Dr. Cassie Rauser is a climate and sustainability leader who works at the intersection of science, policy, and community to advance equitable, nature-based solutions. She serves as Chief Executive Officer of TreePeople, where she leads efforts to grow climate-resilient landscapes, strengthen communities, and restore the connection between people and nature across Southern California.

Earlier in her career, Cassie worked in Costa Rica, partnering with local communities, governments, and private organizations to help establish a public-private nature preserve. She later served as Executive Director of UCLA Sustainable LA Grand Challenge, shaping regional sustainability, clean energy, resilient water supply and biodiversity strategies. A trained biologist, her work is grounded in a lifelong love of nature—especially butterflies—and a belief that people and ecosystems are most resilient when they thrive together.