Sustainability – to ensure the ability to meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

About Us

The Council for Sustainable Florida (Council or CSF) is the premier statewide organization committed to the balance of economic interests with the need to be socially and environmentally responsible.

History

Board Members

Staff

Our mission is to improve Florida's economy and environment, while building a safer, healthier, higher quality of life for all of its citizens.

Council activities include:

• Identifying exemplary, sustainable practices of business, government and citizen groups;
• Disseminating these practices statewide through strategic communications, publications and conferences;
• Actively encouraging others to adopt and build upon these best practices to sustain Florida’s resources;
• Serving as a change agent in higher education and supporting an agenda that makes sustainability a cornerstone of academic practice.

History

Under the watch of Governor Bob Martinez, as part of the Environmental Education Act of 1989, the Legislature created the Environmental Education Foundation of Florida. The Foundation focused on showing Florida how to do it better – promoting environmental ethics and funding environmental education projects and programs.

In 1994 – more than 10 years ago – the Foundation expanded its scope to “sustainability” and changed its name to reflect the new direction serving as a non-partisan forum for diverse perspectives on the advantages and opportunities to be gained by adopting a sustainable development philosophy for Florida.

Sustainable Florida remains committed to the interrelated issues of economic growth, environmental quality and social capital. We are dedicated to promoting and expanding sustainable practices and programs in Florida.

In partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Educational Alliance for Sustainable Florida was established to encourage Florida’s colleges and universities to incorporate sustainability issues into their curricula. By developing case studies for use in our classrooms we can help tomorrow’s leaders carry the sustainability banner into the corporate world.

With the Department of Community Affairs Coastal Management Program, Sustainable Florida developed a public awareness campaign to protect and sustain our fragile coastal system and document successful practices in the Waterfronts Florida initiative that focused on coastal waterfront revitalization.

Additionally, Sustainable Florida sponsors Executive Leadership Forums that focus discussion on the progress and importance of long-term sustainability for Florida’s future. These Forums focused on such themes as climate change, transportation, tourism and market-based incentives.

Our signature event is its annual awards program. These awards are an example of state-level recognition for accomplishments and leadership in sustainable development and are a respected measure of best performance standards in the integration of environmental, social and economic factors for the long-term sustainability of Florida. The Council has recognized and honored more than 100 businesses, organizations, governmental agenices and individuals over the last eight years.

Sustainable Florida is a unique alliance of business, government, higher education and citizen leaders committed to conserving Florida’s vast natural and economic resources. Now proudly part of the Collins Center for Public Policy   family of programs, Sustainable Florida continues our efforts to be a champion of sustainability.

Throughout its history, Sustainable Florida has exhibited a firm commitment to defining excellence for Florida’s economic, environmental and social future.

Board Members

The volunteer-CSF Board is composed of individuals from across Florida representing various economic, environmental, education and grassroots organizations. Board terms are for three years. Board members are not compensated for their efforts.

Dave Tillis, Chairman - Bonita Bay Group, St. Augustine

Richard Brightman, Vice Chair – Hopping Green & Sams, P.A., Tallahassee
Benjamin G. Parks, Treasurer – Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Tallahassee
Joe Kilsheimer, Secretary – Joe Kilsheimer Public Relations, Apopka

Karen Childress, Immediate Past Chair – Green Home Lady, Bonita Springs

Florette Braun – Florida Power and Light Company, Juno Beach

Lynette Cardoch, Ph.D. – MWH Americas, Miami

Anthony J. Clemente – PBS&J, Miami
Dedee DeLongpre' – Univeristy of Florida, Gainesville

Eric Draper– Audubon of Florida, Tallahassee

Mark Kaplan – The Mosaic Company, Tallahassee
Charles Hood – Rayonier, Inc., Jacksonville

Mike Joyner - The St. Joe Company, Tallahassee

Thomas L. Keon – University of Central Florida, Orlando
John Masiello – Progress Energy, Lake Mary
Kathy Baughman McLeod – Department of Financial Services, Tallahassee

Mary Lou Rajchel, Esq. – Florida Trucking Association , Tallahassee
Judy Sanchez – U.S. Sugar, Clewiston
Jim Sellen – MSCW, Orlando

Dreamal Worthen, Ph.D. – Florida A&M University, Tallahassee

Otiis Wragg, III – Wragg & Casas, Miami

Council Staff

Tim Center, Esq.
Director

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