Titles

• Senior Global Futures Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
• Instructor, School of Sustainability, College of Global Futures
• Sustainability Manager, City of Peoria, Peoria, Arizona

Biography

Lisa Estrada is the City of Peoria’s first sustainability manager. She has been with the city for over 10 years. Prior to assuming the sustainability role, she was previously responsible for the coordination and oversight of intergovernmental and regional related programs and activities in addition to special projects of strong interest to the city. She provided the City Manager’s office, Mayor and Council with strategic policy support to achieve desired outcomes. In her role as sustainability manager, she manages the city’s sustainability programs and initiatives. In coordination with city management, leaders and staff, she identifies opportunities that demonstrate results in resource efficiencies that lead to positive economic, environmental and societal change. Her focus is to implement the goals outlined in the council adopted sustainability action plan.  

Lisa has a unique opportunity to combine her passion for sustainability and her work. She’s been described as someone who is “passionate,” “full of energy,” and “driven.” Her commitment to sustainability is evident through the expansion of sustainability initiatives and programs within the city. She is responsible for the branding and marketing of the city’s public education and outreach in sustainability under the award winning Sustainable U program. Lisa also recently developed Peoria’s Desert Defenders which consists of three superheroes whose mission is to empower and educate Peoria’s youth to become stewards of the environment. Lisa enjoys mentoring others especially those interested in pursuing a career in sustainability. Her love for learning has directed her towards teaching in the field of sustainability. She is eager to share her knowledge and experience with others. Lisa thinks of sustainability as “serious fun.” She enjoys the challenge of making systemic changes for the betterment of the planet.

Lisa has a BA in Communications from Arizona State University, an MBA in Sustainable Business from Marylhurst University, Portland, OR and an Executive Masters of Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University. She is has a LEED professional Green Associate credential.  She currently serves on Arizona State University’s Sustainable Cities Network Steering Committee and previously held a board position on the USGBC Arizona Chapter in addition to chairing USGBC’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee. Lisa has received the City Manager’s Excellence Awards for her Leadership in Environmental Sustainability in 2012 and the same in 2013.

Education

• EMSL, Sustainability Leadership, Arizona State University
• MBA, Sustainable Business, Marylhurst University
• BA, Communications, Arizona State University