About

Our Mission

We support and connect climate adaptation professionals to advance innovation in the field of practice. ASAP is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization.

History

Our History

American Society of Adaptation Professionals (ASAP) began in 2011 with the vision of building a home for people working on climate change adaptation where they could connect with each other, share information, and build on successes while moving away from approaches that aren't working. ASAP was formed as a professional society that could help bridge the geographic and sectoral gaps that naturally develop in any field-and especially in the diverse, dynamic, and emerging field of climate adaptation. No longer would individuals be isolated working on their own to make a difference. No longer would the sectors be so fragmented in their approaches to building resilience. No longer would communities, regions, or states need to start from scratch to build and prioritize their strategies to increase climate resilience.

Our Values & Beliefs

ASAP has adopted the following member created Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics (Code of Ethics) to enhance the benefits of the climate adaptation and related professional fields to humanity and the living systems upon which we all depend, to uphold the dignity and honor of the adaptation profession, and to provide guidance for individual members, organizational members, or for members in association with other professions.

In 2020, the ASAP Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee finalized the ASAP Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement to guide the ASAP Network. The JEDI Committee provides education and support for ASAP members to integrate JEDI into their adaptation work. It also provides accountability and insight to ASAP as an organization as it seeks to model JEDI principles in its management and programs. Read the ASAP Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement here. 

The following represent the foundational values and beliefs that the members of American Society of Adaptation Professionals hold:

Climate change is a real and serious danger to all sectors and systems. Its root causes must be addressed.

Adaptation and resilience build stronger, more prepared regions, ecosystems, communities, economies, neighborhoods, and households.

Adaptation and resilience must serve the interests and health of the natural world, both because of its intrinsic value and because these interests also serve those of human health, security, and overall well-being.

Adaptive decision-making, creativity, innovation, and transformative problem solving are essential to address new and changing climate conditions.

Individuals and communities on the frontlines of climate change hold expertise and resilience that must be centered in adaptation processes and decisions.

Science is a critical foundation for our climate adaptation knowledge.

Grave injustices of the past, which have been allowed to perpetuate today, have created an unjust and inequitable society. Climate change exacerbates these inequities, as those who are the least responsible for climate change are often the most impacted.

We are proud of the work we have accomplished together as a network. This work is possible because of our network values:

 

Reciprocity 

 

 

Open-Access

 

 

Something for Every Member

 

Trust

 

 

Member Driven

 

As we continue on this path together, we know that our network will be a space where we lift each other up, find ways to serve the field, and deeply connect across difference - no matter what the world throws at us. 

Our People

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Rachel Jacobson

Acting Director

Rachel Jacobson leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of ASAP's programs. She connects adaptation people and ideas by overseeing the ASAP Connects program, advances effective adaptation practice through the Adaptation Careers program, and supports adaptation leadership development and field-wide capacity building through the ASAP Serves program. Internally, Rachel lead's ASAP's monitoring and evaluation efforts and ensures new activities align with member values and ASAP priorities. Contact Rachel to learn about member programs, discuss ASAP's strategic priorities and policy priorities, and brainstorm ways to leverage the ASAP Network to advance the adaptation field. Rachel holds B.A., M.P.P, and M.S. degrees from the University of Michigan, and a Certificate in Environmental Law and Regulation from the University of Washington. Email Rachel at rjacobson@adaptpros.org or reach her by phone at (617) 520-4339.

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Breana Nehls

Program Manager

Breana enthusiastically supports and connects our ASAP members through our many engagement opportunities. Breana empowers the ASAP network to create lasting impacts in their local communities by connecting them to ASAP resources. Looking to connect with an ASAP member or join one of our member groups? Contact Breana for more information on member groups and resources to accelerate your local adaptation efforts. Breana holds two B.A. in environmental studies and geography from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Email Breana at bnehls@adaptpros.org.

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Jeff Fournier

Finance and Operations Director

Jeff is a social profit innovator with two decades of experience leading finance and operations at the local, national, and international scale. He's a systems thinker working to identify and leverage operational efficiencies to align revenue generation with sustainable mission impact and growth. He holds an M.B.A. from Antioch New England University plus a B.A. in Outdoor Education & Leadership and an A.A. in Natural Resource Management from Sterling College in Craftsbury Vermont. Jeff is your go to for all billing and finance questions at ASAP. You can reach him at finance@adaptpros.org.

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Kyla Bloyer

Communications Manager

Kyla leads the development, execution, and successful implementation of communication strategies that support the mission and organizational goals of ASAP. She works with the communications team and the ASAP staff team to share program opportunities and accomplishments, lift up member stories, build the ASAP brand, and strengthen the adaptation field by providing impactful and timely communications through proper channels. Kyla is passionate about our environment and utilizes her communications background to make an impact in our communities and adaptation practices. Kyla holds a B.A. in Communications Media and a Master's in Climate Change and Society from North Carolina State University. Email Kyla at kbloyer@adaptpros.org.

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Meagan Putnam

Program Assistant

Meagan is a recent graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with History and Business. As ASAP’s Program Assistant, she supports the Programs team, with virtual events, meetings, and digital communications. Email Meagan at mputnam@adaptpros.org.

Board of Directors

The ASAP Board of Directors provides both strategic leadership and management support to achieve ASAP’s mission, vision, and objectives. Board Members bring their enthusiasm and expertise to propel the organization toward a stable and impactful future.

Learn more about ASAP and the Board of Directors’ roles and responsibilities.

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Julia Kim

Senior Project Manager

Julia joined the Local Government Commission (LGC) in March of 2015 and serves as the Director of Climate and Energy Programs. She helps to create livable, resilient communities by partnering with public agencies, community leaders, and key stakeholders throughout California on place-based climate resilience initiatives while supporting the advancement of the climate change field at-large.

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Jennifer Jurado

Chief Resilience Officer, Deputy Department Director at Broward County Government

Dr. Jennifer Jurado is responsible for leading Broward County’s climate resilience initiatives and environmental programs focused on policy, planning and management. She has been a participant in the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact since its formation in 2009, and has been a primary contributor to water management and economic resilience focal areas. She currently serves on the board of directors for the American Society of Adaptation Professionals and the American Geophysical Union’s Thriving Earth Exchange.

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Emily Wasley

Internal: Senior Associate, External: Senior Climate Risk & Resilience Specialist

I have over 10 years of experience working with a variety of organizations on domestic and international climate change science, policy, and strategy. I currently help support the Federal government to integrate the latest science of climate change and its impacts into their policies, plans, and actions on-the-ground. I am a science translator and boundary spanner!

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Jacqueline Patterson

NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program

Jacqueline Patterson is the Director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program. Since 2007 Patterson has served as coordinator & co-founder of Women of Color United. Jacqui Patterson has worked as a researcher, program manager, coordinator, advocate and activist working on women‘s rights, violence against women, HIV&AIDS, racial justice, economic justice, and environmental and climate justice. Patterson served as a Senior Women’s Rights Policy Analyst for ActionAid where she integrated a women’s rights lens for the issues of food rights, macroeconomics, and climate change as well as the intersection of violence against women and HIV&AIDS.

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John R. Nordgren

Managing Director

John developed and launched the Climate Resilience Fund (CRF) in 2017 and currently serves as its Managing Director. John is also Principal of Foresight Partners, Inc., a consultancy focused in part on helping foundations more effectively incorporate climate considerations into their grantmaking programs and the work of their grantees. He previously served as Senior Advisor, Climate Change (2015) for the Michigan-based Kresge Foundation and as Senior Program Officer (2009-2014) for Kresge’s Environment Program, where he developed and implemented Kresge’s strategies for advancing the field of climate change adaptation, facilitating over $60M in investments over a seven-year tenure.

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Missy Stults

Independent Consultant

Dr. Missy Stults is the Sustainability and Innovations Manager for the City of Ann Arbor. In this role, she works with all city operations, residents, businesses, the University of Michigan, nonprofits, and others to make Ann Arbor one of the most sustainable and equitable cities in America. Prior to joining the City, Missy worked with cities and tribal communities to advance their climate and sustainability goals and as a consultant to philanthropic organizations, helping them integrate resilience thinking into their investment portfolios.

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Susy Torriente

City Resilience, Global Technology Leader

Susy creates solutions when people with different viewpoints come together to collaborate on complex issues. Working previously as an assistant county and city manager and chief resilience officer, she managed a diverse group of issues and staff; asking questions and communicating effectively has enabled her success. She turns silos to pipelines. Every planning process she has managed starts with handpicking a diverse team. Her role on Miami Dade County’s first sustainability plan created a core team of scientists, engineers, urban planners, strategic planners, communicators and budget analysts — a perfect interdisciplinary match of subject matter experts and pragmatic generalists. In 2016, Miami Beach, along with the City of Miami and Miami Dade County, joined the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities Network. As chief resilience officer for Miami Beach, she was one of three architects in a 3-year, intergovernmental collaboration that resulted in Resilient 305, which involved countless hours engaging with stakeholders and subject matter experts. 

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Shameika Hanson

The Nature Conservancy, Community Protection Specialist

Shameika has over a decade of experience in the environmental field focusing on interpersonal communications, sustainable development, climate change, and the intersection of these and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion issues. A wide network of people working in the field at various levels from govt and education, to on-the-ground organizers working in communities. A process-oriented mindset with strong facilitation and organizing skills.

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Past Board Members:

  • Steve Adams, Institute for Sustainable Communities
  • Eric Mielbrecht, EcoAdapt
  • Joyce Coffee, Climate Resilience Consulting
  • Susanne Moser, Susanne Moser Consulting
  • James Murley, Miami-Dade County
  • Josh Foster, Maryland Department of Transportation
  • Jessica Grannis, National Audubon Society

Interested in joining the ASAP Team?

See Our Careers

Organizational Members

Organizational members are change-makers, they accelerate impact and they are leading the field of adaptation.

ASAP's organizational members gain climate adaptation credibility and visibility through advertising opportunities. Members also receive special event and conference discounts, communication promotion opportunities, and connection to the network. Membership provides professional opportunities for staff such as sector or issue-based interest groups and regional leadership.

Increase your impact with an organizational membership, explore member benefits here.