Staff

Russell Unger
Executive Director

Russell Unger was appointed Executive Director in April 2007, following a distinguished career in public service. Prior to joining USGBC New York, Russell worked in the New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services as Assistant Director and Special Counsel for Environmental Procurement, where he was responsible for implementing a new, environmentally preferable purchasing program.

Previously, Russell served as Special Advisor on Sustainable Development to then-Speaker Miller of the New York City Council and as Legislative Counsel for three City Council committees. During his four years at the City Council, Russell drafted and led negotiations on many environmental laws, including the City’s green building law (Local Law 86) and the environmental purchasing laws he later implemented. Sometimes this work led Russell down unexpected paths, such as drafting NYC’s “Potty Parity” law to increase the number of women’s bathrooms in places of assembly!

Before working at the City Council, Russell was as an Associate at the law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pitman. He received his law degree from New York University School of Law, cum laude, and his undergraduate degree from McGill University, first class honors. In 2001, Russell was awarded the Arthur T. Vanderbilt Medal, the highest honor that is bestowed upon an NYU School of Law graduate, in recognition of his contribution to the law school. In the same year, he was awarded the President's Service Award for Leadership from New York University. Russell served on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Green Building Council, New York Chapter, from 2006 until his appointment as Executive Director.

Lauren Hildebrand
Programs & Office Coordinator

As Programs & Office Coordinator, Lauren is responsible for managing many of USGBC New York’s program offerings and overseeing the chapter's office operations. Prior to joining USGBC New York, Lauren worked in the Community Relations and Construction departments for Battery Park City Authority, which is where her passion for green building in New York City began.

Lauren received a master's degree in Humanities and Social Thought from New York University, and a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Gettysburg College, sum cum laude. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honorary Society. Lauren plans to take her exam to become a LEED-accredited professional in spring 2008.

Bianca Ramsey
Development & Special Projects Coordinator

As Development & Special Projects Coordinator, Bianca leads USGBC New York’s development strategy and organizes major chapter events. A North Carolinian, Bianca first started with the chapter as a summer intern and quickly become indispensable. Previously, she worked for Estee Lauder in International Marketing and was the principal at Bianca Ramsey Designs, a sustainable residential consulting and design firm. Bianca’s expertise includes residential interior market, with a strong interest in green materials and products.

Bianca received bachelor's degrees in Interior Architecture and Economics from the University of North Carolina. Bianca was active in the USGBC's Triangle Chapter in North Carolina for several years and has been a LEED Accredited Professional since 2005.

Honey Berk
Design, Web, eblast

Bio to follow.

Marianne Leone
Administration

Bio to follow.