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- Climate First Bank appoints sustainability leader Chris Castro to drive its environmental initiatives and clean energy investments.
- Castro brings extensive experience from the Biden-Harris Administration and City of Orlando, managing $16B in clean energy programs.
- The bank expands its presence with a new Orlando office opening in summer 2025.
Climate First Bank has named Chris Castro as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer. Castro, a recognized sustainability leader, previously served in the Biden-Harris Administration as Chief of Staff for the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) and Senior Advisor at the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE).
“Climate First Bank is focused on driving generational investments into clean energy – and Chris is exactly the leader to help do just that,” said Lex Ford, CEO & President of Climate First Bank. “His extensive experience with, and passion for, sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission to combat the climate crisis.“
Castro managed a $16 billion portfolio of grants and technical assistance programs aimed at transitioning communities to a 100% carbon-free energy future. Prior to his federal role, he served nearly a decade at the City of Orlando as Director of Sustainability & Resilience, leading initiatives that positioned the city as a national and global leader in urban sustainability.
Related Article: Climate First Bank Releases its Inaugural Impact Report
“I’m truly honored to rejoin Climate First Bank and continue to contribute to its mission of catalyzing sustainable and inclusive financing to enable solutions to the climate crisis,” Castro said. “I look forward to working with the team to lead our sustainability portfolio, develop innovative partnerships and new financing tools, and ultimately help scale our impact to new markets nationwide.“
Beyond his public sector experience, Castro co-founded IDEAS For Us, a UN-accredited nonprofit dedicated to community-led sustainability projects, and launched Citizen Energy, a clean-energy consulting firm. He also pioneered Fleet Farming, an urban farming social enterprise transforming unused land into edible landscapes.
In addition to this leadership appointment, Climate First Bank is expanding its footprint with a new office in Orlando, Florida. The 2,400-square-foot space, located at 215 E Livingston St, is set to open in summer 2025, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to climate-focused financial solutions in key markets.
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