Montgomery Co. Names First Ever Chief Sustainability Officer

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County has announced its first ever chief sustainability officer in an effort to recenter environmental awareness as part of their long term goals. The selection is Devi Ramkissoon, a former USAID employee and the director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.

The new leadership role will spearhead the county's efforts at expanding to clean electricity, reenable energy for heat, renewable energy for transportation, and more.

“In 2025, we are at a critical point in shaping the County’s clean energy future,” said Neil Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “With Devi Ramkissoon as our new Chief Sustainability Officer, we have the expertise and leadership to focus on our ambitious energy and environmental goals–ensuring we can pursue innovative, cost-effective savings.”

Specifically, Ramkissoon will take charge of moving the county toward stated sustainability objectives, including operating fully on clean electricity by 2035 and using only renewable heat and transportation by 2050.

A graduate of both Swarthmore College and Georgetown University, Ramkissoon has experience directing food security and economic growth programs in partnership with Fortune 500 companies to improve sustainable development. She said that Montgomery County has "long been a leader" in sustainability, pointing to its recent commitments and the joint-southeastern Pennsylvania county purchase of clean electricity earlier this year.

"I'm looking forward to advancing our sustainability outcomes even further by taking a holistic approach that balances environment, community, and equitable economic growth," Ramkissoon added.