September 12, 2022
Washington, DC — Today, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) welcomes Michelle Williams as its new Chief Financial Officer. Michelle brings over twenty years of experience as an accounting specialist with a commitment to the nonprofit sector, having led financial teams at multiple non-profit organizations, including those working in social service, health care policy, the arts, and advocacy. Michelle succeeds Jeff Wanha, CIEL’s long-time CFO and Director of Finance and Administration.
“Michelle brings to CIEL an ideal combination of experienced leadership, deep financial expertise, and the commitment to collaboration and social justice that is essential to our work,” said Carroll Muffett, President and CEO of CIEL. “I am truly excited to find someone so able and ready to step into the role Jeff has carried so well for nearly a quarter century. It positions us to build on the strength and stability Jeff has fostered, and to grow to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
“We are in the midst of an environmental and climate crisis, and CIEL is working to ensure that the solutions to this problem are just and equitable. As such, I am honored to support this important work by taking the financial baton hand-off and carrying on the mission to ensure that CIEL’s financial systems serve the needs of the organization,” said Michelle.
As CFO, Michelle is responsible for the management of all accounting and financial matters of the organization. In addition to ensuring the day-to-day financial health and operations of the organization, Michelle will provide financial projections and planning to ensure CIEL has sufficient resources and capacity to achieve growth aligned with its strategic plan. Together with the President and Vice President, the CFO is an integral member of CIEL’s senior leadership team and brings a global lens to the financial needs of the organization.
“CIEL is excited to welcome Michelle as she takes the ‘financial reins’ from our multi-decade director, the beloved Jeff Wahna,” added Dianne Dillon-Ridgley, CIEL Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Knowing she has tall boots to fill, the Board is confident she will be a stellar addition to the CIEL Team as she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, plus an enthusiastic appetite for innovation and improvement. After meeting Michelle, I already sense the creativity she will bring to this leadership role!”
As the CIEL community welcomes Michelle, we also convey our deep appreciation for Jeff’s steadfast financial stewardship of the organization over more than two decades. “After 24 years with CIEL, it is always bittersweet to be saying goodbye, but I am thrilled to be leaving CIEL in such capable hands,” remarked Jeff.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University and a Master’s degree in coursework in accounting and information technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Michelle can be reached at: mwilliams(at)ciel.org