Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks utilizes the skills of several skilled consultants for its work on the Green Vision Project, including:
Annette Poliwka
Program Consultant
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Annette Poliwka is an environmental professional with over two decades of multifaceted experience in sustainability and environmental management. At the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, D.C., she was a participant in the prestigious Environmental Careers Program (ECP), where she developed expertise in wetland regulation, international sustainability initiatives, water efficiency through the WaterSense program, and electronic waste management. During her tenure at EPA Region 2 in New York City, Annette collaborated closely with the Regional Administrator on critical issues, including environmental justice and environmental cleanup after SuperStorm Sandy.
Before her work with the EPA, Annette played a key role in advancing sustainability initiatives for the City and County of San Francisco. Her efforts included developing school-based education programs, implementing commercial sustainability policies, and conducting pivotal research that supported the adoption of plastic bag and styrofoam bans. As a Mayor-appointed member of Berkeley’s Zero Waste Commission, she contributed to the passage of innovative legislation banning single-use plastics in sit-down restaurants.
Currently, Annette consults with municipalities and nonprofit organizations, applying her extensive expertise to a wide array of environmental projects. She serves on the boards of National Cleanup Day, Clean Trails, and The League to Save Lake Tahoe, reflecting her ongoing commitment to conservation and community engagement.
Annette holds a Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM) from the University of San Francisco, a certificate in International Business from Georgetown University, and has completed studies in Sustainable Fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City.