GCC welcomes Josh Saks as Adaptation Program Director

The Georgetown Climate Center is delighted to welcome Joshua Saks as our new Adaptation Program Director! Josh will lead GCC’s adaptation team, and oversee its work in support of resilience, equity, and community-based solutions in local, state, Tribal, and federal law and policy.

Josh comes to GCC from his position as the Natural Resources Director for the Pamunkey Indian Tribe in King William, Virginia. There he represented the Tribe in state and federal consultations on projects and programs that impact the Pamunkey Reservation and historic and cultural sites across the region, and coordinated climate resilience, adaptation, and shoreline protection efforts on behalf of the Tribe. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Josh to the GCC leadership team,” said Kate Zyla, Executive Director of the Georgetown Climate Center. “He brings a wealth of experience and insight into the challenges and opportunities state, Tribal, and local governments face as they work to respond and adapt to the impacts of climate change and build community resilience.”

Josh has held a distinguished career in state government. He previously served as the Deputy Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, where he played a key role in advancing climate and flood resilience initiatives.

“I have long admired the work of the Georgetown Climate Center, and came to depend on GCC’s insights and analysis when I worked in state government,” said Saks. “It’s a real honor and a privilege to be part of the GCC team at a time when climate adaptation and resilience planning are more important than ever.”

Prior to serving in state government, Josh was Legislative Director for the National Wildlife Federation, serving as chief policy advocate and political strategist, building and maintaining relationships with key congressional and executive branch offices while advocating for NWF's policy priorities. He also managed an extensive legislative portfolio as a Federal Affairs Associate for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.