Southeast Sustainability Directors Network
Krista Early is an experienced professional specializing in environmental policy and community resilience. Currently serving as the Funding Resources Manager and Federal Programs Coordinator at the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network since January 2024, Krista previously worked as the Coastal Resiliency Coordinator at the North Carolina Division of Coastal Management, focusing on securing federal grants for community resilience initiatives. With a background as an Environmental Advocate at Environment North Carolina, Krista directed campaigns on clean water and renewable energy while showcasing strong research and communication skills. Earlier experiences include internships at Oceana, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Environment America, and Sierra Club, where Krista contributed to campaign planning, policy research, and community outreach. Krista holds a Master's degree in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law and Graduate School and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Policy and Decision Making from The Ohio State University.
Southeast Sustainability Directors Network
The Southeastern U.S. is no different than the rest of the world when it comes to dealing with the problems associated with climate change. Extreme heat, rising seas, strengthening storms, flooding, drought, and crop loss are just some of the challenges we face. The Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) addresses these problems through sustainability efforts — work that creates a healthy, clean, and more stable environment for current and future generations. We connect local government sustainability professionals throughout the region to accelerate, scale, and implement sustainable best practices so that communities are equipped to adapt to and mitigate climate change.