Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Introducing F3’s New Executive Director

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
Communications Issue #11
October 25, 2020
Dear Friends of F3,

We’ve hired a new Executive Director! Michele James has lived and worked in Flagstaff for over twenty years and brings her knowledge of Flagstaff and love of the community to her new leadership position.

With a background in both science and art, including a master’s degree in Sustainable Communities (NAU) and a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology & Technical Journalism (Colorado State University), Michele has spent two decades doing advocacy work on northern Arizona ecosystems.

Michele has been a wildlife biologist with Grand Canyon National Park and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a research coordinator for NAU’s Fossil Creek restoration, a species conservation program manager with the Grand Canyon Trust, and a stakeholder with the Flagstaff Forest Partnership. Most recently, she has been on the NAU faculty, teaching interdisciplinary courses related to sustainability, climate change, art as an advocacy tool, and civic engagement.

Michele has a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of complex issues, the ability to communicate well with diverse groups, and an expertise in designing effective community outreach, all of which are fundamental to accomplishing F3’s mission.

Michele is excited about taking on the leadership of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future. “F3 is a vital and necessary part of our community,” she says. “It plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Flagstaff remains a sustainable, just and thriving city.”

With her high-school son, Liam, and her husband, Peter Friederici, Michele enjoys hiking, photography, and mountain biking. She is also an accomplished graphic designer and writer.

The Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is delighted to welcome our new Executive Director.

Michele can be reached at MJames@friendsofflagstaff.org

The Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
 
Michele James, F3 Executive Director

Local Efforts: Good Information to Have and to Share

Climate Change Survey: How will our community achieve carbon neutrality?
Take the survey: https://www.opentownhall.com/portals/227/Issue_9628

Choose a new name for Agassiz Street: https://www.opentownhall.com/9813
Deadline for comments: November 3rd.

Flagstaff Climate Ambassador Training, Oct. 28-29https://www.facebook.com/FlagstaffSustainabilityProgram/photos/a.324961354218603/3454266774621363/

Renew Your F3 Membership: https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/join/

Ideas and Inspiration

Eight Questions that Can Help You Survive Election Stress:
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/eight_questions_that_can_help_you_survive_election_stress

“The Keep Going Song,” The Bengsons, “Find space for joy!”
https://www.facebook.com/thebengsons/videos/724609064791616

Get a free copy of “Zaadii: The Legend of Z-Hawk:” a comic book honoring the life and spirit of Zaadii Tso, a Flagstaff child who was tragically killed by a distracted driver. https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/distracted-driving

General contact information:
• To Attend City Council meetings virtually:  https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/328/Meetings
• To attend Coconino County meetings virtually:  https://www.coconino.az.gov or call 928-679-7144.
• To access City Commissions including Open Space, Sustainability, Planning and  Zoning: https://www.flagstaff.az.gov

Each issue of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future Communication will attempt to focus on just a few of the many current topics within our mission. Our City grows one little step at a time. Whether we preserve our history, plan for open space, become a City that treasures all of our citizens, or become a model of a Mountain Town, will depend on all of us being informed and participating when and where we can.

For more information about F3 and how to join our efforts, check out our website:
https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/.

October 25, 2020
Copyright © 2020 Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, All rights reserved.