The GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future (ASF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Ángel Knighten as its newest Sustainable Future Fellow, bringing to the George Washington University community a wealth of experience in strategic communications, sustainability leadership, and disaster resilience.
Knighten’s fellowship follows his recent role as a Spring 2025 Pritzker Fellow at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics and his ongoing service on the National Leadership Council of the Climate Risk Lab at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business.
With a career that began at the California Environmental Protection Agency on the team that supported the enactment and implementation of AB 32, the world’s first comprehensive climate law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Knighten has spent decades helping cross-sector leaders and all levels of government translate complex issues into compelling narratives that build awareness and drive action. His work spans sectors including education, health care, biotechnology, sports and entertainment, human rights, tourism, emerging technology/artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. Most recently, he led FEMA’s Office of External Affairs through some of the nation’s most difficult crises and national security threats. His experience underscores that communication, trust, and climate resilience are central to securing a future that is secure and sustainable.
“Sustainability is not a single issue but an interdisciplinary effort that, when effectively led, influences behavior, strengthens trust, shapes culture, and secures a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for everyone,” Knighten said. “I am a communicator first, and that is how I approach this work. My passion lies in driving action, uniting unlikely partners, and tackling complex challenges head on.”
Knighten’s fellowship will aim to focus on the intersection of communications and emerging threats in sustainability—such as wildfires, hurricanes, cyberattacks, and misinformation—with the goal of advancing community-wide sustainability. He aims to support ASF’s mission by fostering cross-sector collaboration, building resilient systems, and mentoring students through guest lectures and classroom engagement.
“Justin brings an exciting combination of strategic insight, communications expertise, and a deep commitment to resilience and sustainability,” said ASF Executive Director, Frank Sesno. “Justin’s incredible background and expertise in risk and crisis communications, as well as community engagement, will help us bridge disciplines, inspire action, and prepare our students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
“I hope to contribute and support the extraordinary work of ASF to navigate the issues, harness the untapped potential of partners and trends, and foster academic excellence that will help our country, and the world, realize the sustainable future needed despite the herculean sized obstacles before us,” Knighten added.
During his fellowship, Knighten plans to initiate working sessions with GW faculty, researchers, and external partners to co-create practical solutions that strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. He also hopes to deepen connections with national resilience networks across government, business, philanthropy, and nonprofit sectors.
“Together, we can experiment with new ideas, challenge assumptions, and design practical solutions that make a measurable difference in how communities prepare for and recover from crises,” Knighten said. “I want this fellowship to be a space for co-creation where academic insight and lived experience meet to shape more resilient systems, better prepared people and organizations, and a more pragmatic and successful advancement of ideas and actions that meet the moment and plan for what's next.”
The GW Alliance for a Sustainable Future is thrilled to welcome Justin Ángel Knighten and looks forward to the impact his leadership and vision will bring to the university and beyond.