Liesl Eichler Clark

Director, Climate Action Engagement

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About

Liesl Eichler Clark of the School for Environment and Sustainability is U-M's first director of climate action engagement. She leads a new initiative aimed at linking the university’s expanding sustainability research, collaborations and engagement with external partners to accelerate climate action across the state of Michigan and beyond. Previously, Clark served as director of the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s cabinet, chaired the Council on Climate Solutions and led development of the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

In addition to her role as prior director of EGLE, Clark is a successful entrepreneur in the clean energy and sustainability space having co-founded the clean energy consulting firm 5 Lakes Energy. She also was instrumental in the creation of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council and served as the president for three years as well as serving on a variety of business and nonprofit boards. Her professional career combines the public and private sectors to inform her passion for leadership, communication, and this beautiful state.

Websites

Speaking Engagements

Accolades

Environmental Council of the States Founders Award (2023)
MI Energy Innovation Business Council Public Official of the Year (2019)
Crain’s Who to Know in State Government (2019, 2021)
Telly Award, Michigan’s Energy Future Today (2009)

Education

MS, Public Administration, Michigan State University (2008)
BS, James Madison College, Michigan State University (1998)