Debbie Raphael
About
Debbie Raphael has spent 30 years in public service leading environmental agencies at the city, county, and state levels. She is a scientist by training and believes in combining the rigor of analytic data with the wisdom of community knowledge to craft policies and programs in service of people and the planet. Debbie was appointed by California’s Governor Jerry Brown, Director of the state’s Department of Toxic Substances Control where she put in place the world-renowned Safer Consumer Products Program. She then spent 8 years under Mayors Edwin Lee and London Breed as Director of the City/County of San Francisco’s Department of the Environment where she led the City’s award-winning programs in zero waste, toxics reduction, clean energy and transportation, and green building. Debbie was named by Apolitical as one of the world’s 100 most impactful leaders on climate change. She is a strategic advisor to academic institutions, businesses large and small, non-profits, philanthropic organizations, and governments around the world. Debbie is well known for her public speaking and her inclusive approach to problem solving.
