Jeff Domanski

 

Director, Climate Strategy

 

Jeff’s mission to make technical concepts actionable to address real-world challenges began 30 years ago while earning his degree in Environmental Chemistry.  His toolset of skills (and his sanity) was bolstered by his doctoral research in the application of behavioral and cognitive science to climate and other environmental and energy challenges. His understanding of decision-making obstacles and levers has infused his approach to communications, program design, and engagement. Jeff has applied these skills working in-house and as consultant for public, private, non-profit, and academic organizations.  

Jeff’s notable experiences include: 

  • Serving as a leading expert on Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) through New York State Energy and Research Development Authority’s Clean Energy Communities program and directly supporting more than two dozen CCA communities. 

  • Creating the Sustainability Navigator program, a shared-resource and workforce development strategy, which has catalyzed carbon-reducing projects in under-resourced New York communities while fostering the next generation of communication-savvy sustainability professionals.  

  • Coordinating technical experts to develop the NYStretch Energy Code and delivering training to technical experts on advanced energy codes in New York and for the United States Department of Energy.  

  • Establishing Princeton University’s Office of Sustainability and serving as Associate Director in its first five years. 

  • Being a teacher, which began with his service in the U.S. Peace Corps, and has continued with lecturing and teaching courses on energy policy, sustainability management, and behavioral science at Princeton University, Bard College, Vassar College, and SUNY New Paltz.  

Jeff received his degree in Chemistry from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse, and earned an MPA and pursued a doctorate focused on the Behavioral Economics of Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy from Princeton University’s School of Policy.  He is a LEED AP in Building Design and Construction and serves on the Board of the Upstate New York chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. 

Jeff is a proud native New Yorker and resides in the heart of the Hudson Valley with his one wife, two kids, and two dogs. 

The unfolding evolution of the world’s energy systems has increased the need for bridge-builders to help people understand the context, opportunities, and ways to create an inclusive economy with more participation by all. This work finds me fighting TLAs (Three-Letter Acronyms) nearly every day.”