The San Diego County Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice (OSEJ) has welcomed a new chief to lead the way. Eden Brukman, with a profound dedication to service and assisting others, brings over two decades of expertise in sustainability leadership to her new role.
Brukman’s impressive track record includes a diverse portfolio of eco-conscious building and infrastructure projects, as well as extensive experience in crafting climate justice policies. Her mission is deeply rooted in the concept of “tikkun olam,” a Hebrew phrase signifying “repair the world,” which has shaped her identity since a young age.
For Brukman, her work is not solely about addressing environmental concerns; it’s fundamentally about nurturing human relationships and fostering connections, and supporting one another. Prior to joining the County team, she played a pivotal role in the San Francisco Environment Department, chairing the Municipal Green Building Task Force and contributing to the development of the San Francisco 2021 Climate Action Plan.
Before her time in San Francisco, she held various positions as a developer and director of global standards, a licensed architect, and a sustainability coordinator in locations such as Portland, Oregon, the UK, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area.
Brukman is inspired by recurring themes in children’s literature, which empower young individuals to dream big and shape their own realities when the existing framework doesn’t align with their vision. She joined the County in March of this year and now leads a team of 12 individuals. A significant aspect of her role involves striving to reduce environmental and health disparities while expanding opportunities in traditionally underserved areas by harnessing community strengths.
To her, it’s about discovering innovative ways to break down barriers and identifying the seeds of change that allow for scalable solutions. OSEJ has a dual focus on regional initiatives and County operations, with an emphasis on forming meaningful connections, listening to and addressing community needs, including those of local Tribal nations, all with the aim of achieving zero carbon emissions.
Brukman is particularly drawn to her role due to the County’s unwavering commitment to environmental justice through community engagement and sustainability programs, including the Regional Decarbonization Framework and Climate Action Plan. It also presented an opportunity for her to return to the county where she grew up.
In her words, “It is an honor and privilege to connect with San Diegans and our partners throughout the region to build the Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice. I look forward to our continued collaboration to cocreate and advance initiatives that help foster a region where all people can live in and enjoy a clean and healthy environment.”
Brukman holds a B.A. in Architecture and a minor in Visual Studies from UC Berkeley and a Master of Design from the Edinburgh College of Art. She has received numerous accolades, including the Women in Sustainability Leadership Award, the Buckminster Fuller Challenge, and the Portland Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award. She is recognized as a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Fellow, a Living Future Hero, and a children’s book author and illustrator.
In her new role as the leader of the County’s Office of Sustainability and Environmental Justice, Brukman will fortify the County’s commitment to creating a more sustainable, healthy, and equitable environment for local residents.
