Ava Richardson, Director of Sustainability
Ava Richardson first joined the Office of Sustainability in 2018. In her role as the Sustainability Director, she oversees climate mitigation, adaptation and strategic planning aimed to make Baltimore City more sustainable, equitable and resilient. Ava works with the Sustainability team, city agency staff and many partners across the city to advance the implementation of citywide plans including Baltimore’s 2019 Sustainability Plan, 2023 Disaster Preparedness Plan and 2024 Climate Action Plan. She works closely with the team to coordinate, advise and direct the Commission on Sustainability which hosts monthly public meetings on various climate topics and an internal Sustainability & Resiliency Subcabinet including six working groups focused on buildings & energy, extreme heat mitigation, flooding & infrastructure, people & nature, sustainable transportation and waste. Ava also advises on budget planning, grant proposals, and leads many external collaborations that connect the city with tools, technical assistance or peer-learning opportunities which contribute to the Offices pioneering and innovative work. Ava has over a decade of experience leading public health initiatives, advocating for environmental policies, and managing programs designed to address social and racial inequities and environmental justice. She previously served as the Sustainability Manager and a Food Matters Technical Advisor in the office, where she led the implementation of special projects, supported the updated of several citywide climate-related plans and helped to pilot new sustainability programming. Ava also served as the ReCAST Project Director at the Baltimore City Health Department, advancing efforts to address decades of trauma in West Baltimore, where she gained keen skills and knowledge in public health. Ava graduated from Frostburg State University with a Bachelors in Biology in 2010. In 2013, she received a Masters of Public Health (MPH) from Morgan State University, and is currently obtaining a Doctorate of Public Health (DrPH) with a focus on environmental health and engineering from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She loves Baltimore’s Farmers Markets where she buys fresh produce and local groceries, monthly Bike Parties where thousands of Baltimore areas bikers have a party in the streets of Baltimore on two wheels and riding the Charm City Circulator as it provides convenient, sustainable access across many parts of the city.
Ava.Richardson@baltimorecity.gov
Amy Gilder-Busatti, Sustainability Manager
Amy Gilder-Busatti has been with the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability (BOS) since 2010. In her current role as the Sustainability Manager, she serves the Baltimore City community by providing leadership and coordination to advance the implementation of the Baltimore Sustainability Plan, development of the Annual Sustainability Report, and ongoing efforts to track and report progress on plan implementation, outreach, and sustainability metrics. Amy also staffs the Baltimore Commission on Sustainability and supports the work of the Office’s environmental permits team. During her time with the City, she has also led the creation of the Baltimore Green Network Plan and the Baltimore City Landscape Manual. In 2024, Amy was recognized as a runner up for the City’s Richard A. Lidinsky, Sr. Award for Excellence in Public Service.
Prior to her work with BOS, Amy worked as a landscape architect and planner with several Baltimore area architecture and engineering firms. From her work with multi-disciplinary design firms, Amy gained experience in the design and planning of residential and multi-family development, senior-living facilities, school and athletic campuses, and national parks. In addition, Amy graduated from Ball State University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree. In 2007, she graduated from Morgan State University with a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree. Amy's favorite part of her role is meeting and working with so many people who love Baltimore and are making the city more livable and sustainable in their own unique ways.
Amy.Gilder-Busatti@baltimorecity.gov
Valerie Rupp, Climate and Resilience Program Manager
Valerie has managed our office's growing climate and resilience portfolio, including leading the development and implementation of key plans including the Climate Action and Disaster Preparedness Plans, since 2023. She coordinates the Sustainability and Resiliency Subcabinet and oversees our community resilience work, which includes the community engagement and outreach initiatives, the Climate Resiliency Hub program and our robust youth climate leadership development programs. She has prior experience as a public lands leader and is skilled in partnership building, nonprofit and public management, fundraising, communications, community engagement, planning, and program and project management. Before joining our office, was the Executive Director of the Partnership of the National Trails System where she significantly grew organizational revenue, capacity, staff and programmatic and advocacy portfolios. Prior to that, she worked with the Parks & People Foundation in Baltimore for eight years where she worked in diverse areas including leading large-scale forestry, green space and park development projects, managed grant programs, community outreach, volunteer program and resource networks, served as a PI on multiple socio-ecological research projects and more. As Development Director at the Women's Law Center of Maryland, she led fundraising, marketing, events and external relations. Early in her career, she worked in various positions with the Baltimore Museum of Industry and earned a volunteer management certificate through the AmeriCorps program, Volunteer Maryland, where she matched individual and corporate volunteers with service opportunities with Volunteer Central and Business Volunteers Maryland.
Valerie holds Bachelor’s degrees in history and communications from Shippensburg University and a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy from the University of Baltimore. Currently living in the Ednor Gardens neighborhood, she enjoys enjoying the many events and outdoor activities Baltimore has to offer.
Valerie.Rupp@baltimorecity.gov.
Joanna "Jo" Birch, Floodplain Manager
Jo Birch has been with the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability (BOS) since 2022. In her current role as Floodplain Manager, she serves the City by completing environmental permit review for riverine floodplain properties and by coordinating the City’s participation in the Community Rating System. She also generally ensures compliance with State and Federal regulations while promoting higher standards in Baltimore solidifying the City as a leader in holistic, sustainable floodplain management. Since 2007, Jo has worked in private and public sector roles focusing on data-driven mapping and environmental compliance. Jo graduated from the University of Maryland in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. She also possess two master’s degrees, one in Geographic Information Systems from Penn State awarded in 2011 followed by another in teaching from Goucher College in 2013. Her interests and hobbies include gardening and houseplants, spending time on the water, doing anything crafty, and making maps. She adores the City of Baltimore and is proud to work for the City’s residents!
Joanna.Birch@baltimorecity.gov
Grace Hansen, Coastal Planner
Grace Hansen has been with the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability (BOS) since 2023. In her current role as the Coastal Planner, she serves Baltimore City’s coastal community through environmental permit reviews for development located in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area and tidal floodplain. She also assists in the development of City-plans as they relate to flooding and other coastal hazards. Prior to her work with BOS, Grace served as the Coastal Resilience Planner for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) from 2022-2023. From her work with the HRPDC, Grace gained valuable experience in cross-jurisdictional collaboration as it pertains to regional coastal resilience in addition to Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis. Grace graduated from Rollins College in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. She earned a master’s degree in international environmental policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in 2022. As a former collegiate swimmer and Ocean Rescue Lieutenant, Grace has always had a passion for connecting people to water in a safe and meaningful way. She loves Baltimore City’s unique neighborhoods and connection to the Chesapeake Bay.
Grace.Hansen@baltimorecity.gov
Rachel Whiteheart, Environmental Planner
Rachel Whiteheart joined the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability in 2023. In her current role as an Environmental Planner, she manages the City’s Forest Conservation Program and reviews development projects for compliance with the City’s Landscape Manual. Prior to joining the Office of Sustainability, Rachel worked as an environmental engineer for several local consulting firms. As a licensed Professional Engineer, Rachel has developed designs for green infrastructure and helped restore natural ecological systems across the Chesapeake Bay region and beyond. Rachel holds a Master of Community Planning degree from the University of Maryland and a BS in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. Rachel is a resident of Reservoir Hill and enjoys biking the streets of Baltimore, hiking, reading, and fending off weeds in her community garden plot.
Rachel.Whiteheart@baltimorecity.gov
Natalie Cohen, Reimagine Middle Branch Program Manager
Natalie Cohen recently joined the Office of Sustainability as the Reimagine Middle Branch Program Manager. For the past seven years, Natalie has focused on the creation and stewardship of urban greenspaces throughout the Mid-Atlantic that provide equitable access to nature, serve as wildlife habitat, and boost climate resiliency. Natalie grew up swimming and playing in the Patapsco River and is excited to reconnect South Baltimore communities to this incredible asset. In her free time, you can find Natalie in the garden, thrifting, or lounging in Baltimore’s lovely parks.
Natalie.Cohen@baltimorecity.gov
Erica Pinket, Climate and Resilience Planner
A new Climate & Resilience Planner, Erica Pinket, joined our team in late April 2024. Erica is a community advocate who lends her subject matter expertise in support of disaster preparedness with clean and renewable solutions. Soon to be published in the Journal of Emergency Management, she authored original strategies for active shooter preparedness for the disability community, as well as disaster plans implemented across the country. Erica will apply her public policy experience to help advance Baltimore's hazard mitigation, disaster preparedness and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
A new resident of the city, she enjoys the historic architecture and culture of Baltimore and spends her off time absorbing the magnificent views, music, and food that the city has to offer. As an avid lover of the arts, you might find her at your favorite community theater, go-go, or historical society event.
Erica.Pinket@baltimorecity.gov
Ebone Smith, Community and Youth Engagement Planner
Ebone Smith has been with the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability (BOS) since May 2024. In her current role as the Community & Youth Engagement Coordinator, she serves the Baltimore City community by facilitating the Youth Sustainability Leadership internship program, administering funds for the Green Healthy Smart Challenge, leading the Baltimore Connecting Children to Nature coalition, as well as managing communications through social media and the BOS website. Prior to her work with BOS, Ebone served as a Climate Justice Fellow for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network from January 2024 to March 2024 to assist the Virginia Chapter during the state’s legislative general assembly session. In addition, Ebone served as a Substitute Teacher for Franklin City Public Schools in southern Virginia as well as conducted many research projects through various internship, fellowship, and assistantship opportunities. From her previous work, Ebone gained transferrable skills in collecting and analyzing social and physical climate data, communicating technical information to public audiences, and advocating for environmental justice in local underserved communities, which she leverages when conducting her work within BOS. In addition, Ebone graduated from Virginia Tech in 2020 with bachelor's degrees in meteorology and communication studies. In 2024, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a master’s degree in geography and environmental sustainability. Ebone loves the city of Baltimore and is committed to uplifting the local community because she admires the tight-knit community, recognizes the history, and appreciates the drive for positive change that is making headway throughout the city.
Doug Rowland, Watershed Analyst
Doug Rowland is the newest member of the Office of Sustainability. Serving as the Watershed Analyst, Doug helps to develop Baltimore's first Watershed Master Plan for the Direct Harbor and Gwynns Falls areas.
Born in Virginia Beach, VA, Doug is a native to the greater Chesapeake Bay area. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Geology and Environmental Science & Policy and a Master’s Degree in Water Science & Policy. Previously, he worked for the US Geological Survey and the Delaware River Basin Commission. Most recently managed stream restorations for Baltimore County Government. He loves sports and was a Ravens fan before moving to Baltimore! He enjoys science fiction, most things "outdoorsy", martial arts, and spending time with his two kids. He is very excited to contribute to the City's Watershed Master Plans and looks forward to working with the City of Baltimore.
Gaile.Mallon@baltimorecity.gov
Brooke Burgess, Preventative Health Data Fellow
Brooke Burgess is the Preventative Health Data Fellow with the Baltimore Office of Sustainability, where she supports initiatives to mitigate the health impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable communities. Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, she is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at Meharry Medical College and has recently completed a certificate in Health Policy. Brooke holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Health Care Management from Austin Peay State University. Her background includes a strong focus on health equity, healthcare operations, and research exploring the intersection of public health and environmental justice. Outside of her professional work, Brooke enjoys creative pursuits, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and spending time outdoors.
Brooke.Burgess@baltimorecity.gov
Theodore Patterson, Maryland Conservation Corps Member
Theodore Patterson is a recent addition to the Baltimore Office of Sustainability. He is a junior at Towson University, majoring in Environmental Science and will be interning with the Office of Sustainability for nine months, assisting with research, outreach, design, and communication. Theodore assisted the Towson Office of Sustainability in hosting the (Y)Our Power/Our Planet: An Earth Day Conversation on Environmental Action during Spring 2025 and has experience working in community education and communication.
Eden Giannini, Chesapeake Conservation Corps Member
Eden Giannini (she/her) is the 2025-26 Baltimore Office of Sustainability’s Chesapeake Conservation Climate Corps member. She will focus her work on community and youth engagement, and helping to encourage and coordinate climate action in Baltimore.
Eden grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, and recently graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in Public Health and Environmental Science. Eden has a deep passion for environmental and social justice, climate equity, and One Health (also known as the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and the environment). She is thrilled to be working with the BOS this year and looks forward to contributing to the department’s valuable work.
In her free time, Eden enjoys reading, backpacking, cycling, watching movies, and crafting. One of her favorite crafts to make is a collage – she tends to collect scraps and “trash” throughout the week, then turn it into art.