The idea that inspired me to serve as the inaugural Harriet Bullitt Endowed Executive Director of EarthLab in 2017 is a powerful one: If we could connect the talented and curious researchers, students, staff, and faculty of the University of Washington in service of community-driven and actionable solutions, we can make our world safer and more resilient in the face of climate change.
Working with others to bring this idea to life has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling roles in my career. The experience has further illuminated for me the essential truth that we can only change systems when we are working across sectors, cultures and world views. None of us does this work alone and all of us are needed in order to develop lasting solutions to these systemic challenges.
As I pass the baton to interim Director Phil Levin on Aug. 1, I am filled with deep gratitude. Thank you to all who have supported the important work at EarthLab and for supporting me and the team as we turned this idea into reality. Eight dynamic and challenging years on, we have demonstrated how EarthLab can deliver impact, and we have a strong team in place to carry on.
It was an honor for me to serve in this role named after Harriet Bullitt, a pioneering champion of environmental work in this region. This isn’t an ending for EarthLab. Rather, it’s EarthLab stepping into its next chapter of impact. I will be cheering for Phil and the team from my new role as supporter.
Warm Regards,
Ben Packard
