Casandra Rauser Takes the Helm as CEO of TreePeople

TreePeople, a well-regarded nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, has announced the appointment of Casandra "Cassie" Rauser as its new Chief Executive Officer. This announcement comes after a thorough nationwide search facilitated by Envision Consulting, which recognized Rauser's extensive experience, leadership skills, and deep commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

For over fifty years, TreePeople has been a vital force in promoting sustainable living within Southern California. With a rich history of bringing people together to care for both the environment and one another, the organization is now poised for an exciting new chapter under Rauser's leadership. John D. Bunzel, the Chair of the TreePeople Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Cassie Rauser has it all: experience, expertise, and true authenticity. There is no limit to what TreePeople can achieve under her leadership."

Rauser herself is equally enthusiastic about joining TreePeople. Reflecting on her new role, she commented, "TreePeople has spent more than 50 years showing what is possible when people come together to care for the environment and each other. I am excited to work alongside this extraordinary community to expand TreePeople's impact, strengthen its partnerships, and help shape a more equitable and climate-resilient Southern California."

Dr. Casandra Rauser brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in climate and sustainability strategies, having previously operated at the confluence of science, policy, and community outreach. As the Founder and Principal of MorphoStrategies, she has taken lead roles in initiatives aimed at wildfire recovery, climate resilience, and community coalition-building across Los Angeles. Her notable projects include the creation of the City of Los Angeles Mayor's Climate Implementation Plan and the coordination of Accelerate Resilience LA's Fire Response Network. Her work has also extended to supporting various organizations, such as Resilient Palisades and East LA Community Corporation, in incorporating climate-smart resilience strategies in local communities.

Rauser's prior experience also includes serving as the inaugural Executive Director of UCLA's Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, where she successfully launched an initiative aimed at making Los Angeles the most sustainable megacity by the year 2050. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from UC Irvine and participates on several boards and advisory councils that focus on biodiversity, climate action, and sustainability leadership.

Expressing her admiration for TreePeople, Rauser remarked, "As a proud Angeleno, I have long admired TreePeople's incredible legacy of inspiring and mobilizing communities to care for people and nature. I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment, when our city and region are facing profound challenges but also unprecedented opportunities. Together, with staff, board, and community, we can continue to build on TreePeople's strong foundation and grow its impact for generations to come."

Rauser's appointment signals a dynamic new era for TreePeople, which continues to inspire and unite Angelenos in their efforts to create a more climate-resilient future. Founded from the vision of a teenager over half a century ago, TreePeople has inspired collective action, caring for millions of trees and helping to restore thousands of acres of fire-scarred land. The organization provides education and tools for the next generation of environmental leaders while actively addressing climate emergencies and promoting sustainable practices across communities.

As TreePeople looks to the future, the importance of community engagement, education, and resilience in confronting climate change remains at the forefront of its mission. With Cassie Rauser at the helm, the organization is set to expand its impact and further its dedication to creating a sustainable and healthy Southern California for all.