Amanda Leland’s Post

View profile for Amanda Leland, graphic

Executive Director, Environmental Defense Fund | Board member, Children’s National Hospital

Throwback Thursday: 20 Years at EDF Well, it’s official: I have worked at EDF for a generation. OK, maybe not in the literal sense but 20 years constitutes a biological generation, so I think it counts. And in today’s workforce, where people tend to switch employers every couple of years, maybe even more so. Last night someone asked if I liked being at EDF. I said I’ve been with the organization for 20 years and he rightfully noted that I hadn’t answered the question. Given another opportunity I replied: I make this choice every day, and so far, it’s the right one. Let me explain... I’m in the privileged position of getting to choose my professional circumstances. And I consider and reevaluate that choice every day, because professional privilege comes with real responsibility. I need to be confident I'm doing the most good with my time in the workforce. And EDF has consistently checked all the boxes. Over the past 20 years, I've contributed to remarkable and tangible improvements for people and the planet. I’m so proud of our work raising awareness on the urgency of addressing methane pollution to slow global warming; how we’ve used science to bridge difficult geopolitical boundaries and partisan divides; how we’ve shaped the climate and sustainability imperative for companies large and small so that climate action makes business sense. I’m personally thankful for the opportunity I had working with colleagues and partners to transform U.S. fisheries from collapse to amongst the best managed in the world, improving livelihoods and ocean health. EDF has established a powerful global platform that delivers results, and I get to cultivate and contribute to its effectiveness every day. But impact isn't the only reason I stay. Two other factors weigh in my choice: people and support. EDFers often tell me they came for the mission and stay for the people. And I would say the same. I have so much joy and satisfaction being around my colleagues—some of the smartest, most creative, caring, and committed people I've had the pleasure to know. What you want more than anything when leading an organization is to know you can rely on your closest colleagues to have excellent judgement in head and heart. EDF certainly checks that box. But the past 20 years haven't always been easy, I got married, had two kids, expanded to a 3-generation family in one residence. And most notably, suffered through diagnosis and treatment of my daughter’s rare brain cancer, and the aftermath of chemotherapy in an infant’s brain. EDF and its people supported me and my family at every step of that unimaginable path. When the going gets tough, you want to know that your employer has your back. Third—and potentially most important—box ticked. I won't claim EDF is without challenges and warts. But the wisdom from 20 years of challenges and opportunities shows you what matters most. Thank you to my EDF friends and colleagues for making this a journey to remember.

  • No alternative text description for this image
Thomas Lingard

Advancing systemic responses to planetary and technological risks.

3w

Long tenure in organisations seems to be going out of fashion but those of us who have made a career out of having a long range vision for our organisations, being the repository of instituional memory and learning, and helping steer the course over decades, know there’s a special value in that is hard to quantify - especially in a field that is all about intergenerational sustainability. Thanks for your leadership both at EDF and at Climate Catalyst where I’m proud to serve alongside you. Here’s to the next 20! 🥂

Praveen Amar

Independent Consultant, Environment, Energy, and Climate Strategies

3w

Amanda : I have worked with EDF as an outside consultant on matters related to air pollution technologies for mercury control from power plants with EDF office in Boulder Colorado. I do not know you directly. I read your beautiful and heartfelt note on your 20th anniversary at EDF. I have always admired EDF and their work on matters related to air and climate. People like you make EDF a very important organization. I wish you the best and hope you motivate the next generation of environmental professionals Praveen Amar

Sean Cook, PHR, SHRM-CP

EVP, Chief HR & Administrative Officer at Environmental Defense Fund

3w

Congratulations on reaching this incredible 20-year milestone at EDF, Amanda! 🎉 Your dedication to making a meaningful impact not only shines through your impressive achievements but also in the daily choices you make to stay and grow with EDF. Your journey is a testament to the power of commitment and the profound influence of nurturing relationships at work. Your story is inspiring, especially how you gracefully and resiliently balance personal challenges with professional responsibilities. Here's to more years of innovation, leadership, and shared successes. EDF is fortunate to have you, and I am even more pleased to call you my colleague, boss, and friend. Sean

Stephen Hale

Chief Executive at Climate Catalyst

3w

Beautifully written. So much to agree with. Great people do indeed make great organisations. And in addition to all your leadership Environmental Defense Fund your support and advice has been truly instrumental to our journey and success Climate Catalyst. Thank you. 👋

Marek Chrapa

R&D, Process Engineer and Inventor | Materials + Semiconductors | Physics Chemistry Optics Fluid Mechanics| Weather and Climate Engineering | Earthquake and Severe Weather Predictions, Holographic Climate Global Model

3w

Hello,  I would like to report - earthquake prediction model- second well documented case.  My climate model seems to work.  I kindly invite scientists and responsible institutions for collaboration.  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7212139665267564544-6BPM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop kind regards,  Marek Chrapa

Like
Reply
Marek Chrapa

R&D, Process Engineer and Inventor | Materials + Semiconductors | Physics Chemistry Optics Fluid Mechanics| Weather and Climate Engineering | Earthquake and Severe Weather Predictions, Holographic Climate Global Model

3w

Nature based solution climate model + monitoring + possible extreme weather reduction without chemicals can be possible. Reporting discovery on climate modeling and influencing principles: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7212334972756500480-7FaE?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop Please forward it to relevant people and organizations.

Like
Reply
William F. Precht

Fellow of the International Society for Reef Studies Director, Marine & Coastal Programs at Dial Cordy and Associates Inc.

3w

Amanda. Congrats on 20 years of amazing service and leadership. You have come a long way from those days at DBML. Awesome - keep up the great work. The planet needs you. PS. Check out your LinkedIn messages.

Avery Slusher

Renewable Energy Specialist

3w

Congrats on 20 years! I talk to people every day about what they want in a company, and you're exactly right: People & Support Especially in this industry, company mission and buy in is key. This work can be both inspiring and frustrating, and the right team makes all the difference!

Like
Reply
Liz Gillette, CFP®

Founder & Senior Financial Advisor

3w

Thank you for sharing that beautiful insight into your tenure at EDF. They're incredibly lucky to have you 👏

Like
Reply
Karianna C.

MSc, Business Strategist | Communications & Connection Expert

3w

Thank you for sharing such an honest perspective! It's a great reminder of what matters when we choose the organizations to work with. And congratulations on 20 years - you've accomplished so much! 🎉

Like
Reply
See more comments

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics