Norwalk Appoints City's First Director Of Sustainability, Resilience

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling announced Wednesday he has appointed Jodi Trendler as Norwalk's first director of sustainability and resilience.

According to a news release provided by the city, Trendler will lead the implementation of the city's Sustainability and Resilience Plan and advise and assist the mayor, city departments and the Common Council on sustainability best practices and policy development in this American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded position.

Trendler will also oversee the integration of sustainable practices into city operations, create action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resource efficiency and help secure grants and funding for sustainability projects, according to the city.

"I am thrilled to welcome Jodi Trendler to the city of Norwalk as our director of sustainability and resilience," Rilling said in a news release. "Jodi brings a wealth of expertise in climate action planning, zero waste strategies and fostering resilient communities. Her experiences highlights her commitment to innovative, actionable solutions for environmental challenges and her academic achievements and numerous affiliations and certifications underscore her knowledge and passion for building a sustainable future. Jodi's leadership will be critical in this role, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, of advancing Norwalk's environmental initiatives so we can achieve our goal of becoming the greenest city in Connecticut. I look forward to seeing the incredible work she will carry out with our city and community partners, working together towards a more sustainable city."

According to the city, Trendler has 20 years of experience in sustainability within the municipal and non-profit sector, specializing in climate action planning and zero waste work.

Trendler joins the city of Norwalk after working as a sustainability consultant for the Metropolitan Mayor Caucus Environmental Committee in Chicago, where she conducted research to create recommendations to connect environmental justice communities with community-based organizations to maximize funding opportunities for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Trendler also served as the founding chairperson for the Naperville Environment and Sustainability Task Force, the official city advisory committee in Naperville, Ill.

Additionally, she served as executive director and co-founder of The Resiliency Institute, an organization that focuses on building resilient communities through education and action for sustainable systems design for communities, natural resources and daily living.

"I am excited to join the city of Norwalk as the new director of sustainability and resilience and honored to work alongside Mayor Rilling to achieve his goal of making Norwalk the greenest city in Connecticut," Trendler said in a news release. "With the adoption of the impressive Sustainability and Resilience Plan last March, we have a strong foundation to develop an implementation strategy that will drive real impact for the entire community. Engaging the community will continue to be at the heart of this work, ensuring that all residents have a voice in shaping a more sustainable, resilient future. I look forward to collaborating with city leaders, local businesses and organizations to turn our shared vision into action."

Trendler received her bachelor's in psychology from the University of Illinois, master's degree in psychology from Roosevelt University and earned a second master's degree in sustainability from Harvard University Extension School.

Trendler is an adjunct professor of horticulture and sustainable urban agriculture at the college of DuPage and teaches global sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University.