ARLINGTON, Va. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jaime González as Urban Green Director, effective Aug. 19, 2024.
Mr. González is an award-winning conservationist, environmental educator, public speaker and coalition builder who works at the intersection of human health, biodiversity conservation, equity and climate action. He works to influence policy, secure funding, catalyze planning and embed community-based projects that unlock the power of nature for community well-being and environmental health.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jaime González to the SCA to lead our Urban Green program. His exceptional track record in conservation and community engagement is in lockstep with our mission of inspiring lifelong stewardship of the environment and the communities we serve,” said SCA President and CEO Lidia Soto-Harmon. “His leadership will be instrumental in creating greener, healthier futures for urban areas. His commitment to equity and collaboration will be invaluable as we work to create more sustainable and just cities for all residents. We look forward to the positive impact he will make.”
Mr. González will focus on expanding the Urban Green program while managing the urban and community forestry program in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. The SCA’s Urban Green programs are paid innovative workforce development opportunities for youth and young adults underrepresented in the conservation field. The Urban Green programs include single-day service projects, seasonal work and year-long internships or fellowships in major metropolitan cities.
“I am very excited to join the SCA at this moment when communities need on-the-ground actions and career opportunities to make our communities more resilient, green and healthy,” González said. “The SCA’s equity-centered urban work taps into my experience and aligns perfectly with my vision and values. I am honored to join the SCA’s team of change-makers.”
Mr. González serves as board chair for the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and as a climate change advisor to the City of Houston and Harris County. Prior to joining the SCA, he worked for The Nature Conservancy, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, and the Nature Heritage Society.
He has won numerous local, state, and national awards for his work, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Houston’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Houston Visionary Award from Center for Houston’s Future, the Prairie Champion Award from the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, and the Elizabeth Hull Abernathy Award from the Garden Club of America for outstanding contributions to environmental education of youth.
Mr. González earned an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction-Science Education and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Houston. He has also earned professional certificates in civic ecology/environmental education, environmental communications, climate change and health, and One Health from Cornell University, Duke University, Yale University, and the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, respectively.
About the Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces across the country. The SCA is devoted to building equitable access to nature, providing green job opportunities for young people and teaching members how to become environmental stewards. Founded in 1957, the SCA is committed to building the next generation of conservation leaders dedicated to the lifelong protection of the environment and the communities we serve.
