McGill appoints first Executive Director of Sustainability

With two decades experience, François Miller is a veteran sustainability leader.

As part of McGill’s deepening commitment to growing a culture of sustainability, the University has appointed François Miller as its first Executive Director of Sustainability.

François Miller began his five-year term as Executive Director of Sustainability on March 30.

Miller is no stranger to sustainability—or to McGill. After working for the City of Montreal’s sustainable development division for 12 years, he joined McGill as Director of the McGill Office of Sustainability (MOOS). During the past five years, Miller oversaw the development and implementation of McGill’s comprehensive Climate and Sustainability Action Plan (“Vision 2020”), coordinated efforts to support the University’s commitment to achieving carbon-neutrality by 2040, and oversaw the creation of an advisory council on sustainability. MOOS hosts the annual Catalyst Awards, which recognize sustainability initiatives led by students, staff and faculty. And, of course, Miller’s team is responsible for the Sustainability Projects Fund, the largest of its kind in Canada, which in its 10 years has provided $7 million to grassroots sustainability projects that address everything from energy savings to social justice.

“François is a passionate, knowledgeable and visionary leader,” said Yves Beauchamp, Vice-Principal, Administration and Finance.

In addition to continuing to lead the MOOS team, Miller will develop policies and strategic initiatives to build on the University’s sustainability achievements, as well as measure progress using key performance indicators and metrics.

“Since joining McGill University in 2015, I have had the opportunity to be involved in many projects of which I am particularly proud, such as our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, the phase-out of bottled water, and the inclusion of sustainability in governance processes, just to mention a few,” says Miller, who holds a Master’s degree in environmental sciences and a bachelor’s degree in geography education, both from UQAM. “I am eager to take on this new position, which affirms that sustainability is at the forefront of McGill’s strategic priorities. I look forward to working with current colleagues and allies, while also developing new partnerships across the faculties and departments with support from the dedicated team at the Office of Sustainability.”

Miller began his five-year term as Executive Director of Sustainability on March 30.