Thank You for 20 Years of Progress—and What Comes Next from Joel Tickner

Dear Change Chemistry Community, 

After nearly 20 years, today marks my final day as Founder and Executive Director of Change Chemistry. This is a bittersweet moment for me. It’s a bittersweet milestone—stepping back from something I’ve helped build is no small thing. But it’s also the right moment. The organization is poised for its next phase of growth and impact, and I’m excited to focus more deeply on strategy and advancing sustainable chemistry in new ways.

Please see a press release on the transition as well as my initial announcement to members from January. 

I am excited to work with our new Executive Director, Jason Pearson, whom I’ve known for almost 20 years. Jason is currently a Change Chemistry Board member and is a proven non-profit leader and strategist who has built organizations and programs that leverage industry value chains and government agencies to drive more sustainable products and practices. I’m humbled by the incredible response to our job posting, which yielded a highly accomplished and experienced field of candidates from industry, government, academia, and consulting – demonstrating the value and impact of the organization. I want to thank our Change Chemistry board subcommittee for leading this process.  

Together, we’ve built a highly trusted, cross-sector business network—bringing together companies, government agencies, academic leaders, and nonprofits committed to accelerating innovation and scaling sustainable chemistry. Our talented and dedicated team will continue to drive this work forward with Jason at the helm. 

I am incredibly thankful to all of you – our Change Chemistry members – for your support, insights, and leadership in advancing safer and more sustainable chemicals, materials, and products. I have learned a ton from each of you in understanding challenges, opportunities, and levers for sustainable chemistry across sectors and the value chain. We wouldn’t be the impactful organization we are today without you.  

Though I’m stepping down from the Executive Director role, I’ll continue to stay closely involved—as Founder, as a strategic advisor, and as a champion for the policy and industrial transformation we’re driving. I look forward to continued collaboration in this new chapter. 

Thank you for being part of the Change Chemistry community—and for all you do to change chemistry. 

Please reach out any time. 

Sincerely, 

Joel Tickner