Our team is comprised of civic leaders, public health experts, legal scholars and climate advocates, including:
TEAM AND ADVISORS
MICHAEL SKLAROFF
Executive Director
msklaroff@paclimateinitiative.org
Michael Sklaroff is founder and executive director of the Pennsylvania Bipartisan Climate Initiative, Inc., and is dedicated to the implementation of Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment across the Commonwealth, especially to protect historically underserved communities from the burdens of climate change. He is a retired partner at Ballard Spahr LLP, where he holds the title Special Counsel. He chaired Ballard’s Real Estate Department from its inception in 1988 through 2012. Mr. Sklaroff helped bring the first civil rights action in federal court to open the Philadelphia suburbs to multi-family housing. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Legal Intelligencer in 2018.
ASHLEI TRACY
Deputy Director
atracy@paclimateinitiative.org
Ashlei Tracy is an experienced environmental advocate with a background in climate justice, sustainability, and the intersection of environmental issues with women's equality and social equity. Her work focuses on driving systemic change through policy, education, and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of environmental justice in underserved communities. Hailing from such a community in Chester County, with even deeper roots in neglected communities in the Carolinas, Ashlei is dedicated to creating equitable solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.
Advisory Board
Lynne M. Abraham, Esq.
Lynne Abraham has enjoyed a distinguished career in public service that began shortly after she graduated from Temple Law School in 1965. From 1991 to 2010, Lynne served as Philadelphia District Attorney, and was the first woman to hold the position. Her 19-year tenure as district attorney is the longest in modern city history. As leader of the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania and one of the largest in the nation, Lynne forged a reputation as a tough and effective yet compassionate protector of public safety for the 1.5 million citizens of the City and County of Philadelphia. Among her myriad accomplishments, Lynne was the first district attorney in the country to investigate and prosecute sexual abuse and predation by the priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Before becoming District Attorney, Lynne served as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority (1972-73); legislative consultant for Philadelphia City Council (1974-76); Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge (1976-80); and Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge (1980-91).
Lynne has continued to work in the private sector via Child Safe, Inc., and other entities, to promote legislation to prevent gun violence, eliminate use of Internet by sexual predators, and bringing to account clergy sexual abusers. Lynne is a practicing attorney at Archer Law.
Majid Alsayegh
Majid Alsayegh is the founder of Alta Management. With a deep background in business and international affairs, Majid has cultivated a reputation as a visionary leader who fosters innovation and sustainable growth in urban development. As a dedicated advocate for responsible development, Majid has been instrumental in driving transformative projects that contribute to economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental sustainability.
Tyra Bryant-Stephens, MD
Dr. Tyra Bryant-Stephens is the Medical Director of the Community Asthma Prevention Program and Chief Health Equity Officer of the Center for Health Equity at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where she has made significant contributions to pediatric healthcare, particularly in the areas of asthma prevention and treatment. As a board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Bryant-Stephens has dedicated her career to improving the health outcomes of children, especially in underserved communities. Her work has not only reduced hospitalizations but also empowered families with tools for better health management. Dr. Bryant-Stephens is widely recognized for her commitment to health equity and her innovative approaches to addressing health disparities
Marilyn Howarth, MD
Dr. Marilyn Howarth is a physician specializing in occupational and environmental medicine in Philadelphia. She is faculty at the Perelman School of Medicine, direct sthe community, legislative and regulatory engagement efforts for the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology and ist he Deputy Director of the Philadelphia Regional Center for Children's Environmental Health. With a deep commitment to protecting public health, Dr. Howarth focuses on the intersection of environmental exposures and health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities. She has been instrumental in leading efforts to address environmental justice and reduce the health risks associated with hazardous exposures in workplaces and neighborhoods. Dr. Howarth’s work includes advocating for policies that minimize exposure to toxic substances and collaborating with communities to raise awareness about environmental health issues. Her expertise and dedication have made her a key figure in advancing public health and environmental safety.
John C. Dernbach, Esq.
John C. Dernbach, Esq., is Professor Emeritus at Widener University Commonwealth Law School and a distinguished scholar in environmental law. With a career spanning decades, Dernbach has been a leading voice in the areas of sustainability, environmental law, and climate change policy. He has authored and edited numerous influential works on environmental governance, particularly focusing on the legal frameworks necessary to advance sustainability at local, state, and national levels. As an advocate for the Pennsylvania Environmental Rights Amendment, Dernbach has played a pivotal role in shaping legal thought around environmental protection and human rights. His work continues to influence policymakers, legal professionals, and scholars committed to addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Peter Longstreth
Peter Longstreth is the President of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, where he plays a pivotal role in fostering international relations and promoting diplomatic and cultural exchanges within the city. With a diverse background in both business and public service, Longstreth has cultivated strong connections with the global diplomatic community, helping to advance Philadelphia's position as a hub for international engagement. His leadership in the Consular Corps Association has strengthened ties between local and foreign entities, enhancing economic and cultural collaboration. Longstreth's career reflects a deep commitment to global diplomacy, community development, and fostering cross-border relationships.
Robert B. McKinstry, Esq.
Robert B. McKinstry, Esq., is a highly respected member of the American College of Environmental Lawyers and a leading authority in environmental law. With a distinguished legal career, McKinstry has focused on advancing environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and sustainability through both litigation and policy development. He has been instrumental in shaping environmental law at the state and federal levels, advocating for stronger environmental regulations and the implementation of sustainable practices across industries. As the Goddard Professor of Forestry and Environmental Resources Management at Penn State from 2001 to 2007 he imitated important conversations on how Pennsylvania could address the climate crisis, protect biodiversity and develop sustainably. His work has earned him recognition as a thought leader in environmental law, and his contributions continue to influence the legal frameworks governing environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
Stephen Mullin
Stephen Mullin is the former Commerce Director and Finance Director for the City of Philadelphia, where he played a key role in shaping the city’s economic and financial policies. During his tenure, Mullin was instrumental in fostering business development, attracting investment, and promoting economic growth throughout the city. As Commerce Director, he worked to enhance Philadelphia’s competitiveness, creating opportunities for businesses and improving the city’s infrastructure. Mr. Mullin has taught graduate level economics, public policy, and public finance at Philadelphia and St. Louis area universities for over 40 years. Among his nearly 10,000 former students are experts and leaders throughout the private and public sectors. He writes for publication, has delivered speeches, provides expert opinion to the media, and is a frequent presenter on panels and symposia. In 2007, he was voted one of Philadelphia’s 101 most connected people.
William Peduto
William Peduto, the former Mayor of Pittsburgh, is recognized for his transformative leadership and dedication to revitalizing the city through innovation, sustainability, and social equity. Serving as mayor from 2014 to 2022, Peduto spearheaded efforts to modernize Pittsburgh’s infrastructure, attract tech and green industries, and address the city's historical environmental challenges. His administration focused on creating a more inclusive and resilient economy, championing policies aimed at combating climate change and fostering community-based development. Peduto's vision helped position Pittsburgh as a national leader in sustainability and urban renewal, while prioritizing equity and progressive governance. His legacy is one of forward-thinking leadership that has redefined Pittsburgh’s role in the 21st century. Due to Mayor William Peduto, the City of Pittsburgh was awarded first place for the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 14th Annual Climate Protection Awards, in partnership with Walmart.
Sister Mary Scullion
Sister Mary Scullion is the Co-founder and President Emerita of Project H.O.M.E., a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness and addressing poverty in Philadelphia. For over three decades, Sister Mary has been a tireless advocate for the homeless, combining her deep compassion with pragmatic solutions to provide housing, education, and employment opportunities for marginalized individuals. Her leadership has not only transformed lives but also shaped public policy around homelessness and affordable housing. Under her guidance, Project H.O.M.E. became a model of comprehensive support services that address the root causes of homelessness. Sister Mary's work has earned her widespread acclaim for her unwavering commitment to social justice and her belief in the dignity of every person.
Mathy Vathanaraj Stanislaus, Esq
Mathy (Vathanaraj) Stanislaus, Esq., serves as the Vice-Provost and Executive Director of The Environmental Collaboratory (TEC), where his commitment is dedicated to nurturing climate and environmentally just solutions. At TEC, the flagship program revolves around advancing co-funded, co-led climate justice solutions led by community leaders. Nominated by President Obama, Mathy served eight years as the Senate-confirmed Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Land & Emergency Management. During his tenure, he spearheaded the nation's first climate emergency preparedness plan, addressing the consequences of more intense, frequent storms, and rising sea levels. As the co-chair of President Obama’s Chemical Plant Safety Task, he facilitated consultations across the country to establish regulations addressing the impacts on fenceline communities from frequent chemical plant accidents exacerbated by climate fueled extreme weather. Before joining Drexel, Mathy led the establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform at the World Economic Forum to address child labor/force labor in the procurement of critical materials necessary to advance the scale of batteries and EV and renewable energy. Prior to this, Mathy was the founding co-director of the New Partners for Community Revitalization in New York, an organization dedicated to technical assistance to communities of color and low-income communities for community- led redevelopment. He also was a long term member of the Board of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance.
David Thornburgh
David Thornburgh is the Senior Advisor at the Committee of Seventy, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting effective, ethical government and advancing civic engagement in Philadelphia. A respected leader in public policy and civic innovation, Thornburgh has long championed transparency, accountability, and voter engagement in government. Before his current role, he served as President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, where he spearheaded initiatives to improve election integrity, reform campaign finance laws, and empower citizens to participate more fully in the democratic process. With a career focused on enhancing the quality of public leadership and fostering civic responsibility, Thornburgh is widely regarded for his efforts to strengthen democracy and drive positive change in Philadelphia and beyond.
Scroll Right