Heather Zichal

Global Head of Sustainability at JPMorgan Chase, Former Obama White House Climate Advisor & Clean Energy Executive

Heather Zichal’s Biography:

Heather Zichal is an American sustainability executive, political advisor and keynote speaker specialising in climate policy, renewable energy and environmental strategy. Currently serving as Global Head of Sustainability at JPMorgan Chase & Co., Heather is widely recognised for shaping major environmental initiatives across both government and the private sector. She first rose to global prominence as Deputy Assistant to President Barack Obama for Energy and Climate Change, where she helped coordinate national energy policy and played a defining role in advancing the United States’ climate agenda.

Heather’s journey into environmental leadership began in Elkader, Iowa, before she studied environmental policy at Rutgers University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Policy. During her studies she developed a strong interest in environmental advocacy, gaining experience with the Sierra Club and building early connections in policy circles. After graduating, Heather moved to Washington DC and began her career as a legislative advisor. She served as legislative director for Congressman Rush D. Holt Jr. and later Congressman Frank Pallone, before joining the office of U.S. Senator John Kerry, one of the Senate’s leading voices on climate policy. In these roles, Heather worked on legislation designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, strengthen environmental protections and support the expansion of renewable energy sources.

Her expertise soon placed her at the centre of national political strategy. Heather became Lead Advisor on Energy and Environmental Issues for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, helping shape the campaign’s environmental platform. Following Obama’s election, she joined the White House as Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, coordinating the administration’s energy and climate strategy. Heather became one of the key architects behind major policy initiatives, including the Climate Action Plan and the development of the Clean Power Plan, the first national framework designed to limit carbon emissions from power plants. Her work during this period helped drive policies that significantly expanded wind and solar power generation across the United States.

After leaving the White House, Heather continued to lead global sustainability initiatives across influential organisations. She served as Vice President of Corporate Engagement at The Nature Conservancy, working with multinational companies to tackle complex environmental challenges, before becoming Executive Director of the Blue Prosperity Coalition, an international initiative promoting sustainable ocean economies. Heather later became Chief Executive Officer of the American Clean Power Association, where she championed the rapid growth of renewable energy industries before moving into her current role as Global Head of Sustainability at JPMorgan Chase. As a keynote speaker, Heather draws on decades of experience across government, environmental organisations and global finance to guide audiences through climate leadership, energy transformation and sustainable economic growth, offering practical insight into how organisations can navigate the transition to a cleaner and more resilient future.

Why Hire Heather Zichal?

Heather Zichal brings rare, first-hand insight into the intersection of climate policy, global finance and renewable energy, making her a compelling keynote speaker for organisations navigating the sustainability transition. With senior leadership experience spanning the White House, international environmental organisations and major financial institutions, she offers a clear view of how climate strategy is shaped at the highest levels of government and business. As Global Head of Sustainability at JPMorgan Chase and former climate advisor to President Barack Obama, Heather translates complex policy and market shifts into practical guidance for leaders, investors and decision makers. Audiences leave her talks with a deeper understanding of energy transformation, sustainable growth and the real opportunities emerging within the global shift to a low-carbon economy.

Heather Zichal’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Heather Zichal’s remarkable career in sustainability:

• 2025 – Led JPMorgan Chase’s global sustainability and climate finance strategy
• 2022 – Appointed Global Head of Sustainability at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
• 2020 – Named Chief Executive Officer of the American Clean Power Association
• 2019 – Became Executive Director of the Blue Prosperity Coalition
• 2018 – Appointed Vice President of Corporate Engagement at The Nature Conservancy
• 2009 – Appointed Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change under President Barack Obama
• 2008 – Served as Lead Advisor on Energy and Environmental Issues for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign