Episode 72:

Katie Cash talks with Tara Bleakley, Associate Director for Market Transformation and Development at the USGBC’s Florida chapter. Tara shares a brief overview of her career, starting with a background in art history and art business, which led her to various marketing roles from London to Orlando. She discusses her tenure at TLC Engineering Solutions, where she rose to partnership before taking a sabbatical to reconnect with family. This break steered her toward her current role at USGBC, fueled by her passion for combating climate change.

Tara’s current initiatives at USGBC extend beyond LEED certifications to include supporting sustainable and resilient community development. She believes in the critical role of mentorship within the AEC industry, particularly emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between seasoned professionals and young leaders. Tara emphasizes how her experiences inform her advocacy for sustainable building practices that not only meet but exceed established standards, thereby enhancing equity, affordability, and inclusivity in projects.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• LEED Certification
• Climate change
• Young leaders
• Inclusivity in buildings
• Business development
• Sustainability

As the Florida Associate Director, for the Market Transformation and Development team at the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Tara plays a pivotal role in driving the organization’s mission of transforming the built environment into a more sustainable and environmentally responsible sector. Tara focuses on creating strategic initiatives and partnerships to foster the adoption of green building practices and sustainable design principles within the broader market. Tara contributes to driving sustainability forward in the building and construction industry by fostering collaboration, advocating for policy changes, and promoting LEED building standards and practices. A big focus is engaging with USGBC’s current stakeholder base around core programs and cultivating business opportunities for LEED with new clients in major target sectors.

In Tara’s spare time she enjoys adventuring in nature with her family, traveling for food and relaxing with a good book.

Connect with Connect with Tara Bleakely, Associate Director, Market Transformation & Development
US Green Building Council:

Website: https://www.usgbc.org/people/tara-bleakley/0011562083

Connect with Katie Cash:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacash/