John Bass, undersecretary for management at the State Department, has been designated by State Secretary Antony Blinken as chief sustainability officer.
Blinken, a previous Wash100 Award winner, said in a statement published Wednesday Bass will help advance the department’s federal climate and sustainability priorities outlined in the Biden administration’s two executive orders and oversee the implementation of the department’s resilience, sustainability and adaptation goals.
“He will be supported by the Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer who leads the Greening Diplomacy Initiative within the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, as well as the Climate and Sustainability Working Group comprising multiple Department bureaus and offices,” added Blinken.
Bass’ appointment comes as the State Department advances efforts to address the climate crisis, including improving sustainability and reducing carbon emissions of its offices in the U.S. and overseas.
Bass is a senior foreign service officer who started his diplomatic career in 1988. He previously served as U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia, executive secretary of the State Department and senior adviser at the Foreign Service Institute.
The Potomac Officers Club will hold the forum How Climate Policy Can Drive Change on Feb. 24, Thursday. Visit the Potomac Officers Club site to learn more about this event and view POC’s full calendar.
