Credit: Montgomery County.
Following an announcement earlier this year to establish a key leadership position focused on sustainability, the Montgomery County Commissioners have appointed Devi Ramkissoon as the County’s first ever/inaugural Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO).
This new position will take an important role in shaping priorities to achieve the County’s long-term sustainability goals, while identifying opportunities to save taxpayer dollars through tax credits and an effective transition to more sustainable practices.
“In 2025, we are at a critical point in shaping the County’s clean energy future,” said Neil Makhija, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “With Devi Ramkissoon as our new Chief Sustainability Officer, we have the expertise and leadership to focus on our ambitious energy and environmental goals–ensuring we can pursue innovative, cost-effective savings.”
In 2019, Montgomery County committed to 100% clean electricity for County assets by 2035 and 100% renewable energy for heat and transportation by 2050. Last year the County joined neighboring counties to collectively purchase sustainable energy.
“We have a responsibility to build a healthier future for our communities by protecting environmental resources while also being careful stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Jamila Winder, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “Our new CSO Devi Ramkissoon will help us stay true to our commitments by holding us accountable to our sustainability goals and finding practical ways to make them a reality.”
“Sustainability is really about protecting what we’ve got – our land and open spaces, our energy resources, and especially taxpayer dollars,” said Tom DiBello, Montgomery County Commissioner. “We need to run the County the way we’d run our own household, so that means reducing waste, keeping the bills low, and making sure our resources last a long time for the future.”
Devi brings 20 years of experience in sustainable development and organizational leadership to the County. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. Her previous experience includes senior roles at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Chemonics International, where she directed food security and economic growth programs and developed partnerships with Fortune 500 companies to promote sustainable development.
"I'm honored and thrilled to be named as Montgomery County's first Chief Sustainability Officer,” said Devi Ramkissoon, Chief Sustainability Officer. “The County has long been a leader in sustainability. I'm looking forward to advancing our sustainability outcomes even further by taking a holistic approach that balances environment, community, and equitable economic growth."
Devi lives in Montgomery County and holds degrees from Swarthmore College and Georgetown University.
