Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) proudly welcomes four passionate and accomplished individuals to our Board of Directors. Each brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to advancing sustainability across our community. Here’s a closer look at why they joined the board and their exceptional backgrounds.
George Kreitem
A Longtime Advocate for Local Action with Global Impact
A resident of San Mateo County for over 50 years, George Kreitem supports SSMC’s vision of a sustainable future for all. He joined the board to contribute his expertise in corporate leadership and to mentor young advocates for sustainability. George believes in the power of local action to inspire broader change.
Professional and Personal Highlights
George’s 30-year career includes leadership roles at Salesforce, Yahoo!, and other global tech companies, where he managed corporate real estate and transformed workplace environments. At Salesforce, he expanded the company’s global campus footprint significantly. Now retired, George dedicates his time to mentoring emerging leaders and volunteering with local nonprofits, while enjoying family time with his granddaughters.
Laura Larkin
Championing Livability and Equity
Laura Larkin brings a deep appreciation for SSMC’s focus on environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Concerned about rising costs and climate change’s impacts, she joined the board to ensure San Mateo County remains a vibrant and equitable place for future generations.
Professional and Personal Highlights
As a longtime San Carlos resident, Laura has spent 18 years as a teacher leader in mathematics and robotics, including founding the award-winning Sequoia Robotics Team, Purple Reign. She served as an Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow in Washington, D.C., and is a Senior Mentor for FIRST Robotics. Laura is an active community volunteer and cherishes time spent with her grandsons in San Carlos.
Gail Lee
Driving Climate Change Solutions in Health and Sustainability
Gail Lee sees SSMC as a vital leader in combating climate change, the defining challenge of our time. She joined the board to leverage her extensive expertise in sustainability and environmental health, helping accelerate local climate action.
Professional and Personal Highlights
Gail is the Sustainability Director at UCSF, where she champions initiatives to reduce healthcare’s environmental impact. With a master’s degree in Environmental Management, she advises on multiple committees, including UCSF’s EaRTH Center and the U.C. Center for Climate, Health, and Equity. Gail’s career spans 30 years across health care, public, and nonprofit sectors, underscoring her dedication to impactful environmental leadership.
We are thrilled to have Melissa, George, Laura, and Gail join the SSMC Board. Their diverse expertise and shared vision will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for San Mateo County.
Melissa Rohlfs
Passion for Sustainability and Community Engagement
Melissa Rohlfs grew up in a farming community, where she developed a deep respect for natural resources. She joined SSMC to advocate for sustainability that benefits all communities, including those like her home city of San Bruno. Melissa is eager to amplify SSMC’s outreach and engagement efforts countywide.
Professional and Personal Highlights
With over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, Melissa has led public affairs for a Fortune 50 company and spearheaded initiatives at universities across the country. She has served as Chair of San Bruno’s Culture and Arts Commission and on the boards of the Public Relations Society of America’s Silicon Valley and Puget Sound chapters. Melissa is also an avid traveler who has visited 27 countries, bringing a global perspective to her passion for protecting the earth.
Visit our Leadership page and follow us on Instagram to learn more about all of our Board Members.
