April 22, 2025
OEC Announces 2025 Environmental Achievement Award Winners
For Immediate Release:
April 22, 2025
Contact:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
media@theoec.org or 614-487-5837
OEC Announces 2025 Environmental Achievement Award Winners
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) will present three Environmental Achievement Awards at its annual Green Gala on May 17, 2025, at the Columbus Zoo Africa Events Center.
“We are proud to honor this year’s environmental champions whose work embodies bold resilience,” said OEC Chief Executive Officer Carol Kauffman. “In the face of complex challenges, they have shown courage, creativity, and commitment to building a healthier, more vibrant Ohio. Their leadership inspires hope and action for a future where all Ohioans can thrive. We congratulate the 2025 awardees and thank them for their tireless efforts to protect the people and places we love.”
The award winners for 2025 include:
John Mitterholzer, Program Director, Climate and Environmental Justice at the George Gund Foundation – Philanthropic Change-Maker
Mitterholzer is a dedicated climate champion who uplifts and philanthropically supports the work of the OEC and our partners across Ohio’s environmental community. He offers his time, insight, and connections to help us grow our impact. With a clear-eyed understanding of climate, democracy, and justice, he meets challenges with courage and creativity. His leadership has left a lasting mark on the OEC and the environmental movement in Ohio and nationally.
Shannon G. Hardin, President of Columbus City Council – Public Servant
President Hardin reshaped the Columbus City Council to center environmental justice in Central Ohio. He helped establish the first-ever standalone Environment Committee, championed a justice-focused rezoning effort to reduce emissions, and led major public transit and fleet electrification investments through the LinkUS COTA campaign. President Hardin is working to ensure that as Columbus grows, it does so in an equitable, sustainable, and just manner.
Janet Chandler, Knox County Area Advocate – Civic Engagement Champion
Chandler stepped up to advocate for utility-scale solar in Knox County at a time when public support was far from easy. She organized community meetings, wrote a published Letter to the Editor, contacted local officials, and spoke at a public hearing. Her efforts helped shift the narrative around local solar and mobilize support when it mattered most.
For more information on the Ohio Environmental Council’s 2025 Green Gala, visit our website: theoec.org/events/2025-green-gala. Tickets to the event are still available to the public. For media access, please contact media@theoec.org.
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) protects the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement.
