Environmental Justice Evanston Appointed New Co-Chair

The advocacy organization named Jeff Merrell as its new co-chair during a recent leadership transition.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in People

Environmental Justice Evanston Appointed New Co-Chair

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Environmental Justice Evanston announced that Jeff Merrell has been appointed as the group's new co-chair. This change accompanies the transition of outgoing co-chair Jerri Garl to a new role as a senior science and policy advisor.

Why it matters

The leadership adjustment positions the organization to focus on community empowerment and local policy development heading into the next year. These structural changes are intended to help the group continue its advocacy work in Evanston.

The leadership change marks a shift in organizational roles for the 2027 planning cycle. Environmental Justice Evanston previously operated under a co-chair structure established in 2022.

The players

Jeff Merrell

He is the newly appointed co-chair of Environmental Justice Evanston who previously led the group's communications and equity investigation efforts.

Jerri Garl

She is the former co-chair who transitioned into a role as senior science and policy advisor and serves on the Evanston Environment Board.

Janet Alexander Davis

She serves as a co-chair of Environmental Justice Evanston and continues in her leadership position following the recent changes.

Hank Neuberger

He is a member of the Climate Action and Resilience Plan Implementation Task Force who remains involved in local environmental policy efforts.

Environmental Justice Evanston

This is a local organization in Evanston dedicated to environmental advocacy, community empowerment, and the development of city-level environmental policies.

The details

Jeff Merrell, who previously led the Communications and Outreach team and the Environmental Equity Investigation campaign, will now serve alongside current co-chair Janet Alexander Davis. Meanwhile, Jerri Garl concludes her tenure as co-chair to serve as a senior advisor, continuing her involvement with the Evanston Environment Board and the Climate Action and Resilience Plan Implementation Task Force.

Jerri Garl began serving as co-chair in 2022.
Environmental Justice Evanston announced the new leadership roles on October 14, 2026.
The organization will emphasize community empowerment throughout 2027.

Market Landscape

The leadership change aligns the organization with broader municipal sustainability goals by strengthening its focus on city policy development. This transition integrates the group's strategic efforts more closely with the Climate Action and Resilience Plan Implementation Task Force.

Residents may see a renewed focus on local environmental equity campaigns as the group prepares for its 2027 policy agenda. The change in leadership serves to refine how the organization engages the public in local decision-making processes.

The takeaway

The organizational shift highlights a focus on internal transition to prepare for upcoming local environmental policy milestones. Residents interested in city environmental efforts can expect a renewed emphasis on community-led advocacy programs starting in 2027.