Sustainable Princeton (SP), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect the environment and make Princeton a more sustainable place, has chosen Molly Jones as its next executive director. Ms. Jones, who brings to the job experience from volunteer and professional roles at a number of local non-profit groups, understands the organization’s accomplishments in the realms of energy conservation and waste reduction and the challenges to further engage the community in changing habits to change the world. 

“There has never been a time in recent history when the need to act locally about the things we believe in has been so urgent,” she commented. “Sustainable Princeton has embodied this spirit in our
community, and I am honored and grateful for this opportunity to advance these efforts to reduce our impact and create a more sustainable way of life.”

Ms. Jones explained, “Sustainable Princeton is an apolitical organization, but it appears that proactive environmental policy will not be a priority for the incoming administration. It is therefore all the more important that we organize locally to ensure a sustainable future. I see Sustainable Princeton as being well poised to help lead this effort.”

Since moving to Princeton in 2008, Ms. Jones has worked as a fundraising and non-profit management consultant at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association, Morven Museum and Garden, Princeton in Latin America, the Latin American Legal and Defense and Education Fund, and the Ivy 1879 Foundation.

A graduate of Emory University, where she received a degree in business administration, she has also worked in the Peace Corps as a volunteer in Guatemala. Before moving to Princeton, Ms. Jones served as lead fund raiser for a $165 million ecology education campaign at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. She lives in Princeton with her husband, a Princeton University physics professor, and two daughters.

In reflecting on the local resources available to Sustainable Princeton as it forges its path forward, Ms. Jones noted, ”Princeton brings together the perfect combination of scientific expertise, motivated, environmentally conscious residents, and a demonstrated willingness among major decision makers to adopt an environmentally responsible mindset. Over the year ahead, I will be working with the Board and staff on developing a strategic plan that assures that we are making the greatest impact possible for the resources available.”

Sustainable Princeton Board president Matt Wasserman noted, “We are very excited about having Molly join the organization. Her unique background and skill set are perfectly suited to help Sustainable Princeton grow as an organization, increase our impact, and keep our town at the forefront of leading sustainability-focused municipalities.”

In addition, Christine Symington, SP energy director, has been promoted to the newly created post of program director, where she will take on increased responsibilities, along with her role in heading up the Municipal Green Team, the electric vehicle charging station initiative, and the Great Ideas series.

“Since coming to SustainablePrinceton over two years ago, Christine has become the go-to person in Princeton as it relates to information about energy and the larger sustainability movement. She has been a tremendous asset to both the organization and the town. We believe the combination of Christine and Molly will soon put Princeton on the map next to places like Boulder and Seattle,” Mr. Wasserman commented.

As executive director, Ms. Jones will succeed founding director Diane Landis, who stepped down from her post on August 1 after seven years at the helm.