Introducing the New Office of Sustainability
The Office of Sustainability has undergone some new and exciting changes this spring! For those of you who don’t know, Katharine Targett Gross, the former Sustainability Officer, departed Lehigh in early spring 2022 for a position in the private sector. Under Katherine’s leadership, some key accomplishments included the development of Lehigh’s Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 and Climate Action Strategy, and Lehigh being named a Green Ribbon Schools Post Secondary Sustainability Awardee by the U.S. Department of Education. While change can sometimes bring on a wave of uncertainty, Katharine’s leave opened the opportunity to re-evaluate the Office of Sustainability’s future and expand its staffing.
In March 2022, Audrey McSain was promoted to the new position of Sustainability Director.
Audrey joined Lehigh’s Office of Sustainability in August 2019 as the Sustainability Program Manager and became instrumental in engaging the campus through events, programming, and effective communication strategies that support Lehigh’s Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030. During her time as program manager, Audrey developed and implemented Lehigh’s first EcoCoin Program, supported the Hungry Hawks platform development, provided oversight for the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market, led the Eco-Rep Leadership Program, and more. Audrey’s program management skills elevated the standing of sustainability across campus and engaged students, faculty, and staff throughout the months of remote learning and work.
Audrey’s new role encompasses many of the responsibilities previously held by Katharine Targett Gross. In her role as Sustainability Director, Audrey retains her events and program management responsibilities. New areas include ongoing Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 implementation, sustainability staff management, and developing new and exciting ways to better engage Lehigh Alumni and the community in sustainability topics, best practices, and goals. She continues to work closely with staff and offices in other units such as LU Facilities, Lehigh Dining, Purchasing Services, Housing Services, Transportation and Parking Services, the Office of Residence Life, Development, and Alumni Relations, the Lehigh Sustainability Council, and various alumni groups.
In May 2022, Kelley Versocki joined the Office of Sustainability as the new Marketing and Communication Specialist.
Kelley is an experienced marketer and professional photographer. Driven by a love for visual storytelling and communication, she takes pride in being a strategic brand builder. She has spearheaded the marketing and PR campaigns for national businesses and local non-profits promoting a myriad of products, services, venues, and events. Her work has most recently been seen in People Magazine, Food & Wine, and Buzzfeed. With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and over 15 years of experience working with children, youth, and young adults, she has a passion for sustainable community development, equity, and inclusion.
Kelley will be responsible for developing and executing internal and external communications and marketing strategies for University Business Services, focusing on Sustainability and Real Estate Services at Lehigh. She will integrate these communications efforts into partnerships with departments across the University to build and deepen staff, faculty, and student engagement in sustainable behaviors. Kelley will monitor and assess the impact of these engagement and communication efforts and use this information to inform and adapt programs and initiatives.
In May 2022, Keegan Schealer also joined the Office of Sustainability as Campus Sustainability Analyst.
Keegan recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy and Economics from Moravian University. At Moravian, he was deeply involved in campus sustainability as the Vice President of the Environmental Coalition and a sustainability committee member. His background includes work in local climate action planning, renewable energy, and youth climate education.
Keegan will be responsible for gathering and analyzing sustainability-related data and ensuring the completion of sustainability assessments and reports, the position tracks, benchmarks, and analyzes a wide range of metrics related to Lehigh’s operations. This position collaborates and works closely with several departments on campus to accurately track and report data. Keegan will monitor and assess the impact of programs and operations by using both qualitative and quantitative methods and use this information to inform and recommend changes. Like Kelley, Keegan will also support University Business Services, focusing on Real Estate Services.
In 2019 Deb Martin joined the Office of Sustainability as the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market Manager and in 2021 she began working with the Lehigh Community Garden.
Deb has a degree in horticulture from Purdue University and has been the author, co-author, and editor of several books on topics such as composting, organic gardening, and attracting/feeding wild birds. She has 10 years experience working at farmers markets including 10 seasons with the Emmaus Farmers’ Market and two seasons working with the esteemed Rodale Institute. Deb is committed to improving food access and building a robust local food system that serves all members of the Lehigh Valley community. To that end she has been involved with the Lehigh Valley Food Policy Council and continues to work tirelessly to elevate and expand the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market.
Deb has been instrumental in managing the Bethlehem Farmers Market since 2019. During her time at Lehigh, Deb has taken on additional duties, including assisting with the writing and communications for the Office of Sustainability and serving as the Office of Sustainability’s liaison in the Lehigh Community Garden. Deb will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market and Lehigh Community Garden. She will manage vendors and musical artists for the market, organize and maintain the community garden, and promote sustainable practices across both initiatives. Additionally, she will seek out local community partners to deepen community, staff, faculty, and student engagement in both the farmers market and community garden.