DETROIT, October 19, 2020 -- EcoWorks announced today that Bryan Lewis has been named the next Executive Director of the environmental non-profit. Most recently the Program Director of EcoWorks’ Youth Energy Squad, Lewis will bring his imaginative and justice-oriented approach to EcoWorks as the organization continues to support Detroit residents, institutions, and neighborhoods in achieving environmental sustainability.
“As a young black Detroiter who’s devoted his career to building an environment that works for us all, I couldn’t be more honored to step up and lead this organization at such a critical moment in our collective history,” said Lewis. “I look forward to working with this amazing team of community advocates to elevate environmental justice and sustainability in the City of Detroit and beyond.” Lewis will share more about his vision for EcoWorks at its upcoming 12th Annual Breakfast on October 23rd and a future virtual town hall.
“EcoWorks is proud to welcome Mr. Lewis back to the organization as its new Executive Director,” said Brett Gelbord, EcoWorks Board Chair. “His passion and experience will be invaluable to EcoWorks as we forge ahead in unique times. The Board and I are excited to work with him as he builds on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor, Justin Schott.”
“Bryan has always been a big thinker, but his commitment to the people he works with is what stands out most to me,” says Schott. “Bryan was instrumental in centering youth voice and decision-making, deepening authentic relationships with dozens of community partners, and institutionalizing an emergency fund to support staff. Bryan embodies our mission and core values to the fullest.”
Lewis was most recently Program Director of EcoWorks’ Youth Energy Squad (YES) where he worked with Detroit Public Schools students to learn about their environment and lead sustainability initiatives in their classrooms and communities. For this work, Lewis was appointed to Governor Whitmer’s Advisory Michigan Council on Environmental Justice (MAC-EJ). Additionally, he is a BMe Vanguard Fellow, a Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP), and an inaugural fellow with the Michigan Clean Energy Leaders Project. Prior to YES, Lewis attended Carnegie Mellon University, where he received a bachelor’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a master’s in Energy Science, Technology, and Policy.