Cleveland swears in new sustainability chief

CLEVELAND - Jenita McGowan has been named Cleveland’s new Chief of Sustainability.

She was sworn in Thursday by Mayor Frank Jackson.

McGowan will be responsible for coordinating the effort to help Cleveland grow economically, while reducing the city’s ecological footprint with solutions that save the city money.

“Sustainability from our perspective includes three things: Doing things that are good for the planet, good for the people, and make a profit,” said McGowan. “When you combine all those things, you get an increased quality of life. You get a city of choice, that everyone would want to live in, and that's important to us.”

McGowan previously served as the office’s sustainability manager. She will earn an annual salary of $85,000.

“I'm committed to continuing the work of my predecessor (Andrew Watterson) and the action and momentum around creating a sustainable economy in Cleveland. I know we can be a great city on a blue lake,” said McGowan.