Cambridge Hires Inaugural Chief Climate Officer To Lead City’s Climate Resilience and Sustainability

In response to the growing importance and multifaced nature of its climate initiatives, the City of Cambridge has announced the appointment of Julie Wormser as its inaugural Chief Climate Officer. With an impressive background in climate resilience and policy advocacy, Wormser will play a crucial role in furthering the City's commitment to addressing the climate crisis. She will report directly to the City Manager and be responsible for leading the City’s Office of Sustainability. 

Wormser brings a wealth of experience to her new role. As the co-founder of the Resilient Mystic Collaborative (RMC) and Senior Policy Advisor to the Mystic River Watershed Association, she has been instrumental in securing nearly $140 million in funding for equity-centered and community-engaged climate preparedness projects. The RMC, which now includes 20 municipalities, has been at the forefront of climate resilience efforts since its launch in 2018.

Prior to her current roles, Wormser served as the Executive Director of The Boston Harbor Association, where she drew attention to the urgent need for Boston to prepare for coastal flooding and sea level rise by making climate preparedness a cornerstone of its first citywide plan in 50 years. Her contributions include co-authoring influential publications such as "Preparing for the Rising Tide" and "Designing With Water." Wormser also co-led the Boston Living with Water international design competition, in collaboration with the City of Boston and Boston Society of Architects.

"We are thrilled to welcome Julie as our first-ever Chief Climate Officer," said Yi-An Huang, Cambridge City Manager. “The climate challenges we have been tackling have reached critical proportions --- locally, regionally, and globally. Julie’s proven track record of setting clear and bold visions, executing complex projects, and bringing stakeholders together will be invaluable to our efforts. We look forward to Julie's leadership in deepening and expanding our commitment to climate action. With her expertise and passion, Cambridge is well-positioned to continue leading the way in climate resilience and sustainability.”

Wormser's first day in her new role will be on October 1. 

“I am so proud of Julie’s role in launching and supporting the Resilient Mystic Collaborative (RMC) as a roadmap for creating a more beautiful, equitable, and climate-resilient watershed,” said Patrick Herron, MyRWA’s Executive Director.  “In this role, Julie partnered with agencies, municipalities, community-based organizations and funders to raise the need for regional climate solutions in the Mystic River watershed.”

“Her clear and compelling vision, ability to build strong partnerships, and impactful strategic directions have delivered millions of dollars for on-the-ground improvements and capacity building in the region. Our communities will continue to benefit from her efforts for years to come,” said Nasser Brahim, Board Chair at the Mystic River Watershed Association. “On a personal note, it has been such a pleasure to work with such a joyful person on our shared initiatives.”  

The City of Cambridge has been a climate leader for many years and worked closely with the City Council, climate activists and experts, business and institutional leaders, and residents to chart a path forward. The Net Zero Action Plan was adopted in 2015 and set the City on course with prioritized climate programs. In 2023, the City passed a major milestone with the adoption of an amended Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO), which mandates large, non-residential buildings to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions with a net zero requirement by 2035. More recently, Cambridge adopted a new Fossil Fuel Free regulation that went into effect in March 2024 and restricts fossil fuel use in new construction or major renovations. 

"I am honored to join Cambridge as the City’s first Chief Climate Officer," said Wormser. "Having lived in Cambridge for most of my adult life, I am deeply committed to the community and its resilience. I am excited to work alongside the dedicated team in furthering the City's climate goals and making a positive impact on the lives of its residents."

Wormser received a B.A. in Biology from Swarthmore College and an M.P.A. from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. She has been actively engaged in local community climate work for many years and resides in Cambridge with her family.

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