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 Guidelines for Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice ("Guidelines") 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) Steering 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.

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

Equity and environmental justice should be major considerations in all work done by adaptation professionals.

The natural world renders countless essential services and intrinsic value, many of which are threatened by climate change.

Creativity, innovation and transformative problem solving are essential tenets of work that aims to address new and changing climate conditions.

Adaptation is and will continue to be a critical tool for ensuring that communities, infrastructure, the environment, cultural assets, our national security, and the economy continue to function and have the opportunity to thrive.

Adaptive decision-making is essential

Integrating consideration of future conditions and the full range of possible climate outcomes is essential for smart planning and in assessments of prospective risk and vulnerability.

Adaptation research, policies, practices, and actions are most effective when contextualized.

Adaptation strategies should be evaluated as to their impacts (positive and negative) to other systems, scales, and sectors.

Climate adaptation strategies and processes should recognize the economic and social determinants that compound vulnerability to climate risks.

Science is the basis for our knowledge of climate change vulnerability and risk.

Adaptation professionals are responsible to act on the basis of values as well as on what they know.

Our People

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Beth Gibbons

Executive Director

As ASAP's mission-driven leader, Beth strengthens ASAP as an emerging nonprofit organization. Beth nurtures relationships -including relationships with the ASAP Board of Directors and funders and partners in the field - always keeping her finger on the pulse of trends and opportunities to grow and strengthen the adaptation field. Beth strategically and mindfully leads ASAP toward future growth, while always keeping the mission close to heart. Beth loves connecting about adaptation and finding ways for members to make connections or advance their own careers. Her passion for the field is contagious and members should feel free to contact her, but always at the risk of finding themselves running out to start a new member group or host an event after being inspired.  Email Beth at bgibbons@adaptpros.org or reach her by phone at (734) 219-3529.

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Rachel Jacobson

Deputy Director

Rachel Jacobson leads the development, implementation and continuous improvement of ASAP's programs. She facilitates peer learning through our Mentorship Program, advances effective adaptation practice by stewarding our professional guidance resources, and builds field cohesion by convening the Member Advisory Group on Professional Education and Regional Adaptation Forum Organizers. Internally, Rachel lead's ASAP's monitoring and evaluation efforts and ensures new activities align with member values and ASAP strategic priorities. Contact Rachel to learn about member programs, discuss ASAP strategic 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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Marcela Reyes Ayala

Communications Specialist

Marcela tells stories that uplift the diversity of voices that exist within the adaptation field. She contributes to the organization’s operations by supporting  and ensuring that all of ASAP’s different departments and programs have their Communications needs covered. Engaging members with different life experiences through high-quality content is her primary mission. Do you have an adaptation story or an idea to share? Send her an email to learn more about our organization-wide communication services. Marcela holds a B.A. in Journalism and Media studies, as well as an M.A. in Literature and Discourse. Write her at mreyesayala@adaptpros.org.

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Breana Nehls

Program Coordinator

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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Kyle Sullivan

Program Assistant

Kyle supports ASAP members, partners, and staff across a broad set of programs, helping to ensure each project achieves its goals and vision. Kyle responds wherever needed to plan, implement, and evaluate new and mainstay ASAP activities and helps ensure success by keeping program teams informed and connected. Contact them to access any ASAP programs or resources, particularly the ASAP Mentorship Program and Regional Adaptation Leadership Award. Kyle holds two B.S. in anthropology and molecular biology from Loyola University Chicago and an M.P.H. in environmental health promotion and policy from the University of Michigan. Email Kyle at ksullivan@adaptpros.org

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Sumeira Chaudhry

Finance Specialist

Sumeira bolsters ASAP as a nonprofit organization by managing finances and member dues reconciliation. Reach out to her with questions about your membership dues. Email Sumeira at schaudhry@adaptpros.org

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Julia Butch

Eastern Michigan University Work Study Intern

Julia is a third year student at Eastern Michigan University studying biology and zoology. As a work-study intern, she provides general administrative support for all ASAP staff including CRM set up and maintenance.

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Meagan Putnam

Eastern Michigan University Work Study Intern

Meagan is a Third Year student at Eastern Michigan University who is studying Political Science and History. As a work-study intern, she provides member management support and administrative support to the ASAP staff.

Board of Directors

Sharing a common goal of climate resilience, the ASAP Board of Directors provides leadership to ASAP Member Led Groups and supports the primary vision of our platform: connecting and supporting people. The ASAP Board of Directors, together with the ASAP Executive Director ensure ASAP meets its US 501(c)3 Nonprofit obligations.

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Eric Mielbrecht

Directing Scientist & Director of Operations

I am an EcoAdapt co-founder and specialize in assessing anthropogenic stresses and the risks they pose to the natural and built environment. I am particularly interested in bridging the gap between research and resource management decision-making processes and focus on synthesizing research findings for stakeholders.

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Julia Kim

Senior Project Manager

Julia works with public agencies, community leaders, and key stakeholders throughout California to partner on place-based resiliency initiatives while supporting the advancement of the climate change field at-large. She focuses on the opportunities that climate change presents to redesign existing systems and processes while collaborating with diverse partners to implement equitable, innovative, and comprehensive climate solutions. Julia joined the Local Government Commission (LGC) in March of 2015 and serves as the lead for LGC's Climate Change Team. She leverages her experience and skills in policy analysis, communications, strategic planning, and graphic design to provide technical assistance, facilitate collaborative networks, develop resources and tools, and manage complex projects. Julia earned a B.A. in political science and philosophy, and an M.P.P. in environmental policy and international security/economic policy, both from the University of Maryland.

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Jennifer Jurado

Director, Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division

Our Division coordinates environmental planning and community resilience initiatives for Broward County, FL on a regional basis through policy, planning, and regional management strategies. Efforts include water resources, coastal resources, urban lands, natural systems, and the built environment and address both mitigation and adaptation needs. Technical assessments and the development and application of advanced hydrologic models are key to these efforts. I coordinate Broward County's participation in the 4-County Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact and am an original member of the Compact staff steering committee.

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Jessica Grannis

Adaptation Program Manager

I work on the law and policy of coastal adaptation, and manage the adaptation program at the Georgetown Climate Center

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Jacqueline Patterson

NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program

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John R. Nordgren

Managing Director

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Missy Stults

Independent Consultant

I am an independent contractor currently supporting the Science to Action Community of Practice, multiple Great Lakes cities with designing a universal vulnerability template, and providing strategic guidance to local communities looking to advance resilience. My aim is to collaborate with resilience champions to envision the next resilience revolution.

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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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Interested in joining the ASAP Team?

See Our Careers

Strategic Partners

Institutional and Funding Partners

The American Society of Adaptation Professionals is supported by the investment in time and energy of its members and partners. We want to thank the following institutions that have invested in strengthening the climate adaptation community through their historic and ongoing support.

Information Partners

ASAP develops key partnerships with content providers to engage our membership with the latest news, events and opportunities in climate adaptation. Together, we are closing the gaps through partnership with new and existing providers.

Contact ASAP

Organizational Members

Organizational Members Jan 2020

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.