Marin County has appointed Nadia Seeteram as its first chief climate officer, a newly created role aimed at advancing the county’s response to climate change and sea level rise.
County Executive Derek Johnson announced Seeteram’s appointment during Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, calling the hire a “significant milestone” for the county as it expands its Climate and Sustainability Division within the office of the county executive.
Seeteram’s research has focused on climate risks in U.S. housing markets and the long-term effects of sea level rise on coastal communities. Most recently, she worked in New York state’s Office of Resilient Homes and Communities, where she led the state’s first proactive voluntary property buyout program to help communities adapt to increasing climate risks.
Johnson said Seeteram’s academic and professional background made her uniquely qualified to guide county investments and planning decisions as she oversees climate policy and resilience efforts.
Seeteram conducted her postdoctoral research at Columbia University’s Climate School. She earned a doctorate in earth systems science from Florida International University and examined ecosystem restoration and environmental policy in the Florida Everglades. Seeteram worked with New York’s Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s National Exposure Research Laboratory in Georgia.
New executive team evolving
The appointment comes as Marin County continues a broader restructuring of its executive leadership team. In April, the county named three assistant county executives to oversee operations, environmental services and health programs.
Josh Swedberg, formerly the county’s budget director, now leads county operations and resources, including human resources, information technology, elections and county counsel.
Former Sausalito City Manager Chris Zapata was appointed to oversee community and environmental services after more than 35 years in public administration, including leadership roles in Anaheim in Orange County and San Leandro in the Bay Area.
Lisa Warhuus, director of Marin County Health and Human Services, expanded her role to include assistant county executive responsibilities after previously leading Berkeley’s Health, Housing and Community Services Department. Warhuus is a psychologist with over 25 years of experience working in health and human services, education, social justice and system reform.
