Protect Our Winters (POW) announced that it hired its first COO, Ryan Laemel, for POW and its Action Fund (POW AF). Founded in 2007 by pro snowboarder Jeremy Jones, Laemel reportedly brings operational and leadership skills and expertise in decarbonization to the 501 nonprofit organization, which focuses on law reform for environmental issues and civic engagement campaigns.
“We’re excited to welcome Ryan Laemel as POW’s first chief operating officer,” said CEO Erin Sprague. “Ryan’s entrepreneurial experience, decarbonization expertise and human-centered leadership will be mission critical in growing POW’s outdoor movement for climate impact. His love of rock climbing and trail running will be part of our journey together, too!”
Laemel graduated from Yale and supported the university’s sustainability strategy after graduation, leading the development of its campus-based carbon pricing program. He then spent over seven years at RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute), a nonprofit focused on market-based solutions to the energy transition, and Third Derivative, an RMI-launched accelerator for climate-tech startups with reportedly nearly 200 companies in its portfolio.
At RMI, Laemel was the chief of staff to Co-Founder Amory Lovins; he started and led the India program and directed research, policy, and innovation work on the transportation, electricity, and industry sectors.
“After a decade in climate and energy, I’m thrilled to join the POW team. While we’re making strides on economics in the climate race, we must continue to make progress on people, places and politics,” said Laemel. “POW is uniquely positioned and committed to rallying the outdoor community to support elected leaders who are climate champions, pass policies and share stories to protect our planet.”
Basalt, CO, Laemel will oversee operations, financial planning, training, events, Athlete and Science Alliances, and Team POW, POW’s member program.
Image courtesy POW
