Communicating environmental issues key to change
AJ Grant, President of Environmental Communications Associates and a member of SEAS' External Advisory Board, has been a pioneering force in communicating environmental and complex issues to the public for over 30 years. Her expertise in strategic marketing, brand and reputation management, and crisis/risk communications draws from her diverse background in marketing and environmental science.
Grant’s clients include Honda North America, BHP Billiton, Lockheed Martin, Roche, British Columbia Ministry of Environment Lands and Parks, Rocky Mountain National Park, US Green Building Council (launch strategy for LEED certification), Hearst, FEMA, US ARMY, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Vatican.
She also has written highly acclaimed curriculums on environment and society for universities, and elementary, middle, and high schools. She believes strongly in expanding the attitudes and values of today’s youth through multimedia entertainment. Grant co-founded the Big Green Rabbit, a multimedia brand that packaged health, environment, and sustainability concepts for children and families. This multi-Emmy award-winning PBS children’s show garnered over 85 million hits on YouTube and performed at the White House for numerous years.
On any given day, you may find her hiking a mountain, gardening, playing the banjo, boarding an airplane for a far-flung adventure, on the tennis court, or at her ranch. Grant is an avid sea kayaker, musician, and hot sauce collector.
Her recent board service includes the National Park Foundation, National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Western Resource Advocates, Alaska Conservation Foundation, Impact Finance Center Steering Committee, National Parks Conservation Association (SW Region), University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability External Advisory Board, and University of Colorado Masters in Environment Program Advisor.
Grant attended Hobart and William Smith College, the University of Colorado, Rocky Mountain College of Art, and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Her recent awards include the 2014 Woman of the Year in Business, awarded by the Boulder Business & Professional Women Association. Photo courtesy of the US Department of Agriculture.