Green Umbrella Names Van Sullivan as New Executive Director

August 18, 2026 – After a national search, Green Umbrella, Greater Cincinnati’s Regional Climate Collaborative, has announced Van Sullivan as its new Executive Director. Sullivan previously served as Green Umbrella’s Senior Director of Programs & Climate Strategy.

“We’re in a time of great possibilities,” says Jaime Love, Director of Programs at People’s Climate Innovation Center and Green Umbrella’s Board President. “Van has the vision, experience, and determination to keep Green Umbrella focused on our mission: making Greater Cincinnati a region that is healthy, resilient, and thriving, for all.”

Sullivan has served as Interim Executive Director since February, following the departure of Ryan Mooney-Bullock, Green Umbrella’s former Executive Director of eight years. In that time, Sullivan has overseen the production of Cincinnati’s first Climate Week; the expansion of the Green & Healthy Schools Network; and new initiatives like Cincinnati’s first Climate Storybank, the Food Policy Council’s Summer Farmer’s Market Tour, and affinity spaces for young professionals, BIPOC leaders, and LGBTQ+ advocates passionate about climate action.

Mooney-Bullock, now Gorman Heritage Farm’s Executive Director, worked with Sullivan for six years and witnessed their evolution into a nationally-known climate leader. “Van’s environmental policy expertise, commitment to justice and equity, collaborative approach, and strategic thinking have helped the organization grow and evolve,” says Mooney-Bullock. “With the support of the amazing board and staff, I know they will continue to keep Greater Cincinnati at the front edge of regional climate action. I am thrilled to see what is next for Green Umbrella with Van Sullivan at the helm!” 

During their tenure at Green Umbrella, Sullivan has been the architect of some of the nonprofit’s signature programs, including the 25 Communities Project, Climate Action Fellowship and Climate Research Incubator. Sullivan was core support in designing the City of Cincinnati’s 2021 Climate Equity Indicators Report and 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan, and served as the inaugural Chair of Cincinnati’s Environmental Advisory Board. They also led Green Umbrella’s transition from a sustainability alliance into a Regional Climate Collaborative (RCC), positioning Green Umbrella among more than 30 other RCCs across the country and making it one of the nation’s largest. 

A lifelong climate advocate, Sullivan has called Cincinnati home for twenty-five years. Being able to do the environmental work they are passionate about is “a dream come true,” says Sullivan. “Serving as Green Umbrella’s Executive Director means that I’m developing climate solutions here for my friends, family, and neighbors.” 

In the past years, Greater Cincinnati has experienced the effects of a changing climate, including blistering heat waves and unexpected flooding. To weather the literal storms and make our communities more resilient to the rising temperatures, the region has to work together to build a better future for all. 

Sullivan is ready for the challenge. “Green Umbrella is an amazing organization with a talented and dedicated staff,” they say. “The work we do – furthering climate action throughout the region – requires all hands on deck. I feel honored to be chosen to steer the ship for its next chapter.”