Michael Mullen, Emily Northrop, and Ginny Brown: Environmental Leaders for Alabama

Steven DeCaprio
Nov 24
4 min read

Updated: Nov 25

As the Sierra Club's Alabama Chapter approaches its Executive Committee election, candidates Michael Mullen, Emily Northrop, and Ginny Brown represent precisely the expertise and track records needed to lead on the challenges of climate change, water protection, and environmental justice facing our state. Sierrans for Alabama is proud to endorse these candidates to lead the Sierra Club's efforts in Alabama.

These candidates bring complementary strengths that will build a cohesive team that can reclaim and rebuild the Alabama Chapter.

Emily Northrop: Climate Advocacy Leader

Emily Northrop discussing Climate Change

Emily Northrop is a strategic, persistent organizer who delivers results in both policy and public engagement. She is a campaign leader who understands that change happens through consistent and accountable advocacy.

Proven Legislative Influence: As a dedicated volunteer with Citizens' Climate Lobby since 2015, Emily regularly lobbies Congress and serves as a lobby team lead, building the political relationships essential for policy advancement.
Local Action with Statewide Impact: She conceived and developed the "Sun Day Bham!" campaign, securing a Birmingham City Council resolution declaring September 21 as "Sun Day" and launching an ongoing initiative to push the Public Service Commission to incentivize solar energy across Alabama, both campaigns supported by the Sierra Club.
Coalition Building: Her activism extends through multiple organizations including Climate Reality Project, Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution, and Alabama Rivers Alliance, building interconnected networks that amplify our movement's impact.

Ginny Brown: Science-Based Strategist

Ginny Brown is a rigorous analytical thinker with a global perspective grounded in local issues. Her professional work with the National Council for Science and the Environment in Washington D.C. provides her with a critical understanding of federal environmental policy and the current environmental scientific consensus.

Her direct involvement in high-impact projects like CAMEL (Climate, Adaptation, Mitigation, E-Learning) and the Sustainable Corn project (CSCAP) demonstrates a proven track record in developing science-based solutions for climate resilience, a skill desperately needed in Alabama.

Science-Based Decision Making: Her career is dedicated to translating complex environmental science into actionable policy and education, directly addressing what she identifies as Alabama's core threat: "low regulation and enforcement policy."
National Insight for Local Impact: With extensive experience at the nexus of science and policy, Ginny understands how to adapt successful initiatives and build campaigns for local conservation efforts.
Deep Alabama Roots and Expertise: Her educational background, with an MS in Environmental Management from Samford University and graduate work in Environmental Health Sciences at East Tennessee State University, gives her an expert's understanding of the specific environmental and public health challenges facing the Southeast.

Michael Mullen: Dedicated Environmentalist

Michael Mullen has decades of experience with environmental defense and a deep historical

Micheal Mullen patrolling with the Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper

knowledge of Alabama's conservation battles. His credentials establish him as a pillar of conservation in Alabama.

Foundational Leadership: As founder of Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper and its Executive Director since 2004, Michael has built and maintained an organization crucial to protecting Alabama's waterways.
Sierra Club Legacy: A Sierra Club Life Member since 1983, his extensive history includes serving as both Group Conservation Chair and Group Chair in North Alabama, leading countless wilderness outings, and championing the Sipsey Wilderness Expansion effort.
Deep Expertise: From water quality monitoring and training with Alabama Water Watch to his early work fighting chemical waste incineration at sea, Michael brings comprehensive environmental protection experience to the table.

This Slate Represents Our Strongest Path Forward

This is a powerful slate of environmental leaders with a wide variety of experiences that will be invaluable as we rebuild the Alabama Chapter of the Sierra Club. These candidates cover the key areas of environmental advocacy. Emily's climate policy focus, Ginny's science-based community advocacy, and Michael's water protection and organizational experience combine to create a comprehensive leadership structure. Each of these candidates bring longstanding relationships with key allies and have extensive networks in their respective communities. Their combined experience and dedication will ensure that Sierra Club renews longstanding conservation efforts in Alabama while expanding to address the Climate Crisis.

Your Role in This Campaign

Since 1969, Sierra Club has embraced competitive elections for leadership roles. This democratic leadership structure has enabled the Sierra Club to grow and adapt to meet the needs of successive environmental movements. Today, the Alabama Chapter of the Sierra Club needs to rebuild their environmental programs and create open and inclusive opportunities for member involvement to ensure the Sierra Club is a strong force for environmental advocacy in Alabama.

Your vote for Emily, Ginny, and Michael will ensure that dedicated and accomplished environmental advocates lead at this critical moment. These candidates have demonstrated their commitment through action, not just words. Now they need your support to bring their combined strengths to the Executive Committee.

Check your membership status today, keep an eye out for your ballots, and when your ballot arrives, vote for Michael Mullen, Emily Northrop, and Ginny Brown to ensure our Sierra Club Alabama Chapter has the strategic, experienced leadership to protect our air, water, and communities for generations to come. Also, spread the word by talking to your fellow Sierra Club members and following and promoting this campaign on social media.

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