Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
July 15, 2025
Ben Jealous on Leave from Sierra Club Amid Union Turmoil
TLDR
- Ben Jealous's leave from the Sierra Club opens leadership opportunities amidst organizational challenges and labor disputes.
- The Sierra Club undergoes leadership changes as Ben Jealous takes leave, with Loren Blackford stepping in as acting executive director.
- The Sierra Club's internal turmoil under Ben Jealous's leadership highlights the need for stable management to effectively advocate for environmental protection.
- Ben Jealous's unexpected leave from the Sierra Club sparks discussions on leadership and labor relations within major environmental organizations.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news is significant as it highlights internal challenges within one of the most prominent environmental advocacy groups in the U.S. at a time when environmental protections are under threat. The leadership turmoil and labor disputes could impact the Sierra Club's ability to effectively advocate for environmental policies, potentially affecting climate change mitigation efforts and the broader environmental movement. Readers should care because the outcome of this situation could influence the direction and effectiveness of environmental advocacy in a critical era for climate action.
Summary
Ben Jealous, the former Maryland gubernatorial candidate and current executive director of the Sierra Club, has been placed on leave amidst significant turmoil within the national environmental advocacy group. His tenure, which began in early 2023, has been marked by criticism from the Progressive Workers Union, representing Sierra Club employees, over management practices including layoffs and labor disputes. The union accuses Jealous of destabilizing the nonprofit during a critical period of environmental deregulation under the Trump administration. Sierra Club spokesperson Jonathon Berman confirmed the leave but declined further details, labeling it a personnel matter. Loren Blackford, a seasoned Sierra Club leader, will act as interim executive director. Erica Dodt, president of the Progressive Workers Union, highlighted concerns over executive team expansion and salary increases juxtaposed with staff layoffs. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE for more insights into this developing story.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, Ben Jealous on Leave from Sierra Club Amid Union Turmoil
