Washington, DC — The Stimson Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Herzer Risi as Senior Fellow and Director of the Environmental Security Program. Sally Yozell, who has led the Environmental Security program at the Stimson Center since 2017, will be stepping into a new role as Senior Advisor, focusing on ocean and coastal resilience and marine security.
This leadership transition reflects the evolution of Stimson’s Environmental Security program, which addresses pressing environmental challenges facing communities around the globe.
Risi brings extensive experience at the nexus of climate, security, and development. She previously served as Director of the Environmental Change and Security Program at the Wilson Center, where she led initiatives focused on building climate resilience, strengthening mineral supply chains, and increasing awareness of the links between demographic trends and stability. A recognized voice in environmental security and peace , she is Vice President of the Environmental Peacebuilding Association and managing editor of the New Security Beat .
“We are delighted to welcome Lauren to Stimson and to see this dynamic team evolve,” said Brian Finlay, President and CEO of the Stimson Center. “Lauren brings to us new thinking and widens the Center’s reach to an array of new constituencies that will help us to expand our global influence. Sally pioneered an environmental security program that has yielded tangible impact, and Lauren’s innovative vision will position the program to meet the moment and plan for the future.”
“I’m honored to step into this role and build on the important work Sally has advanced with such dedication and insight,” said Lauren Herzer Risi. “At a time when threats to the environment are increasingly recognized as threats to national and global security, Stimson is uniquely positioned to lead. I look forward to working with this talented team and with partners across sectors to drive meaningful solutions.”
Under Yozell’s stewardship, the Environmental Security program has emerged as a leader in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, strengthening seafood traceability, and building climate resilience in vulnerable coastal regions. Her continued work as Senior Advisor will support the program’s influential presence on the global stage.
“It’s been my honor to serve as the Director and I am confident that Lauren will bring tremendous energy, experience, and vision to the team,” said Sally Yozell. “I’m pleased to support her in this new chapter—to amplify the program’s reach and deepen our impact at the intersection of climate, oceans and the overall security of vulnerable people and places.”
About the Stimson Center
The Stimson Center promotes international security, shared prosperity, and justice through applied research and independent analysis, deep engagement, and policy innovation.
For three decades, Stimson has been a leading voice on urgent global issues. Founded in the twilight years of the Cold War, the Stimson Center pioneered practical new steps toward stability and security in an uncertain world. Today, as changes in power and technology usher in a challenging new era, Stimson is at the forefront: Engaging new voices, generating innovative ideas and analysis, and building solutions to promote international security, prosperity, and justice.
More at www.stimson.org.
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