Chip Amoe named Director of Sustainability at Michigan State University
After a comprehensive search, Michigan State University has named Chip Amoe the new Director of Sustainability. He will work to make MSU carbon neutral by 2050, as well as a host of other projects.
The next director of sustainability at Michigan State University has been selected. Chip Amoe began his new role, championing the next decade of green efforts for the university, on April 10.
In an article on MSU Today, MSU’s executive vice president for administration Melissa Woo was quoted on the appointment, saying, “MSU has made significant progress in promoting sustainable practices and achieving our goals through cutting-edge research, community engagement and improving our operations. The university’s commitment to sustainability remains steadfast, and we are excited to have our new director of sustainability, Chip Amoe, on board to lead us towards a more sustainable future, with stewardship and sustainability as a key focus of the MSU 2030 strategic plan.”
Amoe’s position as the director of sustainability means that he will be responsible for the development, planning, and implementation for the school’s sustainability initiatives, such as promoting economic, social, and environmental sustainability practices across the campus. He will lead the school in creating goals for sustainability, developing performance metrics, taking the lead on annual sustainability priorities, and refining long term plans to make sure MSU will achieve climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest. Amoe is also set to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for sustainability to go along with the goals that were outlined in MSU’s 2030 strategic plan.
Amoe hopes that he will be able to continue the success MSU has had as being seen as a top green school, such as keeping the school’s gold rating for sustainability achievements, which are given through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (or AASHE).
“I’m excited to join the MSU community and build on the great work that’s already occurring across our campuses. MSU has a tremendous opportunity to lead by example and serve as a trusted resource for the state, businesses, and communities, both here and beyond, to achieve a healthier, more sustainable future,” said Amoe.
Before accepting his new position at Michigan State University, Amoe was the director of sustainability at Henry Ford Health in Detroit. There he started the system’s new Office of Sustainability. He also led and developed a strategic sustainability plan for a $7 billion, six hospital integrated health system with more than 30 medical centers and more than 200 ancillary sites. He was able to do that by leveraging external and grant funding sources to fund those initiatives.
Michigan State University kept inclusivity in mind during their search process for the position. MSU leadership, faculty (such as the Department of Community Sustainability Professor and Chairperson Rebecca Jordan), and students helped with the search that ended with Amoe’s selection.
Jordan spoke on Amoe’s selection, saying, “Chip Amoe has the ability, attitude and approach to advancing sustainable solutions at MSU. He has the integrity and passion to ensure he will be an exciting addition to the Spartan community.”
A graduating senior majoring in social relations and policy from James Madison College, Cody Evans, talked about the passion he sensed Amoe had for creating a more sustainable environment for Michigan and the University, saying, “It was a great experience and a unique opportunity to be involved in the search process for the new sustainability director. By continuing to engage students in shaping sustainability at MSU, I believe Chip can help create a more sustainable culture throughout the university. His passion for creating a more sustainable future for our campus and the state of Michigan is truly inspiring.”
Before taking his position at Henry Ford Health System, Amoe worked as the legislative counsel for the American Medical Association and assistant director of federal affairs for the American Society of Anesthesiologists in the nation’s capital. There he advocated for many different health policy issues before both the executive branch and Congress.
Amoe has a bachelor of arts in consumer affairs and a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Rhode Island. He has a Juris Doctorate degree and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in regional and urban affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
More information about Michigan State University can be found at the school’s website.