Team Category: Our Staff

Charlene Tayag is the Executive Administrative Assistant of Climate Mayors. Charlene is responsible for managing the Executive Director’s schedule and managing the day-to-day administrative function of the Climate Mayors Team. Prior to joining Climate Mayors, Charlene was a Resource Development Manager at a Sacramento local non-profit.

Jessica Stoll Lowery is the Project Manager for Climate Mayors, where she supports organizational initiatives, fosters collaboration among member cities, and oversees project implementation. With a background in local-level climate action, she is dedicated to supporting municipalities as they work to achieve their climate goals. Before joining Climate Mayors, Jessica served as a Program Manager at the Electrification Coalition, where she managed technical assistance programs focused on transportation electrification. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the City of Indianapolis, contributing to climate and resiliency initiatives. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s degree from Xavier University and a Master’s degree from Marquette University.

Rachel Paris is the Membership and Communications Manager of Climate Mayors. Rachel is responsible for creating member mobilization opportunities, deploying engagement strategies, and communicating member successes in advancing equitable climate actions. Prior to joining Climate Mayors, Rachel was a Senior Advisor to Communications and Research at the Climate Action Campaign she spearheaded communications projects to support grassroots climate action initiatives.

Victor Mercado is the Communications Director of Climate Mayors. He is responsible for leading Climate Mayors’ communications strategy and amplifying the voice of mayors in the national climate conversation. Victor served for four years as communication and policy advisor for Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and previously as a principal for ILLUME Advising, a research and strategy consultancy working to advance, re-envision, and transform the power sector. He has implemented successful media campaigns featured in the New York Times, Grist, the Washington Post, Axios, NPR, and other outlets. After graduating college, Victor got his start in politics working on Xavier Becerra’s Mayoral primary campaign in Los Angeles in 2001. Victor lives in Tucson, Arizona with his family and is co-chair of the University of Arizona Hispanic Advisory Council. He holds a Master’s in Education Leadership and a Bachelor’s in International Affairs from Northern Arizona University.

Laura Jay is the Deputy Director of Climate Mayors. Laura is responsible for shaping and executing the strategic vision of the organization as set by the Executive Director, Board and Leadership Committee. Laura is an accomplished professional, bringing 15 years of experience working in non-profits advancing solutions to address climate change. Prior to joining Climate Mayors, Laura served as the Regional Director for North America for C40 Cities where she elevated the position of US mayors nationally and globally and supported the deepening of engagement at the local level to drive impactful change on the ground. Previously, Laura served as a Project Manager at Terrapin Bright Green where she consulted to government agencies, developers and non-profits to create more sustainability policies and designs. She has also worked at the U.S. Green Building Council on governance and strategic planning. Laura holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Columbia University and is based in Chicago with her family.