GreenWave Strategies Background

Carolyn Brown is dedicated to shifting the cultural paradigm and dominant practices toward sustainability through a combination of savvy strategies, powerful messaging and effective marketing campaigns. Both visionary and entrepreneurial, Carolyn is known for aiming high and finding practical ways to get there. Her approach draws on a broad range of experience with private, public and nonprofit organizations, including Flex Your Power, EcoTalk, Sustainable Conservation, Bank of America, 41pounds, Health Net, Save the Bay, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, California Institute for Biodiversity, McDonalds and numerous start-up companies. She has launched consumer products, business services and public awareness campaigns through a combination of advertising, public relations and marketing. She served as Bank of America's Vice President for Government Relations where she handled a wide range of corporate, environmental and public issues and co-authored the company's Environmental Principles. Her media experience encompasses both the business and the editorial sides, working with EcoTalk, Bay Nature magazine, Marina Times (San Francisco), Yogi Times and Triathlete. She earned an A.B. from Princeton University in Politics and Economics, magna cum laude, and an M.A. in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Born and raised near Philadelphia, she has lived in the Bay Area for 20 years.

Debbie Friedman is a veteran of the EcoTalk Radio team, serving as Director of Programming and “ace of all trades.” She created EcoTalk’s partnership model – which brought major environmental organizations such as NRDC, Earthjustice and TreeHugger into funding and/or content roles with the radio program and became a primary revenue stream. Debbie led the development of a major eco-event for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts which doubled the previous year's attendance and established Fairmont's Green credibility with a crucial customer segment. Debbie brings to GreenWave a strong understanding of how reporters, editors and program directors respond to story ideas, as well as experience building relationships with high-profile guests and their staffs. A former attorney, Debbie employs her sharp analytical, problem-solving and relationship-building skills in the growing Green world. Debbie earned her B.A. with highest honors in Economics and Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, and a J.D. from UC Hastings College of the Law. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she has lived in the Bay Area for 20 years.

Margie Ryan brings outstanding communications, fundraising and environmental experience to GreenWave Strategies. With her ability to communicate clearly and effectively with potential funders, she has secured funding for numerous environmental, arts, and community organizations. Her expertise includes grant-writing, prospect research and program management. Previously, Margie served as Public Grants Program Director and as Foundation Relations Manager for Trust for Public Land, and as Director of Institutional Giving for California College of the Arts. She has developed and implemented successful strategies to raise project funding and general operating support from foundations, corporations and public agencies across the west. Margie earned her B.A. with high honors in Anthropology from UC Berkeley and received an International Institute of Education Fulbright Fellowship. She has lived in the Bay Area for more than 35 years.