DePass will join Milano from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where since 2009 she has served as Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs. In this presidentially appointed, senate-confirmed position, DePass has been responsible for all dimensions of environmental policy between the EPA and other nations, federally recognized tribal nations, and multilateral institutions and donors.
Prior to joining the EPA, DePass was a Program Officer at the Ford Foundation, with a portfolio focused on the environment and community development, most notably green economy and climate change, environmental health and justice and indigenous environmental rights. In her two-decade career in sustainability and public service, DePass has also served as founding Executive Director of the New York Environmental Justice Alliance, Senior Policy Advisor to the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and environmental manager for the City of San Jose. She is a sought after civil society leader and has served on dozens of boards and advisory committees to government, NGO’s and international organizations. DePass holds a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, a Juris Doctor from Fordham Law School and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College, where she was a National Urban Fellow.
“I am thrilled to become part of this leading New York institution, and to cultivate the next generation of leaders in urban policy, global development, sustainability and management,” said DePass. “The New School, and Milano in particular, share my lifelong commitment to realizing a sustainable, equitable future for urban environments through inclusive participation in the development of innovative solutions.”
News of her hire is also catching the attention of Crain’s.
“The New School: Michelle J. DePass, 46, joined as dean of the Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy. She was previously assistant administrator for international and tribal affairs at the Environmental Protection Agency.”
