Deidre Sanders, Ph.D.
Principal and Founder

Dr. Sanders’ career is about effective problem-solving through innovative policy development.

She guides businesses, agencies, and non-profits in the development and implementation of internal and external strategies, policies, and programs to advance their environmental justice, economic justice, and social justice objectives.

Prior to her consultant work she was Director of Government and Community Affairs, and Director of Public Policy at East Bay Community Energy from 2018 to early 2020, and before that she was the Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (San Francisco) environmental justice (EJ) subject matter expert for ten years where she advanced the implementation and institutionalization of PG&E’s Environmental Justice Policy, climate EJ, and policy strategy for PUC proceedings regarding disadvantaged communities.

Dr. Sanders has  also served on numerous boards and advisory groups. She currently serves on California’s AB 617 Consultation Group and is the Policy Committee Chair for American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) California Chapter. She is also on the board of the Great Plains Institute in Minneapolis.  She previously  served on the USEPA National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC), as well as on the boards of the California League of Conservation Voters and the Coalition for Clean Air.

Before joining PG&E, Dr. Sanders spent seven years at Southern California Edison working in various business areas (Environmental Affairs, Community Involvement, and Market Research). She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and international relations from the University of Southern California and earned a Ph.D. in Politics and Policy from the Claremont Graduate University. Her dissertation topic was: “Exploring Cooperation, Competition, and Co-optation among Mainstream and Environmental Justice Organizations in California”.

Darcy Wheeles
Principal

Ms. Wheeles has extensive experience in in land use, environmental justice, environmental policy, and regulatory analysis, as well as strategic planning, outreach, and advocacy. She brings more than 20 years of experience facilitating relationships among regulatory agencies, local communities, environmental NGOs, and other stakeholders. Ms. Wheeles is an experienced writer, facilitator, and project manager. She works at the intersection of interests and helps develop strategic approaches to achieve clients’ goals and then helps them navigate the pathway to success. She understands how to manage a variety of interests- from managing varied opinions within trade associations, to helping clients understand complex perspectives and needs of local communities.

Ms. Wheeles spent several years working with cities and counties to evaluate proposed development within their jurisdictions and develop long-range plans, including updating general plans and municipal codes. Additionally, she guided companies in integrating and streamlining their environmental management information systems and developing environmental performance indicators.

Ms. Wheeles has a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University with a focus in Environmental Policy and Marine Biology. She was formerly the Vice Chair of the City of Seaside Planning Commission and was appointed by Governors Brown and Newsom to serve on the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection for five years, finishing her tenure serving as Vice Chair of the Board.