Joanne Gerson

Joanne Gerson founded and co-chairs Faith Communities Go Green (FCGG), a Cincinnati-based organization that has mobilized over 100 faith communities across Greater Cincinnati to take meaningful climate action through energy efficiency programs, education, and civic advocacy. Her commitment to environmental stewardship spans more than four decades — she helped pioneer environmental education at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1979 and has shaped local zoning policy to protect waterways. Inspired by the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam, she built FCGG as an interfaith collaboration model that helps houses of worship lower utility bills while strengthening community resilience. She received the 2025 Sustainability Achievement Award at the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit, held in Cincinnati in June 2025.