Galen Hardy

Detroit Program Director

Galen brings Detroiters, their needs, and their ingenious solutions to the state legislation, budgets, and administrative work that shapes their city and Michigan. He does this by connecting to Detroit's grassroots and civic leaders, working with them to create good policies, channeling them to the Capitol, and leveraging statewide opportunities to the benefit of Michigan's largest city.

Galen joined staff in September 2022, but he has worked for the Environmental Council before as the community education and outreach coordinator for Zero Waste Detroit. This organization offshoot was key in shutting down a notorious incinerator and now increases recycling and composting in the city. Galen also helped see through Ann Arbor's groundbreaking carbon neutrality plan as its sustainability and innovations engagement specialist, and he helped Detroiters better overcome racism and poverty at Focus:HOPE.

Rounding out Galen's experience is a bachelor's degree in health administration from Eastern Michigan University, a master's of public administration from Oakland University, and a board appointment to the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association.

When away from work, the Detroiter can be found with his dog Willie James; lifting weights; and watching the Wolverines, Lions, and Pistons.