Sustainability Strategies for Climate Policy and Executive Leadership
Sustainability
Sharion Waithe is a mission-driven sustainability executive and decorated U.S. Air Force veteran with over 20 years of combined leadership experience in national defense, urban development, and climate policy innovation. She has a proven track record in advancing sustainability strategies, securing multimillion-dollar funding, and building cross-sector coalitions that drive measurable environmental and community outcomes.
Sharion honorably served 11 years in the United States Air Force, stationed globally at Upper Heyford in England, McChord Air Force Base in Washington State, Yakota Air Base in Japan, and on tours at Kadena (Korea), Hickam (Hawaii), Guam, and Wake Island. During her service, she earned numerous commendations, including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three devices, reflecting her dedication, resilience, and operational excellence.
Transitioning from military to civilian executive leadership, Sharion has spent over a decade shaping climate policy and programs in sustainability and urban resilience. She has successfully secured more than $5 million in funding, scaled sustainability initiatives, and partnered with municipalities, regional agencies, and community stakeholders to align development goals with climate action and energy efficiency standards. Her expertise encompasses urban sustainability, grant strategy, intergovernmental collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and performance measurement.
Recognized as a results-driven executive leader, Sharion possesses a unique ability to bridge policy, data, and community priorities—translating vision into measurable impact. Her leadership style emphasizes coalition-building, mentorship, and fostering teams that deliver long-term, high-value results.
She holds both a Master of Sustainability Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Geography, Urban Planning, and Geographic Information Science (Cum Laude) from Arizona State University – Tempe.