November 5, 2021
Christopher Tennant joins OEC as Northeast Ohio Regional Director
Youngstown, OH — The Ohio Environmental Council is pleased to welcome Christopher Tennant to its team as Northeast Ohio Regional Director.
“Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley have been home for my entire life, and I’ve grown deep roots in the community by working collaboratively and equitably to address a range of community issues,” said Tennant. “After rekindling and nurturing my love for regional and national parks during the pandemic, and seeing the impacts of climate change globally, I feel a sense of urgency to more actively engage in environmental advocacy. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join the OEC and work alongside the community to fight climate change and to secure a healthier environment throughout the region and beyond.”
In his new role, Tennant will work alongside residents, community groups, and OEC partners to build a powerful environmental movement in Northeast Ohio, focusing primarily on the Mahoning Valley.
“OEC’s Field Advocacy team is made up of place-based local advocacy experts that collaborate alongside their neighbors to fight climate change and protect the environment,” said Heather Taylor-Miesle, OEC’s Executive Director. “Innovation in the Mahoning Valley has powered our state and the nation—sometimes at the expense of our environment and the community’s health. Chris Tennant’s demonstrated leadership in the Valley will help advance our mission to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call this region home.”
A native of Youngstown in Mahoning County, Tennant grew up in the inner city, although not too far from Mill Creek Metroparks. Exposure to this natural world at a young age instilled in him a deep passion for the natural environment. He attended Youngstown State University and graduated with a Bachelors in Social Work. After many years as a practicing social worker, he went on to attend Walden University to earn a Masters in Public Health with a focus on socioeconomic disparities and behavioral health.
After completing his Master’s work, Tennant began the nonprofit Thrive Mahoning Valley (ThriveMV), whose mission is to create a more welcoming and equitable community while striving to connect new and current residents to economic, social, and educational opportunities. In addition to his work with ThriveMV, Tennant serves the community through participation on The City of Youngstown’s Food Policy Committee, the Healthy Community Partnership’s Parks and Green Spaces Action Team, The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley’s Development and Marketing Committee, and Friends of the Mahoning River. He formerly served on the board of Inspiring Minds and the steering committee of The Mahoning Valley Healthy Community Partnership. He has volunteered with Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past, ACTION, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and St. Patrick Parish.
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is the state’s most comprehensive, effective and respected environmental advocate for a healthier, more sustainable Ohio. The OEC develops and ensures the implementation of forward-thinking, science-based, pragmatic solutions to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home.
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