Environmental Defense Fund welcomes new California media director

(SACRAMENTO — December 6, 2012) – Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) announced today the hire of Joaquin McPeek as California Media Director.

McPeek served as Mayor Johnson’s Press Secretary for the past four years, acting as spokesperson and media liaison for the Mayor.  He was instrumental in generating local, state and national media visibility for the Johnson administration’s priority initiatives, and collaborated on various television and newspaper profiles about the Mayor, a successful businessman and former National Basketball Association superstar.

“Joaquin is a fantastic addition to our team,” said Derek Walker, EDF’s Director of Strategic Climate Initiatives.  “The creativity, credibility, and tenacity he demonstrated as spokesperson and communications guru for Sacramento’s dynamic Mayor Kevin Johnson will be a perfect fit for EDF.”

In his new role, McPeek will develop and implement media and communications strategy for EDF’s climate change and energy programs in California.  EDF is a leading expert in and champion for implementation of AB32, California’s landmark Global Warming Solutions Act, which EDF co-sponsored in 2006. Another signature effort is EDF’s advocacy of on-bill repayment, a system in which third-party capital is used to finance energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy generation projects.

“Joaquin is a skilled communicator who knows the issues, the media landscape and the California press corps -- just the guy to help make progress on the greatest environmental issues of our time,” said Eric Pooley, EDF’s Senior Vice President for Strategy and Communications.