A Note From the Board
This special edition of our newsletter celebrates Ed Connelly and his incredible journey at New Ecology. Ed stepped into the President role in 2004 and has spent nearly two decades building the organization, a network of partners, and the broader field.
At the time, low-income communities were often overlooked in the climate change conversation, and this injustice became Ed’s passion as he sought to bring healthier living conditions and environmental benefits to multifamily affordable housing. With gravitas, tenacity, curiosity, good listening, and a strong compass toward justice, Ed executed, using building science and benchmarking, high-quality advising, and monitoring operations to advance the field. Never discouraged by challenges, Ed advanced New Ecology’s work and steadily grew the organization from a concept with just 2 employees to an influencer with more than 60 staff today.
While the organization’s evolution is important, Ed’s most lasting impact on the field will be the countless number of lives he has inspired—graduates and interns, architects, contractors, property managers, owners, and partners who have learned so much from this meaningful work. Humble, resolved, compassionate, and unafraid to be honest and take entrepreneurial risks, Ed has truly led by example.
To Ed: Congratulations as you explore your next chapter, the retirement you deserve, and many relaxing times with your family. New Ecology will miss you, and will march on in the indelible spirit you leave with your staff and Board.
-Becky Regan
New Ecology Board Treasurer
On Behalf of the New Ecology Board of Directors