Thompson Names Micheli As Sonoma County's Climate Crisis Champion

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson recognized Dr. Lisa Micheli, former president & CEO of the Pepperwood Foundation, as Sonoma County’s 2024 Climate Crisis Champion.

Micheli was honored during a ceremony Monday to celebrate climate crisis champions from the five counties of the 4th Congressional District.

"Dr. Micheli is a tireless advocate for climate change adaptation and environmental protection as well as a dedicated mentor shaping the next generation of climate leaders," Thompson said. "Dr. Micheli has put her doctorate in energy and resources from UC Berkeley to good use, serving as the Sonoma Community Services and Environment Commissioner, directing the Rutherford Reach Restoration of the Napa River, and founding the Pepperwood Foundation, which has become a leading institute for regional climate resilience in Northern California. She is exceptionally deserving of this award, and I am proud to recognize all that Dr. Micheli has accomplished."

According to Thompson's Office, champions are selected for their significant efforts to combat the ongoing climate crisis and protect the environment at home in their community.

Here is the complete list of this year's climate crisis champions:

• Clay Shannon, Lake County
• Napa Schools for Climate Action, Napa County
• Ian Anderson, Solano County
• Dr. Lisa Micheli, Sonoma County
• Maria Contreras Tebbutt, Yolo County

"Through their advocacy, champions are helping to build a more sustainable future for all," Thompson's staff said.

From Pepperwood Leader To Pepperwood Ambassador

Micheli announced Thursday she was moving on from her role as president and CEO of the Pepperwood Foundation, which manages the 3,200-acre Pepperwood Preserve in Sonoma County.

"I stand by to serve as a champion and ally in this new chapter, promoting Pepperwood worldwide as a demonstration site for science- and community-based climate resilience," Micheli wrote in a farewell letter.

Herb Dwight, chairman of the Board of Directors & Pepperwood, expressed his gratitude to Micheli for her "abundant contributions."

"As we launch this new phase, the Board of Directors and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Lisa Micheli for her remarkable and abundant contributions during her nearly fifteen years as our initial Executive Director and CEO," Dwight wrote.

"Under Lisa’s leadership, Pepperwood evolved into a hub for scientific research and conservation, specializing in climate adaptation, wildfire resilience, and many other aspects of conservation science and education. Her strong legacy ensures that Pepperwood will continue to support and advance science-based conservation throughout our region and beyond. And I’m pleased to report that as she moves into a research affiliate emeritus role, Lisa will continue to serve as a Pepperwood ambassador via international collaborations derived from her recent Fulbright Fellowship."