Internal tensions rise as over 100 employees express doubts about the future of the Sierra Club under Jealous
Ben Jealous Takes Leave as Sierra Club Executive Director Amid Internal Strife
Ben Jealous Takes Leave as Sierra Club Executive Director Amid Internal Strife
Sierra Club confirms Ben Jealous on leave amidst staff concerns over leadership and direction
Ben Jealous, the executive director of the Sierra Club, is officially on leave as of Friday, following a contentious tenure marked by significant internal conflict. Jealous, who assumed leadership in 2023, has overseen several layoff rounds, which has fueled growing frustration among various employees and local chapters within the environmental organization. Loren Blackford, currently associated with the Sierra Club, has been appointed as the interim executive director in Jealous's absence.
Last month, over 100 staff members voiced their dissatisfaction by sending a letter to the board of directors, elucidating their belief that Jealous was ill-equipped to guide the 132-year-old organization through the challenges posed by a second potential Trump administration. They criticized his failure to present a clear strategy for addressing the threats to environmental protections that could arise, reflecting a broader sense of unease about the organization's trajectory. The letter also pointed to Jealous’s inability to secure trust from key funding sources, stating that the Sierra Club appears to be on a “downward spiral.”
A spokesperson for the Sierra Club refrained from commenting on the specifics of Jealous's leave but reiterated that such personnel issues are not publicly discussed. Attempts to contact Jealous for further comment did not yield a response. The Sierra Club faces a critical juncture as it navigates both its internal challenges and the external political landscape impacting environmental advocacy.
Last month, over 100 staff members voiced their dissatisfaction by sending a letter to the board of directors, elucidating their belief that Jealous was ill-equipped to guide the 132-year-old organization through the challenges posed by a second potential Trump administration. They criticized his failure to present a clear strategy for addressing the threats to environmental protections that could arise, reflecting a broader sense of unease about the organization's trajectory. The letter also pointed to Jealous’s inability to secure trust from key funding sources, stating that the Sierra Club appears to be on a “downward spiral.”
A spokesperson for the Sierra Club refrained from commenting on the specifics of Jealous's leave but reiterated that such personnel issues are not publicly discussed. Attempts to contact Jealous for further comment did not yield a response. The Sierra Club faces a critical juncture as it navigates both its internal challenges and the external political landscape impacting environmental advocacy.
