local and regional boards including the Metropolitan Transportation C ommission (MTC), Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC ), Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) of which she is past Chair and is currently Chair of the Marin County-City Sea Level Rise C ollaborative, BayWAVE. She also serves on the Marin Housing Authority, Marin Flood and W ater Conservation District, among other commissions, boards and subcommittees.
Prior to being elected Supervisor, Stephanie served three terms on the Mill Valley City Council and as Mayor in 2010, 2014 and 2018. She worked at PG&E Company managing environmental regulatory compliance for air, water, and toxic substances and sustainability initiatives.
Moulton-Peters is a graduate of Stanford University’s Program in Human Biology with a concentration in environmental policy. In Summer 2022, she completed the Harvard Kennedy School Program for Senior Executives in Local and State Government. Stephanie and her husband live in Mill Valley and have two adult sons.
Stephanie Moulton-Peters is Marin C ounty Supervisor for District 3, which includes Sausalito, Floating Homes, Marin City, Tam Valley, Almonte, Mill Valley, Almonte, Alto-Sutton Manor, Strawberry, Tiburon, and Belvedere. Stephanie is dedicated to transparent, responsive, effective, and inclusive government that serves the needs of all constituents. Supervisor Moulton-Peters’ priorities include: flooding and wildfire prevention, climate change and sea level rise, racial equity, transportation and ensuring the health and well-being including affordable housing and social services to those she serves.
Stephanie serves on several local and regional boards including the Metropolitan Transportation C ommission (MTC), Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC ), Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District, Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) of which she is past Chair and is currently Chair of the Marin County-City Sea Level Rise C ollaborative, BayWAVE. She also serves on the Marin Housing Authority, Marin Flood and W ater Conservation District, among other commissions, boards and subcommittees.
Prior to being elected Supervisor, Stephanie served three terms on the Mill Valley City Council and as Mayor in 2010, 2014 and 2018. She worked at PG&E Company managing environmental regulatory compliance for air, water, and toxic substances and sustainability initiatives.
Moulton-Peters is a graduate of Stanford University’s Program in Human Biology with a concentration in environmental policy. In Summer 2022, she completed the Harvard Kennedy School Program for Senior Executives in Local and State Government. Stephanie and her husband live in Mill Valley and have two adult sons.
Maika Llorens Gulati, Board Member
Maika Llorens Gulati is a Council member for district 1 in San Rafael. She was the first elected Hispanic school board trustee for the San Rafael Board of Education since 2015, finishing her term in December of 2020 as President of the Board. Passionate about education, equity and the environment, Maika is the Executive Director of Slide Ranch, a nonprofit in West Marin connecting children to nature. Prior to that, she served for 6 years as the Executive Director for HeadsUp –the San Rafael Public Education foundation.
Maika was a co-founder and co-owner of a small business in downtown San Rafael for 5 years—Sabor of Spain—, where she received the Best Small Business of the Year Award and Best Customer Service Award. She has over 20+ years of international marketing and communications experience working with Fortune 500, midsize and entrepreneurial companies in both technology and service’s sectors.
She also is a co-founder and School Board liaison of SchoolsRule, a council member of Marin Promise, Voces de Marin planning committee and a member of the San Rafael Chamber Education Committee. Previously, she served as Board member for the San Rafael Downtown Improvement District (BID) and the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. Maika was also part of the committee for Measures A & B parcel tax campaign and a member of the City of San Rafael Climate Change Action Plan Green Ribbon Initiative – Purchasing and Recycling Team.
In 2017 Maika received the Hector Cortés Community Service Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Marin for her passion as a strong advocate for high-quality education and as the first elected Hispanic Board Trustee for the San Rafael City Schools Board of Education. Maika and her husband Ashwin have resided in San Rafael since 1998. She received her B.S. in Marketing and Business Administration from ESIC (Spain) and she is bicultural and biliterate in English and Spanish.
Maika Llorens Gulati is a Council member for district 1 in San Rafael. She was the first elected Hispanic school board trustee for the San Rafael Board of Education since 2015, finishing her term in December of 2020 as President of the Board. Passionate about education, equity and the environment, Maika is the Executive Director of Slide Ranch, a nonprofit in West Marin connecting children to nature. Prior to that, she served for 6 years as the Executive Director for HeadsUp –the San Rafael Public Education foundation.
Maika was a co-founder and co-owner of a small business in downtown San Rafael for 5 years—Sabor of Spain—, where she received the Best Small Business of the Year Award and Best Customer Service Award. She has over 20+ years of international marketing and communications experience working with Fortune 500, midsize and entrepreneurial companies in both technology and service’s sectors.
She also is a co-founder and School Board liaison of SchoolsRule, a council member of Marin Promise, Voces de Marin planning committee and a member of the San Rafael Chamber Education Committee. Previously, she served as Board member for the San Rafael Downtown Improvement District (BID) and the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce. Maika was also part of the committee for Measures A & B parcel tax campaign and a member of the City of San Rafael Climate Change Action Plan Green Ribbon Initiative – Purchasing and Recycling Team.
In 2017 Maika received the Hector Cortés Community Service Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Marin for her passion as a strong advocate for high-quality education and as the first elected Hispanic Board Trustee for the San Rafael City Schools Board of Education. Maika and her husband Ashwin have resided in San Rafael since 1998. She received her B.S. in Marketing and Business Administration from ESIC (Spain) and she is bicultural and biliterate in English and Spanish.