Daniel Zarrilli, a civil engineer and climate-policy expert who joined Columbia as a special adviser on climate issues in 2021, has now been named the University’s first-ever chief climate and sustainability officer.
In this role, Zarilli will lead and coordinate the University’s wide-ranging efforts to achieve its climate commitments and related sustainability goals. This will include overseeing the implementation and delivery of Columbia’s “Plan 2030” sustainability strategy, serving as an adviser to multiple University climate-related policy-development initiatives, and cultivating relationships with stakeholders across the University community. Zarilli will also chair a new steering committee for climate action to align climate leadership across Columbia’s schools and campuses; collaborate with external partners to support Columbia’s sustainability initiatives; and advise senior leadership.
Zarrilli, who served as chief climate policy adviser in the New York City mayor’s office before joining Columbia, now reports to chief operating officer Cas Holloway. Columbia’s Office of Sustainability, led by Jessica Prata, has become part of Zarrilli’s portfolio.
