Every moonshot needs its command center, and Sarah Merricks leads mission control for the Global Network for Zero. As Chief Strategy Officer, Sarah Merricks has been passionate about protecting people and the planet since day one. Years of environmental knowledge and vast institutional experience led Sarah to identify one of the biggest gaps in the net zero movement: segmentation. Unifying leaders and sectors across the sustainability space, Sarah has now earned a reputation as a changemaker, agile marketer and innovator within the sustainability sector.

Deploying brand management and strategic vision and operations history, a vast knowledge base of green buildings and strong connections in investment and nonprofit sectors, Sarah launched the Network with Mahesh from the ground up. She oversees daily operations, convenes top voices and contributes thought leadership and high-level advice for involved parties.

Prior to co-leading the Network, Sarah spent nearly nine years at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) as Chief of Staff for her network co-founder, Mahesh Ramanujam. During her tenure at USGBC, Sarah worked alongside Mahesh as his visionary brand manager, communications strategist, product positioner and media guru. She was directly involved with Mahesh’s revolutionary approach and execution, always fearlessly asking what's next.

Sarah’s environmental experience began long before her time at USGBC. She previously worked at a national clean energy think tank, interned with U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Energy Independence & Global Warming and conducted research for an environmental law firm. A Boston College graduate, Sarah is a DC native with an intimate understanding of the major issues facing the climate as a daughter of environmental lawyers. Her mother is best known for lobbying on behalf of the Clean Air Act, even arguing for it in the Supreme Court.

Sarah’s motivation to protect the environment was passed down to her from her parents, and it’s a passion she now shares with her own children. She is committed to working with a new generation of young leaders in the sustainability sector in an effort to build and scale the measures necessary for a cleaner, safer and more equitable planet.