Adding some humor to the serious business of sustainability, comedian and environmentalist Vasu Primlani is stepping into a significant new role. Mayor Indya Kincannon has tapped Primlani, previously serving as Metro Nashville's Decarbonization Manager, to become Knoxville’s new Director of Sustainability, a shift signaling the city's commitment to greener policies.
With over thirty years on the frontline of ecological innovation, Primlani is no stranger to plaudits and has been recognized with prestigious accolades including the EPA’s Environmental Achievement Award. "Vasu has an incredible track record in this field,” Mayor Kincannon said, “Her experience, and creative thinking will help Knoxville meet our goal of an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050," according to the City of Knoxville.
Kincannon also lauds Primlani's approach to equitable climate adaptation—underscoring the necessity to aid "everyday people and small business owners save money too." Such dual emphasis, on both environmental milestones and justice, sets a benchmark for the city's strategy moving forward.
Primlani, a jack-of-all-trades, also wears the hats of a sustainability and diversity corporate trainer, professor, and author, outside her role with Metro Nashville. "I am really looking forward to working with Mayor Kincannon and her team," Primlani said, “I believe the best technology, funding, and collaboration are needed to achieve our environmental goals, and Knoxville seems to be well on its way with all three,” she proclaimed, per the City of Knoxville.
While tackling issues like greenhouse gas reductions and sustainable practices, Primlani plans to keep the atmosphere light around the office. With her established chops as a comedian, she's set on maintaining morale. "The ability to smile and to make other people laugh—that is really what makes life worth living," she shared, hinting at the blend of levity and purpose she intends to bring to her new role, as per the City of Knoxville.
Marking the end of an era with Metro Nashville on March 8, Primlani is slated to commence her tenure in Knoxville starting April 1, an apt date for the sustainability director with a penchant for humor.
