Keisha Payson
Initiatives she has implemented or overseen include significant waste reduction efforts during student move-out, food waste diversion programs, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾’s transition to single-stream recycling, alternative transportation programming, developing one of the first EcoRep programs in the country, and focusing on efforts to reduce the college’s greenhouse gas emissions. Payson chairs ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾’s Sustainability Implementation Committee which oversaw the achievement of carbon neutrality in 2018 and is now engaged in the next phase of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾’s climate goals, aiming to become a fossil fuel free campus by 2042. She is ever inspired by ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾’s bright and passionate students who continually advocate for a more sustainable future. She enjoys sharing with them the planning and operational details and decision-making processes that inform ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾’s real world sustainability efforts. Payson appreciates working as part of a Facilities Management team dedicated to sustainability as well as collaborating with other departments on campus towards ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾’s broader sustainability efforts.
Keisha received a bachelor’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies as well as a master’s degree in Community Planning and Development, both from the University of Southern Maine. She is also a Senior Fellow in the Environmental Leadership Program.