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.

In 2021, ASAP released a twenty-year vision for the organization and network with the support of the Strategic Planning Committee. Several subgroups of the Committee met over the course of 2020 and 2021 to develop ASAP's Strategic Plan for 2020-2040.

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:

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Reciprocity

Reciprocity is central to networks. The adage “the more you give, the more you get” shines through ASAP programs and activities that depend on member engagement, including your feedback.

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Something for every member

Networks strive to offer something for every member and rely on democratic principles that support collective, equitable decision-making. ASAP instills these values in iterative, inclusive processes that have direct impact on ASAP strategy and direction.

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Open-access

Open access cultures in which information flows freely. ASAP strives to be transparent with network members, and we ask that you take the time to share your feedback on the member survey.

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Trust

A culture of trust is critical to the health of any network and it is at the heart of ASAP’s mission. We hope to cultivate trust by translating your feedback into tangible changes to ASAP member programs and services, as well as our continuous efforts to build relationships with and among all ASAP members.

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Member Driven

Members lead by voting with their feet

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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Debra Butler

Executive Director

Dr. Debra M. Butler has over 20 years of experience collaborating with communities in developing plans and resources for climate resilience and adaptation. Dr. Butler earned a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Miami, masters’ degrees in both Education (Harvard) and International Business (Brandeis), and a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. Her transdisciplinary research collaborations intersect human climatic displacement and migration, Native and Indigenous knowledge systems, and ecological-human-quantum assemblages. This research ranges from projects on eelgrass (Massport-Logan Airport), urban heat islands” (East Boston), mangrove (Cuba), river cane (Mississippi) and fish pond (Hawai’i) restorations through reparative and adaptive praxes. Debra is certified by the Institute for Tribal Professionals (ITEP) in Tribal Hazard Mitigation Training. She is an avid community volunteer, “Master” gardener, and chef. Email Debra at dbutler@adaptpros.org.

Rachel Jacobson

Rachel Jacobson

Deputy 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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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.

Mia Dozier

Maria (Mia) Dozier

Training Specialist

Maria Dozier is a dedicated life-long learner and climate adaptation/justice advocate who uses education and coalition building as a vehicle for social change. Her work at ASAP centers around creating, improving, and delivering ASAP trainings to a variety of audiences including private and public sector partners and ASAP members. Internally, Maria also supports the programs department by designing curriculums and pedagogy for a swath of ASAP projects. Maria holds a B.S. from the University of Florida in Sustainability and the Built Environment in addition to an M.S. from the University of Michigan in Environment and Sustainability with concentrations in Environmental Justice as well as Environmental Policy and Planning. You can contact her at mdozier@adaptpros.org.

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Eliza Garcia

Program Coordinator

Eliza Garcia is a first-gen social and environmental justice activist. With an extensive background in community engagement, youth grassroots organizing, and climate advocacy, Eliza uses her lived experiences to center frontline communities, anti-oppressive frameworks, and accessibility in her work. Passionate about the intersections of climate change advocacy and community resilience, Eliza uses her role at ASAP to encourage peer learning, engagement, and capacity building for members while growing and supporting ASAP’s four programs: ASAP Connects, ASAP Serves, Adaptation Careers, and Adaptation Voices. Eliza earned her B. A. in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Oregon with concentrations in Public Policy and Political Action, and Politics, Law, and Justice. You can reach Eliza at egarcia@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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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
  • Joyce Coffee, Climate Resilience Consulting
  • Josh Foster, Maryland Department of Transportation
  • Jessica Grannis, National Audubon Society
  • Eric Mielbrecht, EcoAdapt
  • Susanne Moser, Susanne Moser Consulting
  • James Murley, Miami-Dade County
  • John R. Nordgren, Climate Resilience Fund
  • Missy Stults, City of Ann Arbor

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.