Allegheny Grad Lindsay Baxter Named White House “Champion of Change”


May 3, 2012 — Allegheny College environmental science graduate Lindsay Baxter, a project manager with the Pittsburgh office of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), has been named a 2012 “Champion of Change” by President Barack Obama.

Baxter–one of only nine Americans nationwide recognized–was selected for ”her innovative energy priorities and sustainable living practices making a greener community a possibility in any American city or town.”

All nine were honored at a White House event in Washington, D.C., last week.

“These Americans are helping our country rise to the many challenges of the 21st century,” said Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to President Obama. “The White House is proud to feature the stories of these Americans who are doing extraordinary things in their communities to out-innovate, out-educate and to out-build the rest of the world.”

At the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Baxter works with communities ranging in population from 75 to over 300,000 to implement sustainability efforts that reduce environmental impact and climate change, help local governments save money and improve quality of life for local residents.

Key programs she works on include the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative and the Mon River Town Program, a community and economic development initiative along the Monongahela River in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Prior to joining PEC, Baxter served as the first sustainability coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh, in the Office of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. In this role, she initiated projects to reduce the environmental footprint of city operations and provided education and outreach to the Pittsburgh community.

“We’re both proud and honored that Lindsay has been chosen for this high honor,” said Paul M. King, president of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. “She’s helping shine the national spotlight on environmental conservation and sustainability here in Western Pennsylvania and this recognition is certainly a well-deserved credit to her achievements and contributions to this community.”

Baxter also holds a master of science in Environmental Science and Management from Duquesne University. A resident of Pittsburgh, she is currently enrolled in the Renewable Energy Certificate program at St. Francis University.