The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) Detroit Sustainability Clinic congratulates Tony G. Reames, Director of the Clinic and Tishman Professor of Environmental Justice, on being named one of Crain’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability.

Launched in 2017, Crain’s Notable Leaders program has honored more than 5,000 leaders whose work is transforming industries and communities across Michigan. Selected through a peer-nomination and editorial-review process, honorees are recognized for their measurable impact and innovation. This year’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability list highlights professionals advancing bold solutions to environmental challenges. 

Reames was recognized for his leadership in advancing environmental and energy justice through both his academic work and public service. He joins a distinguished group of sustainability leaders, including Sharon Madison, U-M alumna and owner of Madison Madison International and the Julian C. Madison Building, home of the Clinic’s Detroit office. Kerry Duggan (MS ’06), SEAS alum and former director of the Detroit Sustainability Clinic, received the award in 2022.

“I want to thank Crain’s for recognizing Dr. Tony Reames. His commitment to community-driven climate action, neighborhood resilience and regeneration is transforming how Detroit advances equity, innovation, and sustainability from the ground up. This recognition is so well deserved,” Madison said. 

As founder of the Urban Energy Justice Lab and the Energy Equity Project, and as Director of the SEAS Detroit Sustainability Clinic, Reames has shaped national conversations on equitable access to clean energy. From 2021 to 2023, he served as a Presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration, where he established and led the first-ever Office of Energy Justice Policy and Analysis at the U.S. Department of Energy, overseeing research and federal energy programs to embed racial and socioeconomic equity into policy. Later, as Principal Deputy Director of the Office of State and Community Energy Programs, he partnered with state and local entities to implement place-based clean energy strategies through collaboration among government, community, business, and other stakeholders. 

His leadership continues to bridge research, policy, and practice—advancing sustainability solutions rooted in equity and community partnership.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among leaders across Michigan who are advancing sustainability through innovation and collaboration,” said Reames. “This acknowledgment reflects the work of our incredible partners—across communities, government, and the University—who are building a more just and sustainable future together.”

In addition to Reames, other 2025 Crain’s Notable Leaders in Sustainability from SEAS include Patrick Judd (MLA ’92), CIS LLC; Madeline Miller (PhD ’25), Nextiles LLC; and Brittany Szczepanik (MS/MEng ’17), Positive Scenarious Consulting.