Americorps CEO Michael D. Smith Named to the 2024 Time100 Climate List of the 100 Most Influential Leaders Driving Business to Real Climate Action

Time100 Climate List Highlights Changemakers from Across Industries Whose Work Represents Significant Progress Towards Environmental Stewardship

WASHINGTON, DC- TIME named AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smithto the 2024 TIME100 Climate list, recognizing the 100 most influential leaders driving business to real climate action. This honor underscores AmeriCorps' vital role in mobilizing communities across the nation to support environmental resilience.

Under Smith's leadership, AmeriCorps has invested $145 million in organizations across the country that address environmental needs, provide environmental education, and improve sustainability and ecological health in the past year. This includes increased funding for state and national service programs focused on environmental stewardship, alongside new training initiatives to prepare AmeriCorps members for future careers. In total, over 18,000 AmeriCorps members and volunteers participate in projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve environmental health, and respond to natural disasters each year. Smith has also championed diversity and inclusion within AmeriCorps' ranks, ensuring that communities disproportionately affected by environmental challenges are empowered to lead locally driven solutions.

"From wildfire mitigation to coastal erosion, AmeriCorps members and volunteers have been at the center of efforts to conserve, sustain and protect our precious natural resources for more than thirty years," said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. "At AmeriCorps, we actively prioritize building infrastructure for folks to lead climate solutions in their own communities - especially those rural, urban and coastal communities most disproportionately impacted."

As the leader of AmeriCorps, Smith has spearheaded other initiatives to expand AmeriCorps' environmental programing, including working alongside the Biden-Harris administration to establish the American Climate Corps, for which AmeriCorps serves as the coordinating hub. Since April of 2024, the American Climate Corps has engaged 15,000 Americans in paid positions focused on tackling urgent climate-related needs.

Last year AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers improved more than 880,000 million acres of parks and public land, treated more than 30,000 miles of trails and rivers, weatherized/retrofitted more than 5,000 homes and public structures, restored or protected over 680 structures after natural disasters, and provided environmental stewardship education and training to more than 510,000 individuals.

The AmeriCorps NCCC program mobilizes teams of young people to complete projects like maintaining public parks and trails, implementing community-led revitalization and safety initiatives, and responding to natural disasters. AmeriCorps members serving with FEMA Corps, a partnership between AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA, support disaster response efforts to provide essential services and resources, as well as restore local landscapes.

"AmeriCorps engages people and organizations who understand what's at stake, who want to contribute to the solution," said Smith. "Many of our partner organizations have been leaders in this space for decades. This recognition by TIME100 is a testament to their expertise, years of commitment, and leadership. We are grateful to act as a catalyst in their monumental work."

TIME's recognition of CEO Smith celebrates his vision and commitment to addressing environmental stewardship through the power of national service. As a TIME100 Climate Leader, Smith joins a select group of global changemakers who are driving innovative solutions to major problems caused and accelerated by shifting climate patterns.

AmeriCorps remains dedicated to building stronger communities, preparing a new generation of environmental stewards, and expanding environmental resilience, especially in communities that have experienced disproportionate harm. This honor reflects the collective achievements of AmeriCorps members and the organization's continued commitment to building a sustainable future for all Americans.

You can read the full article here along with the full list: time.com/time100-climate.

For more information about AmeriCorps' climate initiatives and how to get involved, visit AmeriCorps.gov/Climate.