LEADERSHIP
Who leads the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition?
The Grand Rapids Climate Coalition recognizes that climate leadership takes many forms and thrives in many expressions. At the same time, the operations and strategy of this coalition is guided by a voluntary leadership team (called the Executive Committee). Members of the Executive Committee (or EC, for short) serve one-year terms, beginning each May, which they can renew if they choose and the coalition assents. This team welcomes new members who would like to become more active in the work of the GR Climate Coalition. Current members include:
Jessica Austin
Executive Committee Member
Ward 2
Jessica M. Austin is an accomplished environmental justice advocate based in Grand Rapids, MI. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health Management from Grand Valley State University. Jessica specializes in coalition-building, community engagement, and strategic planning.
As a member of the AmeriCorps Michigan Healthy Climate Corps, Jessica worked with the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC). In this role, she collaborated with targeted neighborhoods to align them with Michigan's Statewide Climate Agenda, empowering smaller community-based organizations with the knowledge and resources needed to foster resilience and sustainable practices.
Passionate about leading teams and engaging communities, Jessica focuses on educating others about policies that impact development opportunities. She is dedicated to promoting equity and building coalitions that empower local communities. Through collaboration with diverse groups, she aims to enhance community development through advocacy and awareness.
Sarah Chatterley
Co-Chair
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Jonathan Hand
Executive Committee Member
Ward 3
Jonathan joined the EC in 2025 and has been focused on communicating with the city and understanding the budget. For his day job, he is an environmental scientist and engineer. When he is not working or volunteering with the coalition, he enjoys reading and spending time with his family.
Gloria Koch
Treasurer
Ward 2
Gloria moved to GR in 2018 with the goal of being involved in local climate issues. She learned about GRCC and though it a good fit. In the past Gloria worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Dayton, Ohio. She raised two children, one of whom lives in GR and the other near Cincinnati. In addition to GRCC, Gloria works on securing the legal rights to protect our environment with the Michigan Green Amendment.
Dani Niewenhuis
Secretary
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Nate Rauh-Bieri
Co-Chair
Ward 2
Nate has been involved with the coalition as a volunteer leader since its beginning in 2021. He serves on the communications team and executive committee. He is passionate about climate action coaching, especially learning alongside folks new to these issues; movement and mobility; climate mental health; and environmental justice. A more recent resident to Grand Rapids, he likes to explore the city's parks and neighborhoods by running and bike.
Kilian Roach
Executive Committee Member & Social Media
Ward 1
Kilian is an Environmental Health & Safety Specialist and proud graduate of Grand Valley State University, bringing a deep commitment to community driven climate action and sustainability leadership. In her professional work, she focuses on advancing environmental responsibility and safety, while outside of work she finds inspiration through time spent outdoors, creative DIY projects, and lifelong learning. Kilian is passionate about building collaborative, equitable solutions to local climate challenges. With a systems-thinking mindset and a strong belief in collective healing, she is dedicated to helping shape a more resilient, just, and sustainable future for the community.
Janet Zahn
Co-Chair
Ward 1
Janet is a founding member of GRCC and has been Co-Chair since 2021. Her favorite thing about doing this work is the engagement with so many people. She loves bringing together folks with shared interests, and will meet with anyone interested in working together on solutions to the climate emergency. Her enthusiastic vibe gets her through the chaos of this time, and she continues to hold out hope for the future. In her spare time, she gardens, hikes, swims in Lake Michigan and is a long time DJ on WYCE.
Kymie Spring
Executive Committee Member
Ward 2
Volunteer Program Design & Management
Organizing / Advocating / Community Outreach
Event Planning / Logistics / Implementation
Program Manager' outreach, education and voters' rights & protection work
Wesley Watson
Executive Committee Member
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