Mar 20, 2019
On episode 68 of Sourcing Matters we welcome Governor Christine
Todd Whitman, the Vice Chair of the Eisenhower Fellowships board of
Trustees. Joining as co-host is Eisenhower Fellow, Jennifer Hashley
– the founder of the The New Entry Sustainable Farming project, and
Pete & Jen’s Backyard Birds.
Governor Whitman is American Republican politician and author who
served as the 50th Governor of New Jersey, from 1994 to 2001, and
was the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2001 to
2003. Whitman was New Jersey’s first and, to date, only
female governor, and also the first Republican woman to be
reelected governor. Governor Christine Whitman is currently
President of The Whitman Strategy Group (WSG), a consulting firm
that specializes in energy and environmental issues.
From Jan. 1994 – Jan. 2001 – Whitman served as the 50th Governor of
New Jersey. During our dialogue we learn that the Governor of the
State of New Jersey constitutionally has the most power of any
Governor in all of the 50 states. We must understand that
during her tenure – Christie Whitman earned praise from both
Republicans and Democrats for her commitment to preserve a record
amount of New Jersey land as permanent green space. She was also
recognized by the Natural Resources Defense Council as having
instituted the most comprehensive beach monitoring system in the
nation.
As part of our 45 minute conversation we discuss her transformative
work with the EPA to introduce legislation which held perpetrators
for Brownfield contamination (a former industrial or commercial
site where future use is affected by real or perceived
environmental contamination) accountable. We learn that it
was Ronald Reagan who introduced climate change as cornerstone in
the national security discussion. Now, using that as a call to
action for all leaders no matter which side of the aisle, Whitman
clearly differentiates between climate concerns vs. weather.
And, how polarization and finger pointing has been impetus for a
political divide tied appreciation for climate change which has
arisen together over the past 20 years ago.
As the Vice Chair of the Eisenhower Fellowship Board of trustees we
learn how Gov. Whitman’s current role as an ambassador and mentor
to a global community of future leaders continues to inspire her
work. Core to the mission of the fellowship program, Whitman
states that “We have more alike than different.” When asked
what advice she has for folks seeking hiring office or for those
seeking to become a Head of State – she explains “do the job you’re
in, and the next one will come with hard work and commitment.”
Great advice for us all.
TuneIn to hear more from this Agent of Change.