U.S. Green Building Council - Orange County Chapter Appoints Lisa Kramer as Executive Director.

TUSTIN, Calif. -- The U.S. Green Building Council - Orange County Chapter (USGBC-OC) has announced the selection of Lisa Kramer as the Executive Director, effective May 1, 2009.

USGBC-OC is a dynamic group of over 500 professionals and 2,800 supportive individuals and organizations, all advocates for greener building and development in Orange County. Chapter members include builders, designers, architects, facility managers, contractors, landscape architects and manufacturers, all of whom work actively with state and local stakeholders to promote sustainable building and business practices in their respective fields.

"It is exciting to be part of this chapter. The level of commitment, volunteerism and enthusiasm of members is contagious," stated Lisa Kramer. "The Chapter is actively driving change in Orange County, and the State of California. Green buildings create green jobs that save energy, water and money, and USGBC-OC is the resource for the industry in Orange County, providing access to vital educational opportunities and networking with the local green building community."

With the increasing adoption of green building standards throughout the community, the demand on Chapter volunteers has continued to increase rapidly, leading to the Chapter's strategic decision to appoint Lisa Kramer as Executive Director. Ms. Kramer is charged with furthering the advancement of USGBC-OC initiatives at the direction of the Board in cooperation with Chapter staff, volunteers, and members.

Lisa Kramer's education, background and experience were key in her selection as the Executive Director. Her unique qualifications encompass an educational background in Engineering from Purdue University as well as a Masters of Public Administration for nonprofit management from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her experience spans engineering, consulting, and nonprofit leadership.

About Lisa Kramer: Lisa Kramer's awards and achievements include: American Society of Public Administration Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year, 2004; Chicago Federal Executive Board Public Service Scholarship; University of Illinois Alumni Association's Student Leadership Award, 2005. Ms. Kramer is the co-author of an article published in academic journal Transportation Research Board Part D: Transport and Environment, 2005. Most recently, she was the Executive Director of the Charles I Cheneweth Foundation; past positions include operating the "Clean Air Counts" Communities Campaign program for the City of Chicago Department of Environment with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and the US EPA.

About the U.S. Green Building Council - Orange County Chapter: The U.S. Green Building Council - Orange County Chapter is a non-profit organization made up of Building Industry Professionals, Designers, Facility Managers and Property Owners in Orange County. USGBC-OC's mission is to engage all Green Building stakeholders to be the conduit of change for a more sustainable Orange County through innovative communication, education, resources and advocacy. The members view Orange County as a vibrant place to live, learn, work and play. As a non-profit organization, USGBC-OC promotes the integration of the built and natural environments to foster sustainable, healthy, and prosperous communities. The members of the organizing group work together to provide education and networking opportunities for individuals who are passionate about sustainable building. The chapter holds events throughout the month for both members and non-members. For information on the chapter please see www.usgbc-oc.org.