Rhea Suh

Rhea Suh is an American environmental policy leader and non-profit executive known for her work in conservation and public lands protection. Her career spans senior roles within the federal government and leadership of major environmental organizations, where she has focused on climate policy, biodiversity, and environmental justice. Suh has been recognized for her advocacy on issues ranging from Arctic conservation to sustainable energy development.

Early life and education

Rhea Suh was born in Colorado to immigrant parents from South Korea. She developed an early appreciation for the natural world through experiences in the Rocky Mountains. Suh pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental science. She later attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, graduating with a Master of Public Administration.

Career

Suh began her professional career in Washington, D.C., working for several members of the United States Congress, including Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado. She subsequently joined the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation as a program officer, managing grants for environmental initiatives. In 2009, Suh was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget at the U.S. Department of the Interior. In this role, she oversaw the department's budget and operations, working on policies affecting the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Leadership at the Natural Resources Defense Council

In 2015, Rhea Suh became the president of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), one of the world's most influential environmental advocacy organizations. During her tenure, she led the organization's efforts to combat climate change, defend the Clean Air Act, and protect public lands from development. She spearheaded campaigns against offshore drilling in the Arctic Ocean and advocated for the preservation of national monuments like Bears Ears National Monument. Under her leadership, NRDC significantly expanded its litigation and policy work, challenging regulatory rollbacks by the administration of President Donald Trump and advancing international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.

Other professional activities

Beyond her role at NRDC, Suh has served on numerous boards and advisory councils. She has been a member of the board of directors for the Environmental Defense Fund and the Union of Concerned Scientists. She also contributed to the National Geographic Society's conservation initiatives. In 2021, she transitioned to become the president of the Marine Conservation Institute, where she focuses on protecting ocean biodiversity and establishing marine protected areas. Suh frequently contributes commentary to media outlets such as The New York Times and CNN on environmental policy.

Personal life

Rhea Suh is married and maintains a strong connection to the outdoors, often hiking and skiing. She is a proponent of diversifying the environmental movement and has spoken publicly about the importance of inclusion and equity in conservation work. Her leadership has been recognized with awards from groups like the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters.

Category:American environmentalists Category:Harvard University alumni Category:University of California, Berkeley alumni