Accelerator Leadership Transition
A message about the next chapter of the
Climate Solutions Accelerator
After 12 years of leadership, co-founder and Executive Director of the Climate Solutions Accelerator, Abigail McHugh-Grifa, will step down from her role in Spring 2027.
The Climate Solutions Accelerator’s Board of Directors is stewarding a thoughtful and well-planned leadership transition, led by Board Chair Tracy Schleyer, in partnership with a transition committee that includes Board and staff members. Abby will remain in her role through the coming year, and the organization remains strong, stable, and fully committed to its mission, programs, and strategic priorities.
This transition is being announced early to allow for a thoughtful, transparent, and well-coordinated process. Abby will continue contributing to the broader movement by sharing lessons learned, mentoring emerging leaders, and supporting the work of building a healthier, more equitable, and regenerative future for our region through Ask Abby Anything sessions on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM, from May 26, 2026 through April 27, 2027.
FAQs
Why is this being announced now/so early?
1
We want to be transparent and share this transition openly and thoughtfully, with enough time to ensure a strong and well-planned leadership transition.
When will Abby be leaving the organization?
2
Our Executive Director plans to step down in the late spring/early summer of 2027 and will remain in leadership until then.
Why is Abby leaving the organization?
3
After 12 years of leading this work as a co-founder and Executive Director, Abby has shared that while this experience has been deeply meaningful and fulfilling, it has also been exhausting. She is choosing to step down in Spring 2027 to make room for fresh leadership and help create the conditions for renewed energy and a strong next chapter for the organization. Abby and the Board see this as a thoughtful transition that can breathe new life into the work and support a more shared approach to leadership over time.
Will Abby stay connected to the Accelerator?
4
Yes, of course! She cares deeply about this organization and about the need to address climate change in our region and beyond. At a minimum, she will continue to be a donor and show up for important events. However, she is committed to fully stepping back from the day-to-day business of the organization and letting go of her decision-making power, to make space for the new leadership.
What will Abby do next?
5
She is writing a book, which she plans to finish and publish. After that, she will continue working to create a healthier, more equitable, and regenerative future in some way, but she doesn’t have concrete plans for how to do that, and she’s not in a hurry to figure it out. That said, she definitely wants to spend more time in her garden and organize her neighbors to become more resilient and regenerative.
Will this affect any of the Accelerator’s programs, operations, and/or initiatives?
6
No disruptions are anticipated. The Climate Solutions Accelerator remains committed to its mission, programs, and strategic priorities.
Who is leading the transition?
7
A leadership transition led by Board Chair, Tracy Schleyer, in partnership with a transition committee that includes Board and staff members is already in place to help guide the process, and we will continue to share updates as they become available.
Has a successor already been identified?
8
No decision has been made at this time. The committee will share updates on the leadership transition process as appropriate.
Will partners, funders, and stakeholders be able to stay informed?
9
Yes, we will continue to share updates through our communications channels. Please be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated at climategfl.org/news-and-updates.
How can I learn more or ask a question about the transition?
10
Attend our Ask Abby Anything Sessions! These sessions will take place on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 8:00 AM, from May 26, 2026 through April 27, 2027. More details coming soon!