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Head of Santa Rosa Climate Center to Retire After 47 Years
Ellie Cohen announces departure from nonprofit she has led for the past 7 years.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Ellie Cohen, the CEO of The Climate Center in Santa Rosa, California, has announced her retirement after 47 years of working to address climate change. In an email to supporters, Cohen detailed the organization's accomplishments under her leadership, including reforming the state's Cap and Invest program and tripling the organization's annual budget. Cohen will remain with the nonprofit through the end of its fiscal year on June 30 as the Board of Directors searches for her replacement.
Why it matters
The Climate Center has been a leading voice in California's climate policy and activism for nearly five decades. Cohen's departure marks the end of an era for the organization and raises questions about the future direction of its work under new leadership.
The details
In her email, Cohen highlighted The Climate Center's status as an official United Nations Observer NGO, which allows the organization to address global climate issues on an international stage. During her 7-year tenure as CEO, Cohen oversaw reforms to the state's Cap and Invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and grew the organization's annual budget threefold.
- Cohen announced her retirement in an email dated February 12, 2026.
- Cohen will remain with The Climate Center through the end of its fiscal year on June 30, 2026.
The players
Ellie Cohen
The outgoing CEO of The Climate Center, a Santa Rosa-based nonprofit focused on addressing climate change. Cohen has spent the past 47 years working to secure a better future for the planet.
The Climate Center
A Santa Rosa-based nonprofit organization focused on addressing climate change. The Climate Center is an official United Nations Observer NGO.
What they’re saying
“I have spent the past 47 years working to secure a better future for our planet, and it is now time for me to retire.”
— Ellie Cohen, CEO, The Climate Center (Email to supporters)
What’s next
The Climate Center's Board of Directors will begin a search for a new CEO to replace Ellie Cohen, who will depart at the end of the organization's fiscal year on June 30, 2026.
The takeaway
Ellie Cohen's retirement from The Climate Center marks the end of an era for one of California's most influential climate organizations. The nonprofit's next leader will be tasked with continuing its legacy of climate advocacy and policy reform in the state.
