Bridget leads our clean energy program, helping rural and Indigenous communities throughout the state access affordable, clean energy produced locally.

“I like that we at Sustainable Northwest are entrepreneurs at heart. We try things that haven’t been done before. We take risks.”

— Bridget Callahan

How did your childhood influence your decision to work in sustainability?

I had the opportunity to travel and I lived in a different country for a year when I was 14. My mom and I lived outside of London, but we also traveled every six weeks to a different part of Europe. Learning about so many different kinds of cultures changed my entire perspective in terms of individual and collective responsibility around sustainability and natural resource stewardship. It had a profound impact on how I see myself and the role of individuals and communities to be able to be better stewards over finite resources. When I got back to the states, my perspective was radically different.

How did your educational and career path lead you to Sustainable Northwest?

I knew from an early age that I wanted to work in the public policy and conservation space. I studied political science and then got a gig helping to elect Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley to the U.S. Senate. That was my first taste in politics and I loved it. After that I took time off to travel, which reinforced my commitment to conservation. When I came back, I landed a position working for a campaign around clean energy. That was my first real understanding of how important energy is to our climate future. It’s the largest industry in the world, and our energy choices matter for our future. I was living and working in a rural community, working to advance clean energy projects, when I learned about the clean energy position at Sustainable Northwest and I applied. When I learned Lee Rahr would be the supervisor, it felt serendipitous because I had worked with her before and enjoyed it.

What do you like most about your position at Sustainable Northwest?

The work we do is so critical. I think we are a nimble organization that responds to the need. I like that we are entrepreneurs at heart, and we try things that haven’t been done before. We take risks. I think I get the most reward working hand in hand with community partners. We allow our partners to be in the driver’s seat and make their own decisions, and we meet them where they are. That is unique. We don’t come with an agenda.We’re not just your run-of-the-mill environmental organization. We’re not just focused on meeting environmental objectives. We also invest in the people and place so that long after a conservation win or project is completed, we have helped ensure longevity for those outcomes. We’re really in it for the long haul.

Passions outside of work: Paddle sports, skiing, backpacking, the outdoors, dogs, gardening, watching football and basketball

One thing you think is overrated: Fall. I’m a summer baby. I don’t buy into this whole sweater and pumpkin spice thing. Give me an 85-degree day and my kayak any day.

Staff Spotlight: Bridget Callahan

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