Kari Binley, Executive Director [Email]
As a newcomer to San Mateo County, Kari’s fledgling interest in sustainability brought her to engage with SSMC first as a volunteer. Her quick grasp of the issues and business know-how were recognized at a time when, unbeknownst to her, SSMC was looking for an Executive Director. Kari brings with her years of experience in the business world and more specifically in consumer marketing. Her background, launching new technologies in the consumer electronics industry, brings a fresh viewpoint to the sustainability issues about which she cares. Kari brings a practical, can-do approach to sustainability that engages others in the sustainable issues that impact their daily lives.

Susanne Harkness, Administrator [Email]
Susanne is involved in all aspects of the organization, including development, event coordination, program management and office administration. Prior to SSMC, she owned and operated a gift and home accessories store in San Carlos. Susanne also works for the San Carlos Chamber of Commerce in Membership Development. Susanne is passionate about securing a strong local economy by supporting small business and sustainable neighborhood development.

Michael Carpol, Energy Ambassador Program Manager [Email]
Michael Carpol is the Program Manager for the Energy Ambassador Program for Sustainable San Mateo County. Michael started as an intern with SSMC when the Energy Ambassador Program began. Michael is constantly improving his industry knowledge in courses through UCLA, the Solar Living Institute, and PG&E, as well as learning from professionals. Michael’s personal experience with solar and energy efficiency in his home give him a sense of what the benefits and what the costs are to the homeowner. Michael is passionate about using social marketing and interaction for the greater good through Socianthropy, Edutainment, and Funinteering. Michael graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in Economics and minors in Public Policy and Environmental Studies.

Adam Lynch, Project Coordinator - Indicators Report [Email]
As Project Coordinator for the annual Indicators for a Sustainable San Mateo County report, Adam is responsible for all research, editing, and volunteer management associated with the Indicators program. Adam brings over seven years of environmental consulting and sustainability experience to SSMC, having worked in private, public, and non-profit sectors. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Environmental Science, Adam’s first entrée into the field was working on a contract to bring the principles of sustainability to the US Army. Returning to school to pursue a Masters degree at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley, Adam spent a summer with the Office of the Legislative Analyst in San Francisco researching CEQA reform, and supported a fledgling non-profit in North Carolina (Sustainable Sandhills) by developing a strategic fundraising and management plan for their first three years of operation.