KEYNOTE: US Policies on Climate Change & Artistic Connections

3:55 - 4:05 Break Out Groups brainstorm and discuss ARTS CONNECTIONS

Ben Evans, Ben Evans is federal legislative director at the U.S. Green Building Council, helping lead the council’s advocacy work in Washington promoting green buildings and sustainable communities. Ben brings more than 20 years of experience working in politics, government affairs and communications, mostly in the energy sector. He has extensive experience developing policy, creating strategic advocacy campaigns, building stakeholder coalitions, and engaging with Congress and the executive branch. He has been quoted or published in national media outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, Politico and Reuters. Prior to joining USGBC, Ben was vice president of public affairs at the Alliance to Save Energy, overseeing the Alliance’s work to advance energy efficiency policy, including government affairs and policy communications. Prior to that, Ben he director of public affairs at the National Biodiesel Board, the biodiesel trade association. Previously, he was a reporter covering politics in the Washington bureau of The Associated Press and at Congressional Quarterly, where he covered the landmark Energy Policy Act of 2005. A native of Memphis, Tenn., Ben has a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Charleston. He lives in Baltimore with his wife, two children and a golden retriever.