FROM THE DIRECTOR 2021 was a good year for growing relevant and impactful projects, connecting with new partners and old friends, and helping communities build capacity to address environmental challenges. The best part of my job is that I get to work with an incredible team. We are sad to announce that Leslie Kimble stepped away from EFC work. We wish her the very best on her new family- life adventure, but we miss her creative insights and talents. The EFC added two new staff members in 2021. Jeff Severin joined our team in January bringing 20+ years of sustainability planning, environmental justice, environmental education, and conservation experience and climate change credentials to the EFC. In July, Baylee Vieyra came on board with experience in municipal sustainability, budgeting, emergency response planning, and marketing and communications. Nick, Brian, Michelle, and John are all still here and empowering communities every day. Analisa Munhall is our Graduate Assistant, pursuing a master's degree through the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs. By working with the EFC, she gets real-world experience and provides staff with research and practical assistance on many of our projects. We really have a great team! We are grateful for the support we receive from the WSU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and we are inspired to live up to the vison of the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs to link the University to the community. On behalf of the EFC Team, we invite you to peruse this year’s Annual Report and share in our celebration of projects that improved the environment, quality of life, and the financial sustainability of the communities we served. Please also join us as we look forward to the future work and impacts of our new EFC Strategic Plan. Tonya Tonya Bronleewe, Director WSU Environmental Finance Center