The University recently hired Nina Morris as Sustainability Outreach Coordinator for the Energy and Utilities Department. Morris will work to expand the University sustainability program and reduce energy use in buildings on Grounds, Energy and Utilities Director Cheryl Gomez said.
"I couldn't be more thrilled. It's been a great opportunity, and I am just so excited to be working with such a great team of people," Morris said. "I want to bring together all the different communities in U.Va. and make sustainability something that everyone is a part of."
Morris holds a master's degree in Community and Regional Planning from Temple University and has extensive experience in the field of sustainability, which includes developing comprehensive sustainability plans as well as presenting sustainability initiatives to various groups. While in college, Morris held several leadership positions in the field, Gomez said.
In her last several jobs, Morris worked in developing a comprehensive sustainability plan, Gomez said. Morris' work for the Navy Yard in Philadelphia required her to look at everything - from buildings to transportation, education, green marketing, open space and water resources - and then present those initiatives to high-level officials in Philadelphia city, business and community groups.
"She has got a lot of experience ... developing a plan first of all and also in promoting and presenting that to various constituents," Gomez said.
This experience, along with her communications skills, passion for sustainability and positive references set her apart from the rest, Gomez said.
"We think she is going to be a real enhancement, a real addition to all the sustainability initiatives that we are trying to accomplish here at U.Va," Gomez said.
Morris' first major project at the University is Earth Week, a weeklong event held April 15 through 23 that will engage students, faculty and staff in various activities to raise awareness about sustainability.
Sustainability Programs Manager Armando de Leon said Morris will help advance the department's initiatives and fit into its broader goals.
Morris is "someone who is highly knowledgeable about sustainability, someone who can interact very effectively with a very diverse group of people, someone who can always portray a positive attitude," he said.
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