FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 03-24-2022
CONTACT: Sarah Tresedder, sarah.tresedder@sierraclub.org
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter Hires New Development Director and First Communications Coordinator
Lansing, MI - The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter is pleased to announce that Sarah Tresedder and Stephanie Szymas have been hired as the new Communications Coordinator and Development Director, respectively. Tresedder will oversee both traditional and digital media work, handling marketing, communications, and press relations for the 55-year-old organization. As Development Director, Szymas will be responsible for managing the Chapter’s fundraising program including donor relations and stewardship, major gift donor identification and solicitation, appeal and grant writing and special events.
Tresedder has worked in various capacities with the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter since 2016, starting as an intern with the political program while earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and a minor in environmental studies from Michigan State University. Her most recent role at the Chapter has been as an organizer on climate and energy issues in West Michigan and at the federal level, during which time she completed studies for two Master degrees in Public Policy and Environmental Health.
Before joining the Sierra Club, Szymas worked as a finance director for political campaigns and has managed donor relations and fundraising for several organizations on the west side of the state. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in fundraising that will help the Chapter achieve its goals to protect Michigan’s environment and communities.
Gail Philbin, Michigan Chapter Executive Director, said the following related to the new hires:
“Sarah has a strong background in science as well as strong communications skills, which will make her a valued resource for the media as well as the Chapter. It’s not often you find this combination, and we’re looking forward to the unique contribution she will make to the fight to elevate important environmental issues and protect the Great Lakes State.”
"Stephanie brings a wide range of experience in non-profit and political fundraising to her new role that will serve her well in her position as development director with the Michigan Chapter. We're excited to have her join the team."
Both new employees are excited to begin these roles and advance the work of the Sierra Club to explore, enjoy, and protect the state, country, and planet.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue advancing the Sierra Club’s mission to explore, enjoy, and protect this state,” Tresedder says. “I hope to be a useful resource for the public, other organizations, and the media and look forward to helping achieve the Michigan Chapter ambitious goals to make this state a leader in clean energy, environmental justice, and climate action.”
"I am thankful and excited to serve as The Sierra Club's Michigan Chapter Development Director.” Szymas says. “I look forward to combining my passion for environmental advocacy with my experience in political and non-profit fundraising to further strengthen The Chapter and continue to protect this great state and our communities."
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 4 million members and supporters nationwide, and over 150,000 in Michigan. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org