Gina McCarthy

Gina McCarthy is one of the world’s most influential voices on climate policy, environmental health and sustainability. Best known as the first White House National Climate Advisor under President Joe Biden, Gina has spent decades shaping environmental policy at the highest levels of government. As Head of the White House Office of Climate Policy and former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, she became recognised for driving ambitious climate initiatives and advocating for cleaner energy systems. A revered keynote speaker, Gina shares unparalleled insight into sustainability, climate leadership and global environmental policy.

Gina began her career in 1980 as the City of Canton’s Health Agent after completing a BA in Social Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts and an MS in Environmental Health Engineering, Planning and Policy from Tufts University. She went on to hold several senior civil service roles within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including Deputy Secretary of the Massachusetts Office of Commonwealth Development. Gina later served as Environmental Advisor to five Governors of Massachusetts before becoming Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection in 2004.

In 2009, Gina was selected by President Obama to become Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, before being appointed the 13th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in 2013. Beyond government, she has held influential academic and leadership positions, including Director of the Centre for Climate, Health and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Professor of Public Health Practice and Richard L. and Ronay A. Menschel Senior Leadership Fellow.

Gina has also served as President and CEO of the Natural Resources Defence Council and as an Operating Advisor on Sustainability & Wellness Investments for Pegasus Capital Advisors. Renowned for translating complex climate issues into practical action, she is highly sought-after by organisations wanting expert insight into environmental responsibility, sustainable growth and the future of global climate policy.

Gina is hired as a speaker for her unrivalled expertise in climate policy, sustainability and environmental leadership at the highest level of government. Having advised Presidents, governors and global organisations, she delivers authoritative insight into the future of climate action and clean energy transition. Gina is admired for making complex environmental issues accessible and actionable for business audiences, policymakers and institutions alike. Her experience leading the White House Office of Climate Policy, the EPA and major sustainability organisations allows her to offer practical strategies for navigating environmental challenges and creating long-term sustainable impact.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Gina McCarthy’s remarkable career:

  • 2021 – Became the first White House National Climate Advisor under President Joe Biden, leading the White House Office of Climate Policy.
  • 2020 – Appointed President and CEO of the Natural Resources Defence Council, overseeing one of the world’s leading environmental advocacy organisations.
  • 2020 – Served as Chair of the Board of Advisors for the Centre for Climate, Health and the Global Environment.
  • 2018 – Became Director of the Centre for Climate, Health and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
  • 2017 – Appointed Professor of Public Health Practice at Harvard School of Public Health, mentoring future environmental leaders.
  • 2013 – Became the 13th Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under President Obama.
  • 2009 – Selected by President Obama as Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.
  • 2004 – Appointed Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, overseeing statewide environmental policy.
  • 1980 – Started her environmental career as the City of Canton’s Health Agent, focusing on public health and environmental protection.