FUSE Corps

Congratulations to FUSE Alum Marquise Roberson (2023-24) on his new role!

As a FUSE Executive Fellow, Roberson worked with the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks to advance the regional green jobs agenda. In his new role, he leads the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Community Business Connector Initiative and its team of skilled Business Connectors. The initiative focuses on small businesses with an emphasis on business retention and expansion.

Meet Mario De la Ossa, our new FUSE Executive Fellow in NYC!

De la Ossa is partnering with NYC's Department of Environmental Protection to advance renewable energy investments and help the City achieve its ambitious environmental goals.

With extensive experience in renewable fuels and sustainability, De la Ossa will drive innovative projects that support NYC's carbon neutrality by 2050 and zero waste by 2030.

Join us in making a meaningful impact on mental health in Columbus, OH! FUSE is seeking an Executive Fellow to lead a strategic initiative addressing the city's growing mental health crisis among vulnerable communities.

The fellow will collaborate with Columbus Public Health to assess and expand mental health resources where they are urgently needed. From gap analysis to strategic planning, this role aims to enhance access and quality of care for thousands of residents.

We are looking for experienced professionals with a passion for public service and a track record in strategic project management. If you have expertise in healthcare systems, community engagement, and innovative problem-solving, this role is for you!

Ready to drive impactful change? Apply now and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming lives through effective public health strategies. Learn more and apply today: https://go.fuse.org/COLOHCPH

Lights, Camera, Justice Reform!

Meet Joshua Clark, our new FUSE Executive Fellow, who’s partnering with LA's Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department (JCOD) to revolutionize how we communicate about justice reform!

With over a decade of media experience, Clark will use his storytelling expertise to showcase JCOD's groundbreaking work in supporting justice-impacted individuals and communities.

His mission? To create compelling visual and multimedia content that inspires hope and action, moving beyond traditional narratives to highlight the human impact of JCOD's innovative approach.

"We are living in complex systems, and all that means is there's more and more layers of things to think about. Everyone can increase their resilience." — Valorie Aquino

As a FUSE Executive Fellow, Aquino is supporting the City Of Cincinnati Government in developing a climate adaptation strategy for the metropolitan sewer infrastructure. She was featured in the final episode of Cincinnati Public Radio's podcast Backed Up, which discusses the City's combined sewer system issues.

Listen to the last episode below.

Episode 6: The Price of Progress MSD serves most of Greater Cincinnati with sewer service, but separate entities are responsible for drinking water and storm water management. Is there a better option? See a transcript of this episode along with more photos and videos at wvxu.org/backedup. Find us online: ...

Are you passionate about empowering Los Angeles County youth to achieve better health outcomes? We're thrilled to announce the FUSE Executive Fellowship at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which will focus on youth health agencies and equity.

As a FUSE Executive Fellow, you'll lead a transformative initiative to ensure all young people, especially those historically marginalized, have equitable access to healthcare resources. From October 2024 to October 2025, you'll collaborate closely with the Public Health Youth Advisory Council and key stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, develop a five-year youth health program, and establish performance metrics for sustainable impact.

Join us in driving meaningful change in Los Angeles County! Apply now and be part of shaping a healthier future for our youth! Learn more and apply here: https://go.fuse.org/LADPH

📣 Last chance to register! 📣 Join us this Thursday for an exciting free webinar featuring the Inflation Reduction Act's cost-saving incentives for building energy upgrades! Available to tax-exempt organizations and individuals, these incentives include tax credits, deductions, rebates, and grant/loan programs through 2032. With nearly $370 Billion in projected impact, the IRA is the most significant American investment in climate solutions in history! 🌍🌱

Presented by Nikki Vandivort, a FUSE Corps Executive Fellow at the City Of Cincinnati Government, with 17 years of environmental consulting experience. 🌿

Don't miss out! Learn more and register now ➡ https://www.facebook.com/events/1022057586131665?active_tab=about

Meet Sara Hammes, our new FUSE Executive Fellow, who's partnering with the City of Los Angeles Urban Forestry Division to revolutionize the City's approach to tree management and preservation.

With a background in environmental transformation and market strategy, Hammes is supporting the City in updating the 25-year-old fee schedule for the nation's largest municipal urban forest. Her work will ensure that the true value of LA's 700,000+ street trees is reflected in construction permits and tree removal costs.

The goal is to incentivize tree preservation, support affordable housing, and enhance the quality of life for all Angelenos through a thriving urban canopy.

Make a Difference in Los Angeles!

FUSE is seeking an Executive Fellow to tackle the rise of Latino homelessness in LA County. This is a unique chance to drive real change and promote equity in our communities.

As a FUSE Executive Fellow with the LA County Chief Executive Office, you will:
• Develop action plans based on task force recommendations
• Build collaborative systems across county departments
• Create progress tracking metrics for long-term success

If you have 15+ years of experience and a passion for social justice, apply now to join this transformative initiative: https://go.fuse.org/LACEOLEH

Meet Michael Buonvino, our new FUSE Executive Fellow, who's joining forces with the City of Jacksonville to tackle flood mitigation through innovative infrastructure design and urban planning.

With 30+ years of experience in project management and architecture, Buonvino is supporting the development of Jacksonville's Climate Resilient Design Guidelines. This crucial initiative aims to protect vulnerable communities from increasing climate impacts like rising temperatures, heavy rainfall, and coastal storms.

Buonvino's expertise in complex international projects and sustainable design will be instrumental in creating green infrastructure solutions that benefit all of Jacksonville's residents.

Help shape the future of equitable transportation in Salt Lake City!

FUSE is seeking an experienced professional to join the Salt Lake City Transportation Division as a FUSE Executive Fellow to develop strategic recommendations to operationalize the new City-wide Transportation Plan, ensuring equity and accessibility for all residents.

Apply now to be part of this transformative initiative and make a real impact on urban mobility and social equity: https://go.fuse.org/SLC

Meet Lawrence Ebo, our dedicated FUSE Executive Fellow driving digital inclusion in Los Angeles!

Ebo brings over 20 years of strategic IT project management experience, spanning from military service to roles with Toyota and Western State University. His expertise in infrastructure development and cybersecurity makes him the perfect candidate for our latest project with the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services (BSL).

Partnering with BSL, Ebo is supporting efforts to expand internet access and smart city capabilities across underserved communities like Crenshaw Boulevard. This initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan, aims to install fiber-optic-capable infrastructure on 200,000 street light poles to provide free public Wi-Fi and bridge the digital divide.

Ebo will aid in the transition from infrastructure construction to piloting network operations and management. Through extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and a pilot phase, he'll develop a strategic plan to scale communication network management by April 2025. This plan aims to ensure increased connectivity and affordability citywide.

Passionate about equity and resilience? Join us in shaping the future of Los Angeles County's beaches and Marina del Rey as a FUSE Executive Fellow!

We're seeking a strategic communicator to drive awareness and support for two transformative initiatives.

Coastal Resilience Initiative: Protecting our beaches and coastline from climate change impacts.

Marina del Rey for All: Ensuring equitable, inclusive development guided by community priorities.

These initiatives aim to enhance accessibility and resilience while fostering inclusivity across Marina del Rey and LA County beaches. Your role will be pivotal in engaging stakeholders, cultivating media relationships, and amplifying the community's voice.

This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community and shape the future of our coastline. Join us in advancing equity and resilience in Marina del Rey and beyond. Apply today and be part of something transformative: https://go.fuse.org/LABH

Meet Kristen Abraham, our dedicated FUSE Executive Fellow supporting transformative change with the City of Los Angeles!

Abraham brings over 25 years of expertise in business process transformation and strategic planning, making her the ideal leader for our Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan project. Her background in management consulting and nonprofit leadership uniquely positions her to drive impactful solutions for our community.

Partnering with the Mayor’s Office, Abraham is supporting efforts to develop a comprehensive Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan. This initiative is pivotal in achieving the City’s SmartLA 2028 vision, ensuring equitable access to technology and economic opportunities for all Angelenos.

Join FUSE and Los Angeles County in making a significant impact on the County's operations as a FUSE Executive Fellow!

We're looking for a dynamic leader to join the Internal Services Department (ISD) and spearhead transformative change in financial systems. As a FUSE Executive Fellow, you'll play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiencies, implementing process improvements, and driving change management initiatives within ISD's Finance and Administrative Services.

This is your chance to contribute to meaningful change in one of the nation's largest counties. Join us in transforming operations and advancing equity in Los Angeles County. Apply today and be part of something extraordinary: https://go.fuse.org/LAISD

Meet Mary Austin Harrelson, our esteemed FUSE Executive Fellow, who is embarking on a transformative journey with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to revolutionize customer communications.

With over 15 years of expertise in client experience across diverse industries, Harrelson brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Currently pursuing her M.S. in Sustainability Management at Columbia University, she is dedicated to integrating environmental and social impact into effective CRM strategies.

Harrelson's project with NYC DEP focuses on enhancing its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. With over 835,000 accounts and $4 billion in annual revenue, DEP plays a crucial role in managing water, sewer, and wastewater facilities. Harrelson will support efforts to streamline communication through innovative channels like email, texting, and phone calls, aiming for faster responses and higher service quality.

Harrelson will collaborate closely with DEP stakeholders and vendors to design, test, and implement a sophisticated CRM system. Her work will not only optimize operational efficiency but also strengthen trust in local government by improving customer service standards.

This past weekend, FUSE Executive Fellow Djuan Coleon helped moderate a panel discussion with local stakeholders on building sustainable communities in DeKalb County. The conversation focused on how DeKalb County addresses systemic problems like food insecurity, health deserts, the home affordability crisis, and air pollution.

Environmental Justice | New Life Decatur LIVE This is the official Youtube channel of New Life Church Decatur led by Pastor Marlin D. Harris. We see God’s design for the church to be a Christ-led, growin...

Here's everything you may have missed in the FUSE world lately!

1) Welcome FUSE Vice President Chris Corneille, Program Associate Yerim Heo, and Finance & Operations Associate Sterling V!

2) FUSE leadership and Board members convened in Washington, D.C., for the second in-person Board meeting since the pandemic, following last year’s meeting in Los Angeles.

3) FUSE Executive Fellow Maria Yuan at a community event in Travis County, TX, educating community members about extreme weather preparedness.

4) FUSE Alum Dawn M. Comer (2017–18) with FUSE Executive Fellows Angelica Hernandez, Kristen Abraham, Alia Brown, and Lawrence Ebo at a community broadband workshop.

5) As the supervisory I-PAG lead with the U.S. Department of Defense, FUSE Alum Gerard V. Tate (2018–19) serves as the senior advisor for primary prevention programs, policies, and practices for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, supporting soldiers, civilians, and their families throughout Europe and Africa.

6) As the director of the City of Raleigh’s i-team through the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, FUSE Alum Leila Pedersen (2021–22) is advancing climate resilience and economic inclusion.

7) The American Public Works Association awarded FUSE Alum Andrew Ngui (2022–23) with the Management Innovation Award for his FUSE Innovation Lab with the City of Kansas. The City recognized the work he started as a FUSE Executive Fellow on rapid green transportation and continues to do as the City’s senior advisor by honoring Ngui’s work with the City as the Project of the Year.

8) FUSE Alum Dr. Thelá R. Thatch (2017–18) was the speaker at the CA HR Conference 2024's session “The Diversity Dilemma - Navigating the Impact of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives.”

9) The City of Atlanta’s Director of Stakeholder Engagement and FUSE Alum Beth M. Graham (2022–23) convened stakeholders for the Office of Sustainability & Resilience's second Innovation Lab. With support from FUSE, the first Innovation Lab took place during Graham's FUSE Fellowship. It was the first step in the City's stakeholder engagement process in building a reimagined Climate Resilience Action Plan.

Join FUSE in tackling housing insecurity in Columbus!

The City of Columbus Development Department is committed to addressing housing instability, especially in communities facing higher risks of eviction and homelessness. Mayor Ginther's administration is partnering with FUSE to hire an Executive Fellow who will lead efforts to collect and analyze data crucial for developing proactive strategies to enhance housing stability across the city.

As a FUSE Executive Fellow:
- You'll conduct a comprehensive data analysis and listening tour with city departments, community leaders, and stakeholders.
- Your insights will shape a dynamic action plan integrating community perspectives and addressing root causes of housing insecurity.
- You'll develop a housing vulnerability dashboard to predict and prioritize support for at-risk neighborhoods.
- Collaborate with city agencies to implement data-driven interventions and advocate for policies that protect vulnerable residents.

This role requires a strategic thinker with expertise in complex project management and a commitment to racial equity and community empowerment.

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on housing stability in Columbus? Apply now and be part of shaping a more equitable future for all residents: https://go.fuse.org/COLOHDDA

Meet Jackson Wright, our FUSE Executive Fellow partnering with the City of New Orleans on the project "Curbing Commercial Energy Use Through Equitable Legislation Design."

Wright is dedicated to advancing justice through public policy, with extensive experience in Louisiana state governance and infrastructure development. He holds an MPP from Harvard Kennedy School and brings a passion for community-focused solutions to his work.

In collaboration with New Orleans, Wright aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance building energy efficiency. His project involves developing new municipal ordinances to decrease city building energy use by 40% by 2030. This initiative will unlock energy savings, promote health benefits, and support equitable development.

Wright will conduct a listening tour, research national energy-use standards, and draft legislation. His goal is to engage stakeholders, including vulnerable communities, to ensure the ordinance reflects diverse perspectives and community needs.

Join Salt Lake City and FUSE in making the city's transportation system more equitable and accessible for all residents!

Salt Lake City is launching a new City-wide Transportation Plan to address historical inequities and ensure fair access to transportation options. As a FUSE Executive Fellow, you'll play a crucial role in developing strategic recommendations to operationalize this plan. Your work will empower communities, enhance access to opportunities, and foster a more inclusive city.

As a FUSE Executive Fellow, you'll:
- Conduct a comprehensive listening tour with stakeholders
- Analyze current transportation practices and policies
- Develop actionable recommendations for city agencies
- Foster collaboration and community engagement
- Implement strategies for sustainable and equitable transportation solutions

Are you ready to drive positive change in Salt Lake City's transportation infrastructure? Apply now to be part of this impactful journey! Learn more about this fellowship opportunity and how you can contribute to building a more resilient and accessible city here: https://go.fuse.org/SLC

🌍✨ Join us for an exciting free webinar featuring the Inflation Reduction Act's cost-saving incentives for building energy upgrades! Available to tax-exempt organizations and individuals, these incentives include tax credits, deductions, rebates, and grant/loan programs through 2032. With nearly $370 Billion in projected impact, the IRA is the most significant American investment in climate solutions in history! 🌱☀️

Presented by Nikki Vandivort, a FUSE Corps Executive Fellow at the City Of Cincinnati Government, with 17 years of environmental consulting experience. 🌿

Don't miss out! Learn more and register now ➡ https://www.facebook.com/events/1022057586131665?active_tab=about

Last month, the Jackson Redevelopment Authority and 2°C Mississippi officially signed their partnership agreement for the implementation of a green infrastructure project in the historic Farish Street District, which FUSE Executive Fellow Yolanda R. Owens is helping support. The Urban and Community Forestry Grant awarded to 2°C Mississippi by the US Forest Service funds this $1.5M project.

Green space is latest improvement to Farish Street district Green space is latest improvement to Farish Street districtSubscribe to WAPT on YouTube now for more: http://bit.ly/1hYcJNaGet more Jackson news: http://www....

Reverend Gerald Durley explains how people of faith have a responsibility to take care of the planet and how Commissioner Ted Terry of DeKalb County, Georgia is helping to address systemic environmental justice issues and build sustainability in the community.

Join DeKalb County, including Commissioner Terry and FUSE Executive Fellow Djuan Coleon, and local leaders on June 29th at New Life Church in South Dekalb County for an Environmental Justice panel discussion.

RSVP here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/ej-june-2024?clear_id=true

Understanding the Green New Deal - Rev. Gerald Durley Rev. Durley explains how people of faith have a responsibility to take care of the planet and how Commissioner Ted Terry of DeKalb County, Georgia is helping...

Read what Juneteenth means to FUSE Alum Aneta Lee (2022–23) in a personal blog post about the significance of Internet access for the Black community.

— EveryoneOn What Juneteenth Means to Me By Aneta Thomas Lee, Visiting Assistant Director for Digital Equity, Inclusion, and Navigation, Illinois Broadband Lab; and consultant for EveryoneOn

Are you ready to drive change at the local level?

FUSE is thrilled to kick off our Fall 2024 recruiting season with 10 amazing projects! We’re partnering with the City of Columbus, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles County to make a real impact where it matters most.

Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of something extraordinary! Apply now and join us in reshaping communities across the country. Learn more and apply today: https://go.fuse.org/F24GenApp

Happy Juneteenth! Today, we celebrate the emancipation of Black persons who were enslaved in the U.S. and reflect on the journey toward true freedom and equality for all. Swipe through to read how FUSE government partners joined in honoring this significant day.

Together, we recognize Juneteenth not just as a historical milestone, but as a reminder of the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Let’s continue to learn, listen, and uplift each other as we strive for a more inclusive future.

In Travis County, Texas, a groundbreaking approach to youth justice is transforming lives and communities. Led by District Attorney José Garza, this initiative marks a significant shift from punitive measures to a focus on healing and restoration.

The journey began in late 2021 when Travis County partnered with FUSE to design an innovative restorative justice pilot program. The goal was to provide youth involved in the justice system an opportunity to resolve offenses outside of detention, keeping them connected to their families and neighborhoods. To spearhead this effort, they hired Channing Neary, an experienced Austin lawyer, as a FUSE Executive Fellow.

Restorative Justice for Youth: Transforming Lives and Communities | FUSE FUSE is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the capacity of local governments to engage communities, advance racial equity, and work more effectively for everyone.

Martin Challinor is a business transformation leader with a passion for leveraging innovation to drive organizational excellence. With a background in astrophysics and an MBA under his belt, he brings a unique blend of analytical rigor and strategic vision to his work.

Now, Challinor is embarking on a new challenge as a FUSE Executive Fellow, partnering with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in New York City to tackle the urgent threat of climate change. In response to the immediate risks facing vulnerable communities, DEP is establishing a Project Management Office (PMO) to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness in addressing environmental challenges.

Challinor’s mission is to streamline DEP’s internal support offices and cultivate a culture of performance improvement. Challinor will dive deep into DEP’s operations, engaging with leaders and stakeholders to understand organizational needs and aspirations. He’ll meticulously review best practices for establishing a PMO and supporting change management within complex government structures. Simultaneously, he will conduct a thorough horizon scan to identify opportunities for efficiency improvement in DEP’s critical cost centers, spanning IT, human resources, procurement, payments, and budgeting.

The ultimate goal is to operationalize the PMO and initiate high-priority efficiency improvements by April 2025, laying the groundwork for DEP’s enhanced capability to respond to climate change.