Heather McTeer Toney
Executive Director, Beyond Petrochemicals
Elected at age 27, Heather McTeer Toney knows what it means to be a public servant. She served as the first African-American, first female and youngest mayor of Greenville, Mississippi, before she was appointed by President Barack Obama as Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Southeast Region.
Known for her energetic and genuine commitment to people, her work has made her a national figure in public service, environmental justice and community engagement. Her book, “Before the Streetlights Come On: Black America’s Call to Climate Action,” was published by Broadleaf Books in April 2023.
Heather currently serves as the executive director of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Beyond Petrochemicals campaign. She was named a 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leader.
What excites you about the Stories of Impact Challenge?
“What excites me most about the Climate Mayors Stories of Impact Challenge is the chance to hear and see practical and implementable solutions from local leadership.
Change happens at the speed of trust, and nothing builds trust like a mayor looking directly into a camera and telling the truth about what’s happening in their community. I’ve spent years working alongside communities in all parts of the world and I know firsthand that the most powerful climate stories aren’t abstract, they’re personal. They have a face, a hometown, and a reason for showing up. I want to serve as a judge because I believe local leaders are sitting on some of the most compelling climate stories in the country, and this challenge gives them a platform worthy of that truth. I can’t wait to see what they share.”