Environmental Justice Evanston Appointed New Co-Chair
The local advocacy group named Jeff Merrell to lead alongside Janet Alexander Davis as it sets a 2027 strategy.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in People
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Environmental Justice Evanston has appointed Jeff Merrell as co-chair, succeeding Jerri Garl as the organization prepares for its 2027 agenda. Garl will remain with the group, transitioning into a role as a senior science and policy advisor.
Why it matters
Leadership shifts within local advocacy groups can signal changing priorities for community engagement and municipal policy influence. Operators monitoring local policy development should note the group's continued focus on empowerment and decision-making.
The leadership change maintains a two-person co-chair structure for the organization, consistent with the arrangement established in 2022.
The players
Jeff Merrell
The incoming co-chair for Environmental Justice Evanston who previously managed communications, outreach, and environmental equity campaigns.
Jerri Garl
A departing co-chair who transitions to a senior science and policy advisory role while maintaining involvement with the Evanston Environment Board.
Janet Alexander Davis
An existing co-chair of Environmental Justice Evanston who continues to lead the organization alongside the newly appointed co-chair.
Environmental Justice Evanston
A local advocacy organization focused on influencing municipal policy and community empowerment in Evanston.
Hank Neuberger
A member of the Climate Action and Resilience Plan Implementation Task Force who operates within the city's environmental policy landscape.
The details
Jeff Merrell, who previously led the organization's Communications and Outreach team and the Environmental Equity Investigation campaign, steps into the co-chair role to help steer the group's 2027 objectives. This transition includes Garl moving to a senior advisory position, where she will continue to leverage her experience from the Evanston Environment Board and the Climate Action and Resilience Plan Implementation Task Force.
Timeline
2022: Jerri Garl began serving as co-chair.
October 14, 2026: Environmental Justice Evanston announced the new leadership roles.
2027: The organization plans to emphasize community empowerment and local policy development.
Market Landscape
The leadership transition at Environmental Justice Evanston follows the strategic priorities established by the Evanston Climate Action and Resilience Plan. This move aligns the organization's governance with its goal to deepen involvement in municipal policy development through 2027.
Operators in Evanston should anticipate a heightened focus on local policy and community empowerment as the organization executes its 2027 agenda. Businesses engaging with municipal planning should monitor these stated shifts to understand potential impacts on future city-level requirements.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new co-chair signifies a strategic pivot toward deepening municipal policy influence for the organization in the coming year. Stakeholders should track the group's 2027 committee reports for specific regulatory or community initiatives that may impact local operating environments.
Further reading
For more on local leadership transitions, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Evanston RoundTable.
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