Harvard University named David Cash, former EPA regional administrator for New England, to lead its Climate Action Accelerator — an initiative designed to turn university climate research into policy and business action.
The appointment, announced Monday by Harvard’s Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, places a seasoned public servant with experience in academia at the helm of one of the university’s most visible climate programs.
“The Climate Action Accelerator’s mission to convene, catalyze, and leverage Harvard research into action requires a leader who can align a wide range of stakeholders around both near-term and long-term solutions,” said Jim Stock, Harvard’s vice provost for climate and sustainability and director of the Salata Institute. “David is ready to do just that.”
Cash was appointed by former President Joe Biden in 2022 to lead as EPA’s Region 1 administrator. He stepped down in 2025 when President Donald Trump took office.
