Climate First Bank, a community bank founded in 2020, has appointed Chris Castro as its new EVP and Chief Sustainability Officer.
According to ESG Today, the bank is known for its dedication to combating the climate crisis through innovative and sustainable banking solutions, including financing for solar PV and energy retrofits and infrastructure.
Climate First Bank specialises in leveraging financial services to support environmental sustainability. Their offerings include targeted loans and funding for projects that contribute to reducing carbon footprints, such as solar panel installations and energy-efficient building upgrades.
Chris Castro brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Climate First Bank. Having initially joined the bank in 2020 as a Founding Director and member of the Executive Committee, Castro has been instrumental in shaping the bank’s strategic direction. His recent role as the inaugural Chief of Staff for the Office of State and Community Energy Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy saw him managing a substantial $16bn in grants aimed at fostering clean energy initiatives across various governmental levels.
Beyond his recent federal appointment, Castro has a robust background in environmental advocacy and urban sustainability. Prior to joining the Department of Energy, he spent nearly a decade in various capacities at the City of Orlando, including as Senior Advisor to the Mayor and Director of Sustainability & Resilience. His early career involved co-founding IDEAS For Us, a global nonprofit focused on sustainability, and starting Citizen Energy, a consulting firm that delivers clean energy solutions.
Chris Castro commented on his appointment, saying, “I’m truly honored to rejoin Climate First Bank and continue to contribute to its mission of catalyzing sustainable and inclusive financing to enable solutions to the climate crisis. I look forward to working with the team to lead our sustainability portfolio, develop innovative partnerships and new financing tools, and ultimately help scale our impact to new markets nationwide.”
Lex Ford, CEO and President of Climate First Bank, also highlighted Castro’s fit for the role: “Climate First Bank is focused on driving generational investments into clean energy – and Chris is exactly the leader to help do just that. His extensive experience with, and passion for, sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission to combat the climate crisis. As Chief Sustainability Officer, Chris will play a pivotal role in advancing our sustainability initiatives, innovative financing solutions, and driving positive environmental impact.”
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