Kirsten James directs Ceres' strategy for mobilizing leading investors and companies to address the sustainability risks related to our freshwater systems. Her work includes leading the Valuing Water Finance Initiative, an investor-led effort that seeks to drive corporate action on water-related financial risks.
Previously, Kirsten served as the director of California policy and partnerships at Ceres, where she led strategy development for California-focused policy work, engaging companies and investors in support of public policies that call for sustainable water management, clean energy, and GHG emissions reductions.
Kirsten serves as an executive board member on the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters and as an advisory committee appointee for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
Prior to Ceres, Kirsten worked on California water issues as the Science and Policy Director of a regional nonprofit. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a master's degree from the Bren School at UCSB.