Center for Active Design Welcomes New Board Members
Industry veterans bring valuable experience in public health, ESG, and sustainability to the healthy building movement.
Introducing Jessica Long and Rachel MacCleery
The Center for Active Design (CfAD) proudly announces the addition of two distinguished leaders, Jessica Long and Rachel MacCleery, to its Board of Directors. Jessica Long holds the position of Senior Vice President of Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability at Nareit, while Rachel MacCleery serves as Co-Executive Director at the Urban Land Institute’s Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise in environmental stewardship and public health advocacy that aligns perfectly with CfAD's mission.
Significance of Their Appointments
This strategic move reflects CfAD's commitment to fostering innovation in the healthy building movement, which prioritizes the well-being of individuals in the built environment. Both Long and MacCleery are seasoned partners of CfAD and have played instrumental roles in advancing the Fitwel Certification, a prominent standard in real estate aimed at improving health through design.
Jessica Long's Expertise
Jessica Long possesses deep experience in sustainability at a global level. She leads vital initiatives at Nareit, where she advocates for sustainability strategies within the real estate sector. Her prior role at Nuveen Real Estate saw her implementing a pioneering sustainability platform focused on climate risk and carbon reduction efforts for U.S. real estate.
Rachel MacCleery's Background
As a leading expert in the intersection of real estate, land use, and public health, Rachel MacCleery’s experience significantly enhances the Board. At the Urban Land Institute, she has directed programs that intersect sustainability, social equity, and health—key components of the thriving healthy building movement.
Commitment to Health and Well-being
Joanna Frank, President and CEO of CfAD, expressed excitement about the integration of Long and MacCleery into the leadership team. Their proven dedication enhances CfAD’s mission of enriching health and well-being in the built environment. With their experience, the organization aims to implement health-driven strategies that foster resilient communities.
Impact on Building Health Initiatives
Long remarked on the transformative role that CfAD and Fitwel play in promoting health-centric strategies in real estate. She noted that fostering well-being in real estate decision-making not only benefits occupants but also drives business success and mitigates risks—aspects critical in today’s marketplace.
Continuing the Legacy of Fitwel
Fitwel, created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the General Services Administration (GSA), continues to shape the healthy building movement under CfAD’s guidance. This certification system empowers real estate professionals to make informed design decisions that positively impact health, productivity, and satisfaction among users of their buildings.
The Way Forward
The addition of Jessica Long and Rachel MacCleery stands as a reinforcement of CfAD’s strategic direction. Their commitment to rigorous public health research and evidence-based solutions will create healthier environments and measurable value for real estate stakeholders across the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new board members of the Center for Active Design?
Jessica Long and Rachel MacCleery have been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Center for Active Design.
What experience do Jessica Long and Rachel MacCleery bring?
They bring substantial experience in ESG, sustainability, and public health, critical for advancing the organization's objectives.
What is the Fitwel Certification?
Fitwel is a certification system that promotes health and well-being in building design and operations, spearheaded by CfAD.
How does CfAD aim to improve real estate?
By integrating health-driven strategies and promoting sustainability practices within the real estate sector.
Why is the appointment of Long and MacCleery significant?
Their extensive knowledge and leadership in sustainability will accelerate innovation in healthy building initiatives, enhancing the organization's impact.
