Center for Biological Diversity


For Immediate Release, November 29, 2016

Contact: Patrick Sullivan, (415) 517-9364, psullivan@biologicaldiversity.org 

Center Hires Southern California Engagement Director, Plans L.A. Office

Marta Segura Will Advocate for Stronger Climate Policies, Support Efforts to Protect Communities From Oil Industry Pollution

LOS ANGELES— Marta A. Segura, a longtime civic leader on environmental and health issues in Los Angeles, has joined the Center for Biological Diversity as the organizations first Southern California engagement director. The Center also announced plans today for a Los Angeles office that will be staffed by six people and open in early 2017.

Marta Segura
Marta Segura. This photo is available for media use.

“Marta has worked tirelessly to empower and engage communities throughout her career,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The Center has wisely chosen a committed and passionate leader to fight for our climate, health and sustainability in the L.A. region.”

​“Marta has been a staunch advocate for our communities, their health and the environment, and we need more like her in times like these," said Congressmember-elect Nanette Barragán.

Segura has 20 years of experience in building partnerships, community engagement and organizational leadership. In her new position at the Center, she will strategize for stronger local, state and federal climate policies, strengthen local alliances and partnerships and join the Centers call for social equity in efforts to oppose oil and gas projects and protect communities and their health and environment from oil drilling. She will also be the local bilingual spokesperson for those efforts and will collaborate with community leaders to expand and diversify the organizations allies and supporters.

Segura recently served as the Los Angeles city-planning commissioner and as district director for then-City Council President Garcetti, now L.A.’s mayor. She has also served as a program officer at the California Endowment and as associate director of Communities for a Better Environment, a well-known statewide environmental justice organization.

“Marta has spent decades helping underserved L.A. communities with her powerful combination of public-health expertise and passion for social justice,” said Kierán Suckling, the Centers executive director. “Were deeply honored to have her join the Centers efforts to protect Californias people and environment from the oil industry and other dangerous polluters.” 

Segura holds a master’s of public health degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. After working as a senior environmental compliance engineer in the private sector, she joined UCLAs Center for Labor Research and Education and spearheaded the Border Health and Safety Project and the Day Laborer Health and Safety Project.

“Communities across Southern California are standing up to demand climate action and end dangerous pollution from the fossil fuel industry,” Segura said. “I’m excited to work with neighborhoods across the region, thought leaders and policymakers to help Los Angeles and our state achieve a transition to a healthy, equitable and clean-energy future.”

“I have known and worked with Marta for many years, and she is deeply committed to social and environmental justice, said Martha Dina Argüello, executive director of Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles. “Her background and skills will help California communities confront the tremendous power of the oil industry.”

“Marta has contributed thoughtfully to our organization at every level and has brought a refreshing and dynamic perspective to endorsing and supporting local candidates for elected office who will fight for our environment,” said Thomas Eisenhower, president of the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.1 million members and supporters dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

 


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