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Sue Fassler
Susan Fassler Named 40 Under 40 Honoree by CNY Business Journal
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Nov. 14, 2024 – Susan Fassler, director of sustainability, at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), is being recognized as a Central New York 40 Under 40 honoree. The 40 Under 40 awards are presented by the Central New York Business Journal and M&T Bank, honoring young professionals who have made significant contributions to the region. Fassler and her fellow honorees will be celebrated Nov. 14 at the Oncenter.
Fassler received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at ESF and began working at ESF in 2019 as the sustainable facilities manager. In this role, she supervised and advocated for a wide range of operations staff, including the grounds, custodial, mailroom/stockroom/shipping & receiving, and fleet units. She also served as a member of the sustainability team. She was promoted to Director of Sustainable Operations and then to her current role as Director of Sustainability.
Her efforts to improve sustainability have led to dramatic shifts in campus operations. She played a leadership role in securing ESF’s AASHE STARS Platinum ranking, the industry-standard sustainability reporting framework. ESF holds the highest score in the SUNY system and one of the highest in the country. She co-led the development of ESF’s Sustainability Action Plan, which was released earlier this fall.
Fassler secured over $160,000 in external funding to install a large network of EV charging stations at ESF’s Syracuse campus. This network is one of the largest in the region with chargers available to ESF faculty, staff, students, and the Syracuse community. She also led the securing of TRUE precertification in waste reduction for the College.
She co-chairs the United University Professions (UUP) Environmental Issues and Advocacy (EIA) Committee, leading legislative efforts for sustainability, is a board member with the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust and volunteers on projects such as the Tug Hill Traverse Trail. Sue routinely guest lectures in ESF courses and offers sustainability-focused technical assistance to other SUNY and CUNY campuses, as well as private institutions throughout New York state and beyond.
Fassler holds TRUE Advisor and LEED Green Associates certifications. These professional development credentials denote a commitment to and expertise in zero waste/circularity and green building principles.
In 2021, ESF named Fassler a Graduate of Distinction, Incipiens Quercu (Beginning Oak). This honor is reserved for ESF alumni who have graduated within the last decade and are demonstrating their commitment to ESF's environmental stewardship through their professional or volunteer work experience.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.