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SSDN‘s Green Minds

SSDN‘s Green Minds

Written by: SSDN
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 ”Green Minds” is a collaboration between members of the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network and guests who have experience, knowledge, passionate and dedication to sustainability. About SSDN: The Southeastern U.S. is no different than the rest of the world when it comes to dealing with the problems associated with climate change. Extreme heat, rising seas, strengthening storms, flooding, drought, and crop loss are just some of the challenges we face. The Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) addresses these problems through sustainability efforts — work that creates a healthy, clean, and more stable environment for current and future generations. We connect local government sustainability professionals throughout the region to accelerate, scale, and implement sustainable best practices so that communities are equipped to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Learn more about SSDN at www.southeastsdn.orgCopyright 2021 . All rights reserved. Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Green Minds Ep. 32: One Year In: Why Local Sustainability Needs Strong Networks

    Green Minds Ep. 32: One Year In: Why Local Sustainability Needs Strong Networks
    Jan 22 2026

    🎙️ January Green Minds Podcast

    This month’s episode of Green Minds features a conversation with Rob Phocas, SSDN’s new Executive Director.

    Rob shares with host Dr. Shaleen Miller why he’s excited to be back with SSDN at a pivotal moment, what it’s been like to see the network grow into its first year as a nonprofit, and why peer networks are essential for sustainability professionals working at the local level.

    We also talk about what makes a network work — what SSDN needs from participants, why showing up matters, and how shared learning and collaboration help move projects forward faster and with greater impact.

    If you work in or alongside local government and are looking for connection, practical support, and a community that understands the realities of this work, this episode is for you.

    #GreenMindsPodcast #LocalSustainability #ClimateLeadership #PeerLearning #SSDN
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    15 mins
  • Green Minds Ep. 31: Weathering the Storm: Climate Resilience + Recovery

    Green Minds Ep. 31: Weathering the Storm: Climate Resilience + Recovery
    Dec 16 2025
    How do local governments talk about resilience and recovery after hurricanes and tropical storms? In this episode, Jessica Reid from the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, talks with local government leaders from across the Southeast about how they communicate through crisis, connect with residents, and frame climate challenges in ways that build trust and understanding. Guests include Leslie Gahagan, the Sustainability and Natural Resources Director for the City of Foley, Alabama; Matt Efird, Assistant Town Manager and Community Services Director for the Town of Hillsborough, North Carolina; and Ashlee Painter, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Sanibel, Florida. Our thoughts and hearts are with all the communities that continue to experience impacts from climate-related disasters. Check out the episode to hear some great insights about how communities can respond to and prepare for these impacts.
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    28 mins
  • Green Minds Ep. 30: Leave the Leaves Campaigns

    Green Minds Ep. 30: Leave the Leaves Campaigns
    Nov 25 2025

    In this episode, interview host Dr. Robyn Byers of Charlotte, NC, interviews John Richardson and Brennan Bouma (Chapel Hill, NC) and Jackie LeBouitz (Sarasota County, FL Extension Agent) about Leave the Leaves. Many of our member communities have already started their own Leave the Leaves campaigns, where residents are encouraged to not rake their leaves during fall. Leaf cover offers many benefits including a warm place for smaller animals to live during the colder months and by keeping soil mulched and moist. We hope you enjoy this episode of Green Minds.

    Chapel Hill Leave the Leaves https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/public-works/streets-and-construction/leaves/leave-your-leaves

    FL Extension Office Leave the Leaves

    https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2025/03/19/support-your-local-bugs-leave-the-leaves-get-a-free-bumper-sticker/

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    22 mins
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