Commission honors Julian Potter for leadership at SFO on sustainability

The San Francisco Commission on the Environment presented its Environmental Service Award to Julian Potter, who retired from San Francisco International Airport after more than 15 years of service. Commissioner Chiu introduced Potter’s accomplishments, and Ivar Satero, director at SFO, and Department Director Deborah Raphael offered remarks praising her leadership.

Commissioner Chiu recounted Potter’s role in SFO targets for net zero energy and net zero carbon, noting a 41% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and over 3 megawatts of solar installed during her tenure. SFO director Ivar Satero described Potter as a "driving force" behind industry-first sustainability initiatives at the airport, including advances in sustainable aviation fuel and the airport's leadership on waste-reduction policies.

Potter, accepting the award remotely, framed the achievements as collective work across staff, airlines, fuel providers and community partners. "It's hundreds of us," she said, emphasizing coalition-building and partnerships that made the progress possible. Commissioners and public commenters praised the award and noted SFO’s influence in advancing sustainable procurement and industry standards.

The commission indicated the Environmental Service Award program will resume events this year after a lapse during 2020. No formal action beyond presentation was required for this agenda item.