After extensive national search, city hires Denise Quarles to lead Atlanta's sustainability initiatives

Mayor Kasim Reed announced today that Denise Quarles has been hired to lead the City of Atlanta's sustainability efforts. Quarles previously served for three years as vice president of environmental affairs and director of business development in the energy division of Southwire, a Georgia-based manufacturer of electric wiring and cabling.

"Denise comes to the city from the private sector with an outstanding track record of leading successful sustainability initiatives," said Mayor Reed. "I am pleased that Denise is joining our team, and I am confident in her leadership abilities as we strive for Atlanta to become one of the top-ten sustainable cities in the nation."

As the new director of the Mayor's Office of Sustainability, Quarles will be tasked with working collaboratively with Atlanta City Council members for additional budgetary support and leading cross-departmental strategy efforts for Atlanta to become a top-ten sustainable city. With the ongoing success of energy upgrades to the Atlanta Civic Center, Quarles will also work to replicate these efforts across city facilities through the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge, an initiative launched on November 3 as part of President Obama's Better Buildings Initiative.

"From launching a residential weatherization rebate program and starting a major bikeshare program to initiating the conversion of a parking lot across the street from city hall into an urban farm – I am ecstatic about joining this staff and ensuring this list of achievements continues to grow," said Quarles. "Most importantly, we have to ensure that our colleagues with the Atlanta City Council and the people of Atlanta know the value of this office to ensure its own sustainability."

Prior to Southwire, Quarles was with DaimlerChrysler for 12 years, where she gained extensive experience in business and operations management. In her new post, Quarles will manage, implement and further develop Mayor Reed's sustainability plan, as well as support existing projects related to sustainability for the City of Atlanta. Reporting to the city's Chief Operating Officer, she will manage a staff and budget currently funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and other federal grants.

"While I have been involved with many projects over the years that would be considered sustainability initiatives, the city has moved at a much more progressive pace now that we have a dedicated effort and committed staff," said Councilwoman Carla Smith of District 1.

The search was conducted pro bono by Hagler Homrich over the last several months. Quarles will be Atlanta's second Director of Sustainability; Mandy Mahoney, the first director, left the position in March.

"Denise is a local, which is the best of both worlds combined with her expertise and experience," said Councilman Aaron Watson, Post 2-At-Large. "Since the Office of Sustainability is only effective in its collaboration with other city departments as well as Atlanta's business and environmental communities, it is critical we have someone lead the effort who understands the Atlanta landscape."

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