Who We Are
Our Vision
Georgia Tech is a transformative leader in utility resource management and good stewardship.
Our Mission
To advance innovative, efficient, and cost-effective resource solutions across the institute.
Our Team
Leadership 
Jennifer Chirico, PhD, MPH
Associate Vice President of Sustainability
Utilities Management
The Utilities Management team oversees the payment, tracking, and analysis of Institute energy and water resources. Their work supports the Institute in making cost-effective decisions across operations using data-driven strategies that improve efficiency and conservation.
Jermaine Clonts
Associate Director, Utilities Management
About Jermaine
Jermaine Clonts is the Associate Director of Utilities Management in Georgia Institute of Technology’s Office of Sustainability, where he manages a purchased utility budget of approximately $30 Million, oversees meter maintenance contracts and tracks key performance indicators related to utilities, energy, and finance. With 15 years of engineering experience Jermaine Clonts brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. Prior to joining Georgia Tech, Jermaine worked in Power transmission and distribution where he supported a fast-paced, high volume manufacturing facility from the quotation, design, manufacturing, and testing phases for medium voltage distribution transformers. He received his BS in Electrical Engineering technology from Southern Polytechnic State university, where he focused on power systems and analysis.
David Ta
Utilities Project Manager
About David
David Ta is a Utilities Project Manager in Georgia Institute of Technology’s Office of Sustainability. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Facilities Management. Prior to Georgia Tech, he worked for Macy’s Property Management department.
Engagement
The Engagement Team hosts Institute-wide sustainability events, educational campaigns, and student engagement that help translate sustainability goals into meaningful action across the Georgia Tech community.
Drew Cutright
Director, Sustainability Engagement
About Drew
Abby Bower manages Climate Action Plan Implementation and the Living Campus Fellows Program in Georgia Institute of Technology’s Office of Sustainability. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Electronic Media from the University of Tennessee and a Masters of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Management (MSEEM) from Georgia Tech. Abby has participated in the City of Atlanta Sustainability Ambassadors Program. Prior to Georgia Tech, she worked in science communications at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and coordinated communications and engagement efforts for University of Tennessee Recycling.
Kamilah Roberts
Program and Operations Manager
About Kamilah
Kamilah Roberts is a Program & Operations Manager in Georgia Institute of Technology’s Office of Sustainability. She manages the office’s events program, advises Kendeda Fellows, assists with Kendeda Building tours, and develops sustainability programs. Prior to Georgia Tech Kamilah worked in the non-profit sector conducting community outreach and engagements opportunities to educate communities about Athens Land Trust programs and community resources. Kamilah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, advertising major, from the University of Georgia.
Circular Economy
The Circular Economy Team works to create circular loops that advance sustainable procurement, materials management, and zero waste initiatives across campus.
Abby Bower
Program and Portfolio Manager
About Abby
Abby Bower manages Climate Action Plan Implementation and the Living Campus Fellows Program in Georgia Institute of Technology’s Office of Sustainability. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Electronic Media from the University of Tennessee and a Masters of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Management (MSEEM) from Georgia Tech. Abby has participated in the City of Atlanta Sustainability Ambassadors Program. Prior to Georgia Tech, she worked in science communications at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and coordinated communications and engagement efforts for University of Tennessee Recycling.
Steve Place
Campus Sustainability Project Manager
About Steve
Steve Place manages Zero Waste programs in Georgia Institute of Technology’s Office of Sustainability. He holds a Human and Natural Ecology, Political Science, Masters of Global Media and Culture from Emory University and is currently pursuing a Master in Global Media and Culture from Georgia Tech. Steve was the recipient of the Georgia Tech Campus Sustainability Award in 2022 and is the staff advisor of Students Organizing for Sustainability. Prior to working in the Office of Sustainability, he served as the horticulturist for the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Tech and as Caretaker of the Lullwater Estate at Emory University.
Office Operations & Strategy
Our Office Operations & Strategy group works across the Office of Sustainability, ensuring alignment among key resource areas, campus partners, and education and research efforts. They help develop plans, reports, and guidelines that support the campus community and conduct analysis of key metrics to allow initiatives to move forward efficiently and collaboratively.
Jairo Garcia, PhD
Resilience Specialist
About Jairo
In addition to leading the Office of Sustainability’s work on a Climate and Resilience Adaptation Plan, Dr. Jairo Garcia is adjunct faculty in the School of Public Policy and School of City & Regional Planning. Jairo has won several awards, including the 2023 USAID Farmer to Farmer Volunteer of the Year Award; the American Public Health Association Center for Climate, Health, and Equity Award; and multiple teaching recognitions. Jairo holds a Doctorate in Educational Technology and Sustainability from Pepperdine University, Masters in Sustainability Management (Columbia University) and Computer Networks Management (Syracuse University), and a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Cauca University. He previously led the City of Atlanta’s development of a Climate Action Plan, building energy efficiency programs in New York City, and has held several research appointments.
Tim Sterling
Sustainability Coordinator
About Tim
Tim Sterling is a Sustainability Coordinator in Georgia Institute of Technology’s Office of Sustainability. He holds a Masters of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Management (MSEEM) from Georgia Tech and a Bachelors in Sustainability Studies from the University of Florida. With a background in energy policy from the nonprofit sector, Tim contributes to the planning and implementation of campus strategies around energy and resilience.
Vanessa Suarez
Sustainability Manager
About Vanessa
Vanessa Suarez is the Sustainability Manager at Georgia Institute of Technology’s Office of Sustainability. She manages the office’s website and leads data reporting and analysis efforts related to campus utilities and sustainability performance. Vanessa also develops and oversees key resources that advance sustainable operations and engagement across campus. She holds a Master of Science in Wildlife Conservation & Management from Unity College and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from Florida State University.
2025 – 2026 Students
STUDENT ASSISTANTS
Catalina Camacho Rondon
Environmental Engineering ’28
Janessa Montilla
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering ’28
Jaden Ward
Literature, Media, Communication ’26
Meghan Mclaughlin
Environmental Science ’28
Madeline Weller
Environmental Science ’27
LIVING LEARNING CAMPUS FELLOWS
Marisa Johnson
Environmental Engineering ’26
Annabelle Manville
Environmental Science ’28
Annika Trout
Environmental Science ’27
Omolade Femi-Saliu
Electrical Engineering ’28
Kolinkar Roy
Business Administration ’26