Indiana environmental leader announces retirement

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — The executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council has announced his retirement after 14 years with the organization. Jesse Kharbanda says he is pursuing other environmental causes but will remain with HEC until his successor is found.

During Kharbanda’s reign, HEC prioritized reducing coal ash and farm pollution and pushing for renewable energy sources and transportation solutions. The organization says many of the issues were debated in the Indiana Statehouse.

“Against serious odds, we’ve won legislative, legal, and organizing victories for our health and environment,” said Kharbanda. “I hope that our successes—in very tough political terrain—give heart to Hoosiers as we grapple with not only ongoing environmental challenges but the increasing imprints of the climate crisis.”

HEC says the board of directors is assessing executive search firms. Kharbanda will stay in his role until a successor is hired in early 2022.