Eden Brukman recently began her role as the new Chief Sustainability Officer of San Diego County, guiding the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice (OSEJ). With over 20 years of leadership experience in sustainability, Brukman's expertise spans environmentally-conscious building and infrastructure projects.
Mrs. Brukman has had a rich career in the sector. She has held positions in Portland, Oregon, the UK, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area. Before accepting her current role, she worked for the San Francisco Environment Department, where she served on the Municipal Green Building Task Force and contributed to the San Francisco 2021 Climate Action Plan, all the while maintaining a deep commitment to climate justice.
Her philosophy of service is grounded in the concept of “tikkun olam,” a Hebrew term meaning “repair the world.” As told by the San Diego County News Center, Brukman believes sustainability extends beyond environmental issues and touches on human relationships and connections.
Brukman now leads a team of 12 professionals with the task of addressing environmental/health disparities in San Diego County and expanding opportunities in underserved areas. This involves fostering discussions with communities and stakeholders to build on their strengths, ultimately leading to a more resilient region.
She plans to develop stronger partnerships with tribal communities in San Diego County. According to the San Diego County News Center, this will involve cultivating cross-governmental relationships and fostering mutual awareness of the health, quality of life, and sustainability of the tribes.
Brukman was drawn to the position because of San Diego County's efforts toward environmental justice, community engagement, and regional decarbonization. She sees her role as a chance to contribute to a region where “all people can live in and enjoy a clean and healthy environment.”
Graduated from UC Berkeley and the Edinburgh College of Art, she has earned a B.A. in Architecture, a minor in Visual Studies, and a Master of Design. Over the course of her career, Brukman has received numerous honors, including the Women in Sustainability Leadership Award, the Buckminster Fuller Challenge, and the Portland Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award. She also authored and illustrated a children's book, and is a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Fellow and Living Future Hero.
