White House Author

Kizzy Charles-Guzman is the Director of the Climate and Health Program at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), where she advances efforts to develop and implement effective strategies to prepare for and respond to the anticipated adverse health impacts associated with a changing climate. Charles-Guzman engages in citywide sustainability and climate resilience planning efforts to ensure that public health concerns and vulnerability information is integrated into adaptation plans and policies. Prior to joining the DOHMH she was the Policy Advisor on air quality at the New York City Mayor's Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability where she implemented and coordinated environmental initiatives outlined in the city’s comprehensive sustainability plan, PlaNYC 2030. There, she worked with environment and health leaders and policymakers to spearhead the passage of city and state legislation. Charles-Guzman has also worked in the non-profit sector, collaborating with multiple advocacy organizations on environmental justice and public health issues. In 2013, she was awarded the EPA’s Region 2 Environmental Quality Award in recognition of her outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality and public health in New York City.