New Leadership at GreenTown Los Altos

After six months as executive director of the nonprofit GreenTown Los Altos, Keith Turner has resigned. Margie Suozzo will head the organization in his place, acting as chairwoman of the leadership team.

Turner, who began the position in October 2010, could not be reached. Suozzo said he was leaving to pursue other opportunities, of which she did not know the exact details.

“We’re happy for him and think he made a good decision,” said Suozzo, whose position will be voluntary. She helped found the organization and previously served as a programs chair.

In the upcoming year, Suozzo will continue to carry the nonprofit, which presses for  sustainable solutions and living, through two large campaigns. The first centers on “biking, transit and, in general, healthy living,” she said. The organization especially advocates for biking to school, striving to instill habits in middle schoolers that they can carry to high school.

The second advocacy area centers on water. Suozzo said she hopes to encourage residents both to reduce their water usage and also to improve the health and appreciation of local streams. They will achieve this through two educational “creek walks” per year, as well as events that alert locals of lawn chemicals or pharmaceuticals that can ultimately end up in the Bay.

The organization's other future goals, she said, include eliminating Styrofoam take-out containers from local eateries and encouraging home energy savings through a PG&E rebate program.