Dr. Aurora Sharrard is the inaugural Assistant Vice Chancellor for Sustainability at the University of Pittsburgh, overseeing cross-departmental sustainability strategy, staff, activities, and partnerships. Pitt’s innovative work balancing equity, environment, and economics so current and future generations can thrive has been nationally recognized, including with an AASHE STARS Gold designation. Dr. Sharrard previously served at Green Building Alliance (GBA), ultimately leading the nonprofit in advancing innovation in the built environment by empowering people to create environmentally, economically, and socially vibrant places. She holds a Master’s and PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering with an emphasis in Green Design from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Tulane University. Dr. Sharrard regularly serves as a judge and peer reviewer for funders and academic journals.