Central Nova News

Arlington County Manager Appoints First Climate Policy Officer

Arlington County is excited to announce the hiring of Carl “Bill” Eger for the position of Climate Policy Officer. Mr. Eger brings sixteen years of senior-level local government energy and climate experience to Arlington County. He will begin this leadership role on March 6, 2023. 

“I am eager to have Bill joining us as the County’s first Climate Policy Officer,” stated County Manager Mark Schwartz. “Easing the impacts of climate change requires a ‘whole of government’ approach, collaboration across all departments in Arlington County, work with regional, state and federal partners, and participation of each member of our community. Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to work closely and creatively with internal and external stakeholders.”  

Mr. Eger most recently served for thirteen years with the City of Alexandria as the Energy Manager, where he collaborated across departments and with City partners, leading on energy, sustainability, and climate action policy development, planning, and program implementation. Recent projects include updating Alexandria’s Energy and Climate Change Action Plan, the Alexandria Green Building Policy, and developing an Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Readiness Strategy. 

While working in Alexandria, Mr. Eger served on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council and held leadership positions on the Virginia Energy Purchasing Government Authority, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Built Environment, and Energy Advisory Committee. He also serves on the U.S. Green Building Council’s Location and Planning Technical Advisory Group, and various committees through the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. Mr. Eger has also worked closely with the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Alexandria City Public Schools, and the Alexandria Redevelopment Housing Authority to implement climate and energy-related priorities. 

“Arlington is a dynamic, vibrant, and forward-thinking community with a strong foundation of climate action through implementation of the Community Energy Plan,” shared Mr. Eger. “I’m excited to bring my passion and expertise to support and amplify the County’s climate action work in response to the climate crisis. I look forward to working with partners across the Arlington community and regionally to advance our climate action work.” 

Mr. Eger earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering, and a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Dayton. He holds certifications as a Professional Engineer, a Climate Change Professional, a Certified Energy Manager, a Sustainability Excellence Associate, an Eco-District Accredited Professional, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a Certified Public Manager. 

As Climate Policy Officer, Mr. Eger will lead the Office of Climate Coordination and Policy, funded in the FY 2023 adopted budget. This new office within the County Manager’s Office was created to amplify, coordinate, and add capacity to the County’s ongoing responses to the climate crisis. 

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