The Environmental Journal of Southern Appalachia
Tuesday, 05 March 2024 12:05

Knoxville hires new sustainability director to help clean up the city

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professor

New director comes from Nashville; decarbonization of city a central duty

Paige Travis is a public information specialist for the city of Knoxville.

KNOXVILLE — Mayor Indya Kincannon appointed Metro Nashville Decarbonization Manager Vasu Primlani as Knoxville’s next director of sustainability.

Primlani has more than three decades of experience in sustainability and has received awards for environmental innovation, including the EPA’s Environmental Achievement Award.

“Vasu has an incredible track record in this field,” Kincannon said. “Her experience and creative thinking will help Knoxville meet our goal of an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050.  

“I am also impressed with her focus on equity. We must adapt to climate change in a way that is just, equitable, and helps everyday people and small business owners save money too.”

Outside of her current role with Metro Nashville, Primlani is a sustainability and diversity corporate trainer, comedian, professor and an author.

“I am really looking forward to working with Mayor Kincannon and her team,” Primlani said. “I heard the mayor speak at a conference last year, and I was impressed with what she had to say about sustainability efforts in Knoxville.

“I believe the best technology, funding and collaboration are needed to achieve our environmental goals, and Knoxville seems to be well on its way with all three.” 

While Primlani will be tackling some serious issues, she says she will also bring a little levity to the office. As an established comedian, she says she loves to interact with everyone and maybe play a few practical jokes, “The ability to smile and to make other people laugh — that is really what makes life worth living.”

She succeeds former city sustainability director Brian Blackmon, who left in November.

Primlani’s last day with Metro Nashville will be March 8. She will begin her new role with Knoxville on April 1.

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Last modified on Saturday, 23 March 2024 21:12