In this episode of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Matt Petersen, President and CEO of Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI).

Matt is chair of the Climate Mayors board, and a board member of Global Green USA, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, Center for Environmental Health, and the Sir Edmund Hillary Institute for International Leadership.

He and Ted discuss his upbringing in Modesto, California, his studies at Chico State, and his early experiences in running campaigns and working with Mikhail Gorbachev at Green Cross International.

He then went on to co-found Global Green USA and led the organization for 19 years as President and CEO. The organization was a pioneer in greening affordable housing, schools, and cities as well as helping grow the solar sector. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Matt put forth a vision and mobilized resources to green the rebuilding of New Orleans, including schools, the Lower 9th Ward, and more.

Prior to joining LACI, Matt was appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti as the first ever Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Los Angeles. Serving as CSO for four years, Petersen was the chief architect of the groundbreaking Sustainable City Plan, led efforts to make LA a global leader in EVs, and helped create the Climate Mayors.

At LACI, leading cleantech startups are creating an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation, transforming markets, and enhancing community. Matt highlights LACI’s three priorities: accelerating transportation electrification, clean energy, and sustainable cities.